Network Architect
MEEZA Information Technology
Total years of experience :9 years, 11 Months
As a Network Architect, extended expertise in Security, Project and Processes by addressing the challenges facing either external or internal customers. I reviewed configurations, conceptualized designs and devised a consolidated architecture for multiple customers. The outstanding and long-lasting challenges adhered to stakeholder or technical were resolved with flexible long term operational solutions. Both information and cyber security were undermined to keep the momentum of the organizational goal. My responsibilities also involved training cutting edge technologies to internal teams in Network as a Service, integrations, migrations, designs, and solutions, consistently achieving win-win results. I upheld high-quality standards by integrating ITIL, PMP, CISSP, ISO, and CSSP into processes. The designs were tailored for tenants and leveraged the skills from TOGAF, CCDP, CCIE, CCNP, VCIX, and PCNSE. Furthermore, I oversaw and refined architectural deliverables from customer, third party and inhouse architecture, including 30+ rack elevations, 40+ passive cabling solutions, 50+ high-level design documents, 10+ low-level design documents, and 20+ traffic flow diagrams. It is all geared towards optimizing services. This expertise played a vital role in daily responsibilities, addressing priority-based challenges, and concurrently managing multiple client projects in parallel.
• In addition to design multiple environments for Mowasalat, I fulfilled the role of Network Architect for various Qatar clients. This included QF, QSTEC, HFC, SJC, WOQOD, Vodafone, QCRI, QAF, QPost, Amiri Flight, and internal projects i.e IAM, PAM, DLP, DT (xDR). Scope based responsibilities unified a customer centric architecture. Moreover, I modernized and optimized rough configurations of brownfield environments. This involved production, physical or logical, ICT such as Palo Alto, Aruba, WLC, N7K, N5K, N2K, HP Chassis, ASA, F5, vCenter, NSX-T, vCloud, Azure, GCP etc
• I utilized analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, intelligence, and logical thinking to harmonize and overcome compliance restrictions. This resulted in win-win conclusions, empowered stakeholders with informed visuals, increasing ROI, and reducing TCO in low-level designs and implementations to overcome unnecessary overheads.
• Introduced new technologies and frameworks, inclusive of experience, ITILv4, PMP, and CSSP, to both internal and external customers, overcoming initial ownership of service. The outside the box methodologies were used, gradually embraced and endorsed. Crafted a visual solution model, based on respective audience feedback, was highly appreciated and recognized by cross-functional stakeholders, from functional engineers to top-level executives.
Transitioned from OnStak to Digital States, I authored technical training materials and assumed pivotal project-related roles. The trainings addressed the pain points of Customers with integrated and stable multivendor and multidisciplined solutions. Along with, my responsibilities included devising solutions, project charter, and scope for the prospective customer in terms of Professional Services. This adjustment let me comprehend, review the timelines and progress of projects, confined to US Customers. This opportunity also allowed me to perform and demonstrate an engineering mindset in both Pre-Sales and Post-Sales, whilst increasing confidence of Customers by training.
• Upon receiving project handovers from leads, I adapted approaches and directions to align the business objectives. Recognized the gap, between customer’s proficiency with technology, and presented go to production methodology.
• I assessed pain points in the ICT environments of over 5 US customers, collected feedback for issues. Sorted out with an abstract, scope, efforts, changes, communications, and deliverables to meet customer objectives.
• Onboarded on Data Center, Cloud and security projects with customers, and delivered it to operational production and post project support.
Initially as a Senior Network Security Engineer, I delivered AzureStack as a POC and POV for the leadership team. I passed my CCIE Data Center, took on further technical challenges, and commenced with Cisco niche technologies. I had been promoted to Senior Solutions Architect based on performance. In this role, I specialized concepts to production grade operational solutions such as AWS, GCP, F5, Barracuda WAF, Aruba and Arista switches. This process involved meticulous evaluation of technologies. I managed the ICT Data Centers and accomplished Client facing projects
• Conducted 10+ integrated use case-driven training sessions for Cisco and other technologies, covering areas such as cloud resource utilization, SaaS-based Data Center Management, secure on-premise data, transparent infra support, application development, native microservices, unified on-premise applications with Cloud APIs, Extended SaaS On-Prem, Multi-Cloud data management, Automated backup and DR, Infra and App security, One network, Application segmentation and security, network automation and assurance, and zero trust. Demonstrated these production-grade use cases globally with various integrations over two years, 2019 and 2020. As an electronic engineer, I brought ideas in IoT for inhouse product building.
