Ahmad Qubo

The Organization is a multinational corporation that designs and sells consumer electronics, networking, voice and communications technology and services.

Joined as an Onsite (VISE) Support Engineer, charted a phenomenal growth curve through exceptional performance to merit promotion to the current position.

Designation Chronology:
• Jul ’10 - Present: Senior Network Security Architect/Technical Lead
• Jul ’08 - Jul ‘10: VOICE TAC VOIP CSE
• Oct ’04 - Jul ‘08: VPN TAC, Security CSE,
• Dec ’02 - Oct ‘04: LAN-SW TAC CSE
• Sept’00 - Dec ‘02: Onsite (VISE) Support Engineer

Highlights:
• Played a pivotal role in directing, designing, executing and securing the entire aspects of the corporate data network.
• Acknowledged with multiple employee recognition awards from Cisco Systems.
• Instrumental in applying the Cisco Clean Access (NAC) solution to enforce corporate PC security polices and limits guest user access in the organization.
• Efficiently utilized spanning tree and DOT1Q trunking to execute loop free, multiple VLAN layer 2 topologies across various access layer switches.
• Played a dynamic role in the implementation of routing/switching solutions and Cisco ASR 1000 series routers, Nexus 7010s.
• Responsible for designing, developing, installing and administration of networking solutions including of NCM, CSM/CSS, ACE, WAAS, Splunk, SensAge and Netscaler.

Key Responsibilities as Senior Network Security Architect/Technical Lead (Jul ’10 - Present):
• Administering all tasks associated with installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting of CISCO NAC solutions, wired and wireless networking systems ensuring compliance with the organizational procedures.
• Providing technical support/guidance to users, to ensure smooth operation of communication networks and providing maximum performance and availability to the users.
• Creating a disaster recovery plan and designing/developing secure remote management techniques for the network and security devices.
• Leading the testing team to prepare test automation scripts, security and stress testing of network, servers and security components including functionality, usability and performance testing, performing detailed analysis of test results and suggesting adjustments to test cases.
• Carrying out installations and configuration of multiple DMZ's on FWSM’s and Cisco ASA’s, NATing and regularly overseeing the firewall logs and other activities to ensure the security of the data.
• Responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting web/email filtering solutions (i.e. IronPort and Websense) integrated to CISCO routers, CAT6K switches, FWSM and ASA's.
• Conducting investigations on any system failures and implementing programs to prevent re-occurrence relating to Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, DMZs, and servers in coordination with vendors.
• Offering technical support to users on trust sites, resolving unexpected anomalies in IT equipment, planning routine maintenance and creating data back ups for hardware and software.
• Coordinating with various departments and liaising/negotiating with vendors pertaining to pricing, deadlines and timely supply of network and security products.

Key Responsibilities as VOICE TAC VOIP CSE (Jul ’08 - Jul ‘10):
• Established and managed operation of the unit to ascertain smooth processing and developed a conducive atmosphere for training the VoIP team.
• Offered VOIP and FoIP technical support on Cisco routers, Gateways, CUCM, CME, CUBE, CUE installed in LAN and WAN networking technologies.
• Played a dynamic role in configuration and troubleshooting of VOIP and FoIP technologies including of T.38, T.37, G.729, G.711, ATA’s, MGCP, H323, SCCP, SIP, RTP, SRTP, PSTN, PBX, QoS, MTU, Jitters, DTMF and ISP issues to ensure customers achieve consistent reliable Voice and FAXing across IP networks.
• Efficiently retained the client communication and synchronized various information requests to ensure smooth execution of the workflow within the given time and cost constraints.
• Constantly monitored CISCO Call Manager for Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and integrated new configurations of IP phones throughout the company and created extension and new names in Call Manager.
• Responsible for the execution of voice communication solution based on the latest VOIP technology provided by Cisco Systems.
• Provided state-of-the art technology Network Management Systems to clients to build and deploy integrated/ interoperable solutions in networking, security, storage, systems and Enterprise Management.
• Formulated regular reports for the upper management, pertaining to operating condition of the installed systems

Key Responsibilities as VPN TAC, Security CSE (Oct ’04 - Jul ‘08):
• Successfully installed the Cisco Security Manager (CSM) to streamline the management work relating to the Cisco Firewalls.
• Administered security and access control policies to build/maintain an infrastructure that delivers information in a reliable, secure, timely and cost effective manner.
• Installed/configured and provided Web/SSL VPN technical support for several networking devices encompassing Cisco routers, switches and VPN3000, PIX/ASA FW’s, CAT6K SPA’s, VPN-SM installed in LAN and WAN networking technologies in accordance with the organizational policies and procedures.
• Provided guidance to the team with Firewalls support on Cisco PIX’s, ASA’s, IOS routers, switches and non-Cisco gear including Check Point Netscreen and AAA support on ACS, IAS, Active Directory (LDAP) and RSA.
• Implemented next-generation remote access solution using AnyConnect VPN w/ CSD pre-login checks to ensure security and timely execution of the work.

Key Responsibilities as LAN-SW TAC CSE (Dec ’02 - Oct ‘04):
• Proffered technical support on Cisco IOS & CATOS CAT6k, CAT4k, 3550, 3560, 3750, 2900-2500xl and switches installed in LAN and WAN networking technologies and resolved network issues in order to minimize customer downtime.
• Recommended new technical approaches to online content development in order to enable the organization to simultaneously create e-learning and knowledge-on-demand content.
• Planned and managed the networking, routing and switching solutions, security policies as well as liaised with various departments to facilitate standardization of procedures across all operating groups.

Key Responsibilities as Onsite (VISE) Support Engineer (Sept’00 - Dec ‘02):
• Played a key role in the handling routine operational responsibilities including tier 3 support of all network devices, routine firewall changes and after hours support.
• Administered and installed LAN/WAN equipments, provided troubleshooting and rectification for network issues at various remote sites throughout the enterprise, ensured compliance with the company policies and procedures.
• Provided hardware and onsite technical support, administered all activities pertaining telephone support across the globe to the customers, network administration and implemented the same along with appropriate network security procedures.
• Trained customers regarding use of new products and explained its features.

Previous Professional Experiences:
• Jun ’99 - Aug ‘00: PC LAN Consultant, Banc One Corporations
• Mar ‘99 - Jun ’99: PC LAN Support, Y2K Project, Chase Manhattan Bank
• Nov ’98 - Mar ’99: Software Trainer, Y2K Project, Huntington Bank
• Oct ’96 - Sept ‘98: Technical Support Professional, Gateway 2000
• Apr ’95 - Oct ’96: Portable Computers Technician, Hewlett Packard