SUMMARY:

• Proven Success in Systems Optimization, Support and Implementation
• Accomplished systems administrator/engineer with 15 years of experience managing various server infrastructures and data - center operations across multiple platforms (Linux, Windows, and Mac).
• Effectively and efficiently planned, installed, configured and optimized IT infrastructures to consistently achieve high availability and performance.
• Proven ability to create and deliver solutions tied to business growth, organizational development and systems/network optimization.
• Skilled problem identifier and troubleshooter comfortable managing multiple systems, projects and teams in a broad range of IT environments.

HIGHLIGHTS OF IT SKILLS:

• LAN/WAN Administration
• Project Management
• Scripting skills include batch, bash, VBScript, PowerShell and .NET
• Heavily experienced in Microsoft/Linux/virtual server environments
• Technical Support
• Systems Installation configuration, and monitoring using Dell, HP and Cisco UCS server and blade infrastructures
• Proficient with various ticketing systems including Solarwinds Web Help Desk, Zendesk, and FreshService
• Change Management
• Patching Update Scheduling
• Training & Mentoring
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new and/or changing environments

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Confidential, Chicago, IL

Systems Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Automated patching of more complex environments such as SQL and Exchange clusters using the BigFix platform while working with business units worldwide to ensure minimum downtime
• Worked with security team to ensure the security footprint of the firm met SEC requirements at all times.
• Created new server builds for both production platforms and remote offices within vSphere and Hyper V
• Consolidated backup solutions within vSphere and remote offices using Cohesity from CommVault, Backup Exec, VEEAM and other legacy solutions.
• Built out and administered multiple server environments including SQL and Hyper V clusters
• Coordinated with the DevOps/Kubernetes/Rancher team to troubleshoot and remediate issues with server automation within Octopus Deploy and Ansible Tower
• Managed primary backend NVMe storage from Pure
• Facilitated multiple vCenter upgrades worldwide from 6.5. to 6.7
• Enhanced security footprint by effectively and efficiently decommissioning legacy operating systems such as Windows Server 2008 while ensuring minimal downtime with developers and various business units worldwide.
• Administered and troubleshooted a worldwide VDI environment using Horizon View and Workspace One
• Created custom dashboards, reports, and policies for performance tuning and troubleshooting of the environment using the vRealize Operations Suite
• Created various development environments in Azure and utilized cold storage capabilities for long term backups from Cohesity appliances
• Continuously monitored numerous in house production applications and their related hardware using PRTG, SCOM and SolarWinds
• Conducted multiple DR exercises to ensure Zerto platform was functioning as expected and met strict RPO/RTO requirements set by the firm
• Participated in an on call rotation utilizing OpsGenie for production notifications
• Strictly adhered to various trading regulations

Confidential, Chicago, IL

Systems Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Managed a VMWare vSphere 6.5 Environment with two datacenters, 20 Hosts (HP) and five storage systems (HP/3Par/NetApp).
• Ensured 99.9% uptime on multiple application stacks, including Dynamics AX, EPiServer, CRM, SharePoint, and several custom-built IIS and Java applications. Administered SQL (2005-2014) back ends utilizing clustering and always-on technology for high availability.
• Implemented a Disaster Recovery strategy using Zerto Virtual Replication and replicated data from vSphere to Azure. This involved creating a VPN connection between a main datacenter and Azure ExpressRoute, managing virtual infrastructure in Azure, and passing a full system audit in 2017.
• Deployed and monitored several backup solutions, including Live Vault, Backup Exec, CommVault, Veeam, DPM, VDP, and Azure Server Backup (Files & Folders).
• Automated many tasks using scripting/PowerShell, including user creation (Exchange 2016 and Office 365), Active Directory management functions, Splunk searches/alarms, and application monitoring.
• Created distribution points and deployment packages for SCCM. Implemented application and OS patching for 1800+ workstations and 400+ servers.
• Worked heavily with other systems including Orion, Citrix (XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScaler), Splunk, and OpsGenie.
• Performed other tasks as needed.

