HRS Employee Spotlight Series: Cody Snider

Tell us about a day in the life of the Lead DevOps Engineer at HRS.

DevOps involves managing a large number of servers, so a lot of it is setting up tools to keep an eye on and “teach” them how to recover from problems on their own. On top of that it’s trying to be a lazy programmer (automation is a nicer way to say it). Machines are faster than people, so making a bunch of them do your work for you is a big part of the job.

What is your favorite thing about working at HRS?

I like how flexible it is. The dev team operates under the get-it-done mindset. Sometimes that means late nights, but it also makes it easier to spend time with the kids in the morning or sit down for dinner as a family. We're also not limited in tools or approach. If a solution is a good one, then we use it.

What's your favorite HRS memory?

The moments of random geek conversation had in the dev area are pretty great. The interests in the team overlap quite a bit, so going from gaming to Star Trek to computer hardware is not uncommon.

What can we find you doing outside of HRS?

I like making things, I always lean towards DIY if there's the option (or try to make the option). Light woodworking, 3D printing, designing and soldering circuit boards, growing herbs and veggies, mixing eliquid, brewing beer, smoking meats, mending clothes. Mileage varies quite a bit.

3D Printed Lamp by Coder Snider

What's a fun fact about you?

Once upon a time I had dreadlocks, seven facial piercings and never left the house without at least a few spiked bracers and eyeliner on. My wardrobe has changed, but I still named both my kids after industrial artists.

What's the heartbeat of HRS?

Work ethic. Everyone is willing and eager to go above and beyond.

What're you streaming right now?

Rewatching the X-Files. Also just finished going through House again. Who needs new shows when the 90s happened?

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

Control time. I spend a lot of time thinking about the distant past and the distant future. I'd love to see both.

Where is the best place you've ever traveled to?

I'd be super cool with just going back home to Colorado and disappearing into the woods for a few days.

What's your secret talent?

I was a fine dining sous chef before I got into software. Now I use that to dazzle my girlfriend every once in a while with some crazy good food. She gets a kick out of my need to plate everything for presentation, even when it's just grilled cheese.

Employee Spotlight: Cody Snider