The brains behind the books—Joseph Cayouette
A decade at SUSE: My journey through IT, astronomy and lifelong learning
This article has been contributed by Joseph Cayouette, Documentation Engineer at the SUSE Documentation Team. It is part of a series of articles focusing on SUSE Documentation and the great minds that create the manuals, guides, quick starts, and many more helpful documents.
From coastal Maine to the world
Born in 1982 in the picturesque coastal region of Maine, I was raised in Camden, Rockport, and Rocklandareas known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich maritime heritage. The outdoors was my playground: hiking, fishing, camping, snowboarding, and snowmobiling up the Golden Road toward Moosehead Lake.
My education spanned both private Christian schools and public institutions, granting me exposure to diverse perspectives—religious, philosophical, and scientific. I developed a deep passion for art, history, English, and science, while math initially posed a challenge. However, over time, I came to appreciate its practical applications, particularly in astronomy and optics. If only my younger self had been shown its real-world applications, I might have embraced it much sooner!
The young explorer: A passion for science and discovery
Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton were two of the most influential figures in shaping my perspective on science and discovery.
Both believed that because God is rational, the universe must also adhere to a logical order. Kepler famously stated that humans have the ability to “think God’s thoughts after Him,“ while Newton, who revolutionized physics and mathematics, remarked, “Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion.“ Their conviction that science and faith could coexist deeply resonated with me and reinforced my passion for understanding the natural world.
From an early age, I was drawn to exploration and inquiry. I devoured Popular Science, National Geographic, and the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, fostering a love for both scientific discovery and deductive reasoning. My aspirations fluctuated between becoming a zoologist, a detective, or a scientist. I admired great explorers like Marco Polo and Neil Armstrong, as well as pioneering thinkers such as Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Kepler. The pursuit of knowledge, whether through science, history, or philosophy, has always been a driving force in my life.
Encouraged by my parents, who fostered a love for reading and inquiry, I cultivated an enduring passion for learning. This curiosity extended beyond science into biblical studies, theology, and apologetics—fields that continue to shape my intellectual and personal journey.
Military and college years: The path to IT
Following high school, I embarked on military training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before pursuing higher education at Cape Fear University in North Carolina. My college years were filled with diverse experiences—running 5K and 10K races, exploring the beaches of Wilmington, and even attempting surfing.
Interestingly, my first encounter with SUSE Linux occurred during my university studies. At the time, I never imagined that I would one day work for the company behind it. My passion for history and science remained strong, but IT gradually became an essential part of my academic and professional trajectory. Technical writing intrigued me because it provided a structured way to understand and communicate complex information. Writing, documenting, and problem-solving became my strengths, setting the stage for my future career.
A career of many roles (some more enjoyable than others)
My professional journey has been diverse, spanning roles such as dishwasher, waiter, barista, cashier, landscaper, stocker, visual merchandiser, network engineer, software engineer, and technical writer. Some jobs were more rewarding than others—working on a lobster boat, for example, was a humbling experience, but not one I would willingly repeat. The combination of relentless motion, long hours, and the pervasive scent of bait made it a true test of endurance.
Among the most fulfilling experiences were my time in the military and my career at SUSE. As both a soldier and civilian contractor for the U.S. Army, I worked in Iraq and Germany, gaining invaluable experience in high-stakes environments. However, nothing has matched the intellectual challenge and collaborative spirit of working in open source, surrounded by exceptional colleagues who continually push the boundaries of innovation.
10 years at SUSE: Embracing innovation and open source
My journey at SUSE began when I was introduced to Alexander Osthof through an acquaintance of my wife. He, in turn, connected me with Duncan Mac-Vicar, Klaus Kempf, and Johannes Hahn, who provided me with the incredible opportunity to work at SUSE. I was initially hired to work on the SUSE Manager team, now known as SUSE Multi-Linux Manager. This role allowed me to contribute to a critical product while collaborating with an outstanding team of engineers and writers. I am forever grateful for their mentorship and support, as well as the remarkable colleagues I have had the privilege of working alongside.
Recently, I transitioned to the SUSE Documentation Team while continuing my work on SUSE Multi-Linux Manager. This transition unifies and strengthens the documentation community, fostering collaboration with both old acquaintances and new colleagues.
A decade into my tenure at SUSE, I find immense satisfaction in my role, which encompasses technical documentation, software engineering, package maintenance, automation, and DevOps. The ever-evolving landscape of technology demands constant adaptation, but the challenge is precisely what keeps me engaged.
My professional philosophy? Test rigorously, document thoroughly, and automate wisely. Efficiency comes from eliminating redundancy and optimizing workflows.
Beyond IT: Astronomy, writing, and the pursuit of knowledge
One of my most significant achievements in astrophotography was securing a second place in a processing competition organized by the Big Amateur Telescope Project for my work on the Horsehead Nebula. This experience allowed me to refine my image processing techniques and deepen my appreciation for the complexities of astronomical imaging. Applying technical expertise to a field that merges science and art was immensely rewarding.
Outside of work, my interests extend to biblical studies, textual criticism, archaeology, and church history. The Bible’s predictive prophecy, which constitutes approximately 27% of its content, is a particularly fascinating area of study for me. If teleportation were real, I would dedicate my time to traveling between historical sites, exploring ancient texts, and uncovering the narratives of the past firsthand. In fact, I’d take it a step further with ‘Charismaportation’—a rare and enigmatic superpower that allows its wielder to teleport instantly to any archaeological site in the world while effortlessly securing grants, funding, and permissions for excavation through sheer charm and persuasion. Imagine the doors that would open, both literally and figuratively!
Music, creativity, and expression
When I’m not immersed in documentation, astronomy, or historical research, you might catch me playing guitar and singing. Music has always been a way for me to unwind and express creativity. So, if you‘re ever in my neighborhood, don’t be surprised if you hear some familiar tunes floating through the air.
Defining values and the road ahead
Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, my family is my greatest source of joy and fulfillment. My wife, Corinna, and our three children are my inspiration and constant reminder of what truly matters in life. Balancing work, family, and my passion for learning is not always easy, but it is the foundation of my personal and professional journey.
I consider myself a lifelong learner—curious, passionate about truth, and always eager to share knowledge. My faith serves as the foundation for my values: love God, love my neighbor, and uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and intellectual growth.
If given the chance to revisit my academic journey, I would invest more time in mastering mathematics. However, I have no regrets about the path that has led me to where I am today. The pursuit of knowledge, whether in IT, astronomy, or historical studies, remains an ongoing and deeply fulfilling endeavor.
As I look ahead to the future, I remain committed to exploring, learning, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of technology, science, and beyond.
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