Confidential, Carrollton, TX

Sr. Systems Engineer

Responsibilities:

• SCCM Administration and Patch Management
• Revamped imaging process by migrating away from SCCM and deployed a new MDT environment with USMT from scratch reducing complexity and making it easier for the help desk team to assist with hardware deployment.
• Reduced tool sprawl by researching, implementing and consolidating alternative solutions for client management tools, networking monitoring and security including IBM BigFix, PRTG Networking Monitoring and Trend Micro.
• Trend Micro Anti-Virus/Malware/DLP/Spam Filtering/ PII Detection Suite
• Assisted with an Exchange 2010 to 2016 migration with approximately 300 accounts and mailboxes in a hybrid environment with Office 365.
• DFS Administration and troubleshooting
• VMWare vCenter and ESXi 5.5 Update 3 Administration and troubleshooting
• Lync 2013 administration
• Ensured SSRS/SQL Reports were generated daily for senior management, clients, government contractors and vendors
• Worked with development teams in a DevOps role to ensure code deployments were successful
• Network troubleshooting with Cisco ASA, Nessus, and Netscaler equipment
• Ensured business critical applications published using Citrix XenApp were available at all times, for all departments, including accounting, senior management and external vendors
• Monitored VEEAM backups to ensure business continuity
• Worked with SunGuard Availability Services when conducting failover and DR testing.
• Researched and deployed a data governance solution from Varonis to meet business needs
• Administered storage solutions from DELL EqualLogic and provided feedback on future storage needs
• Performed other duties as needed.

Confidential

Lead Systems Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Managed an in house .NET application with multiple deployments using IIS and a MS SQL backend while collaborating with a development team to ensure optimum system health
• Successfully migrated multiple application environments from an OpenStack platform to a Type II SSAE 16 and SOC 1 & 2 vCloud datacenter
• Developed and implemented a HA VMware vCloud environment to meet business continuity plans for AlphaTrust and its clients while adhering to industry regulations such as SOX and HIPPA
• Managed Office 365 account for AlphaTrust and its clients
• Ensure backups completed successfully using VEEAM and GFI Max
• Developed a quarterly backup and restore procedure to ensure RTO and RPO times were met
• Assisted various Fortune 500 companies with integrating and automating existing applications with the AlphaTrust e-signature platform using various APIs and Active Directory Federation Services
• Developed and implemented a SaaS-based Java monitoring solution for production environments
• Completed load, performance and UAT testing for each release cycle using Microsoft Azure
• Performed security testing and remediation with the AlphaTrust e-signature application using VeraCode and QualSys
• Assisted with continuous business marketing and website development using HubSpot and WordPress platforms
• Managed source control mechanisms including Team Foundation Server
• Deployed a SharePoint and JIRA system for internal development and infrastructure collaboration
• Created complex application deployment diagrams with AlphaTrust and its clients utilizing Visio

Confidential, Irving, TX/Irvine, CA/Jacksonville, FL

Lead Systems Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Led multiple projects in converting an existing infrastructure from a primarily Windows Server infrastructure located locally in Irving, TX to Irvine, CA using VMware, Citrix and Hyper-V. The users’ desktops are now delivered dynamically through the cloud using Xendesktop and Xenapp, lowering the cost of information technology services.
• Improved system reliability through setup and ongoing maintenance of the Citrix platform by creating, testing, and implementing policies within XenApp and Xendesktop DDCs, Provisioning servers and GPOs for printing, audio, and video, increasing application performance
• Coordinated rollouts of new vDisks and Xenapp applications with department managers and executives to ensure minimal interference with daily business operations
• Improved security by integrating the RSA platform within the web interface and secure access gateway
• Monitored Citrix infrastructure to ensure maximum uptime
• Managed multiple SANs, carving out LUNs when needed, and ensured storage was in a healthy state using fibre channel technology. Heavily experienced with managing and attaching storage in virtual environments. Worked with EMC2 on several occasions when there were hardware problems or outages
• Managed multiple SQL databases successfully and scripted any changes to the database if there was a business need while strictly adhering to change control measures.
• Adhered to stringent change control measures to prevent any outages following periods of maintenance
• Researched, recommended and implemented network enhancements that improved system reliability, security and performance using Riverbed, Fortinet, Checkpoint, and Exinda network appliances.
• Revamped Backup Exec schedule to meet business needs
• Trained employees across multiple departments on network operations including log-in procedures, network management software, permissions, security and use of software.
• Coordinated several changes to the PBX phone system with the vendor AIT
• Promoted to lead engineer after managing multiple projects to successful completion.