Tony Willis

Azure Cloud | Infrastructure Automation & Optimization

Professional Summary

Technically driven engineer transitioning into Azure Cloud Infrastructure after 20+ years in high precision mechanical engineering and CNC automation. AZ-900 certified with AZ-104 and AZ-305 in progress. Brings deep experience diagnosing automated systems, optimising processes, reverse engineering, and mentoring technical users. Now applying a builder’s mindset to cloud deployments, scripting, automation, and infrastructure reliability.

Experienced mechanical engineer with a strong background in precision manufacturing, systems troubleshooting, and technical mentorship across leading UK universities. Skilled in CNC machining, reverse engineering, and translating complex requirements into reliable, high-quality outputs. Expanding into cloud infrastructure with growing experience in Azure services, PowerShell, Git/GitHub, and foundational scripting in Python and JavaScript.

Focused on combining hands-on engineering discipline with modern cloud platforms, automation, and creative problem solving.

Download CV (PDF) LinkedIn Profile

Key Skills

Cloud & Automation
- Azure Core Services (VMs, VNets, Storage)
- PowerShell (in progress)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) concepts
- Git/GitHub
- Linux fundamentals
- Python (foundational)
- JavaScript (foundational)
Engineering & Prototyping
- CNC machining (HAAS, Sodick, XYZ)
- G-code (handwritten & CAM)
- SolidWorks + CAMWorks
- Reverse engineering & 3D modelling
Core Strengths
- Systems troubleshooting
- Process optimisation
- Technical mentoring
- Safety leadership

Education

HNC in Mechanical Engineering
NVQ in Mechanical Engineering
A Level Physics
7 GCSEs (Grades B–C)

Certifications & Learning

AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate – currently studying
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
PowerShell for Systems Automation
Custom Web Dev Projects – Bones Forge branding, audio toggles, retro aesthetics

Professional Experience

Senior Research Workshop Technician

Imperial College London | Feb 2013 – Present

Manufactured complex research components: turbine test rigs, material samples, bespoke medical devices (e.g. cranial implants for Eden 2020).
Operated and maintained a full suite of CNC equipment: HAAS TL1/TM2/VF2/ST20Y, Sodick AQ400L/VL400Q, XYZ mills and lathes.
Wrote and debugged G-code programs, both longhand and via CAM, optimizing toolpaths and validating safety.
Designed components in SolidWorks with CAMWorks integration.
Mentored students and staff on CNC and lab tools, from basic lathes to micro hardness testers.
Maintained iconic institutional projects: college mascot vehicle and original tower clock.
Champion of cross-functional collaboration—translating research needs into precise manufacturing outcomes.

Engineer/Technician

School of Engineering & Materials Science, QMUL | 2003 – 2013

Developed and maintained mechanical labs, supporting diverse engineering projects from aerospace to biomedical.
Fabricated components using manual and CNC machinery; installed and managed lab equipment across biology and engineering departments.
Delivered demonstrations to student groups and visiting cohorts.
Supported student design and prototyping, maintained mechanical labs and equipment, led safe usage of measurement tools.
Tracked equipment ordering, lab inventory, and safety compliance across sites.

Machine Operator

Getty Images, London | 1999 – 2003

Ran automated framing systems, logged performance metrics, managed maintenance cycles, and ordered critical spares.
Supported digital imaging via drum scanning workflows.

Personal Projects & Brand

Bones Forge: Creator and operator of a developing personal brand blending fabrication, creativity, code, and cloud. Developed custom web solutions for branding and functionality, demonstrating skills in web development fundamentals and integrating digital projects with hands-on craftsmanship.

Azure Cloud Projects: I have created a few projects to demonstrate my skills in Azure cloud administration, automation, and infrastructure management. These projects showcase my ability to design and implement efficient cloud solutions that meet specific needs.

Mechanical Projects: Over my years working in Research Workshops, I have gained extensive experience in precision manufacturing, systems troubleshooting, and technical mentorship. This background has equipped me with a strong foundation in problem-solving and attention to detail, which I now apply to cloud infrastructure and automation. - I can only show a small selection of these projects due to the research grants involved

Personal Projects: I seem to collect hobbies, and have created many projects over the years, from re-enactment clothing and items, to a custom electric guitar.

Projects

Let's Connect

Interested in discussing how I can help with Azure environments, CAD or CAM? Get in touch!

LinkedIn: Tony Willis

Location: London, UK

References available upon request.