• Designed, configured, and maintained an integrated next-generation lab, incorporating Cisco ACI, SDA, SDWAN, N7Ks, ASR1001, FTD, Palo Alto, Fortigate, vRealize, F5 Load balancer, vCenter, UCS Blade Chassis, Fixed Server, hyperconverged, NetApp, and Pure Storage. Integrations included data center with SDWAN, data center with SDA, SDWAN with SDA, vCenter with SDN, FTD, Intersight, CWOM, Tetration, Cloud Center, Veeam, Kubernetes, Docker, and Public Clouds (AWS, Azure, and GCP). Achieved complete IaaS and PaaS automation using tools like Terraform and Ansible across vSphere, Public Cloud, SDN, SDWAN, SDA, SwiftStack, GCP ML, AppDynamics, DUO, Stealthwatch, Umbrella and Cisco Container Platform Hyperflex platforms.
• A feasible and strategic client focused design, multifaceted implementation proceeded for global customers which included Olde Thomson, NW Natural, N3N Inc, Maximus, City of Santa Clara, Juvare, UniGroup, TelePerformance, Maruti, MOD, LUMS, CALPers, Cisco BU, Insung KINAC, Rowland, Vertias, Contra Costa County, and Ambry Genetics, DSH and DMV. Overcame Customer reluctant challenges to adopt new services by using cost/benefit ratio for the performance values investment protection, and return on investment.
• Offered guidance and mentorship to 5+ subordinates in diverse opportunities, fostering their growth in different technological niches. As a seasoned engineer, encouraged skill set expansion, developed expertise, and overcame challenges. Emphasized improvement in soft skills, email netiquette, and technical proficiency, including Cisco and non-Cisco products like ACI, SDA, SDWAN, Tetration, VMWare Horizon. Facilitated KPI reporting and aligned their direction with upper management's expectations. Concurrently managed responsibilities on inclusive and exclusive projects.
I discovered this job opportunity on a portal, aligned seamlessly with my role as Manager of Networks & Security, approached with engineering skills. This allowed me to apply my skills in ICT infrastructure, resource management, team building, leadership, and handling pressure. The multivendor IT enterprise under my supervision was extensive, encompassed WAN (Wired/Wireless), 20+ outdoor and indoor wireless nodes, 2 data centers with secure connections, a centralized CCTV system with 300+ cameras, conference rooms, executive areas, and remote sites, including 3+ factories and 140+ retail bakeries. With the authority given to me, I initiated multiple reforms to enhance Network & Security performance using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Additionally, I maintained relationships with over 20 vendors to revamp with cutting edge technologies.
• Provided with a budget to revamp, I identified areas for network and security improvements encompassed improving services to customers with a robust network. Moreover, I proposed a Gantt chart, with one year plan, detailed with all the actionable items in phased or parallel approached.
• In my role as a Manager, I spearheaded an initiative to secure competitive salaries for the team. I conducted interviews to assess individual efforts, behavior, strengths, weaknesses, and teamwork. Addressing longstanding underpaid salary concerns, I presented the findings to upper management. Despite challenges, the decision was ultimately endorsed, leading to a notable improvement in team performance.
• I served as the main point of contact for network and security escalations, managed issues from minor to critical throughout the extensive enterprise 24/7. Effectively resolved technical network-related issues from all locations, addressing complex challenges in network hierarchy and topology raised either by site local resources or upper management.
Having received prior network training and certifications, I identified and pursued this opportunity on a job portal, navigated the recruitment process successfully. Initially, joined as a Network Administrator, I earned a promotion to Senior Network Administrator due to my strong engineering skills, expertise, time management, proactive defined action and performance in 24x7 shift rotations. During my tenure, I swiftly learnt, embraced and practiced PMP, ITIL, Cyber, and Information Security frameworks, demonstrated a more correct and effective response to various challenges. Key responsibilities included creating and rolling back network patches, suggesting areas of improvement (services, new technology, etc.), handling outages, and steering network traffic among multiple outbound ISPs. I collaborated with the team in a cooperative environment, and occasionally, single-handedly managed the NOC, SOC and short- or long-term challenges which included 90 switches, 22 routers, 12 Firewalls, ACS, 6 Cisco Core Switches, 400+ employees and server farm.
• In my dynamic role as a network and security administrator, I vigilantly monitored network health, onboarded, and troubleshooted networks, as an engineer, for over 25 global clients in different time zone. I effectively managed network tickets and rectified escalations, raised by cross-functional teams or management.
• I was commissioned and established a 100Mbps wireless connection at a corporate site, served as part of Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and met organizational requirements. Additionally, I liaised with vendors for escalations and other related matters.
• Furthermore, I configured, troubleshooted, and managed 40+ IPSec VPN Site-to-Site tunnels for global clients spanning various time zones, frequently dealing with non-Cisco vendor routers or firewalls. These experiences with clients worldwide motivated me to engage with diverse clients from around the globe.
• I automated device reports in NOC and SOC from Data Center and Corporate Networks using Python (Paramiko), migrated from edge internet traffic to perimeter firewalls, integrated F5 Silverline solutions to mitigate DDoS, suggested innovative equipment for Data Center, provided a RCA for seven minutes production outage which caused service blackout, and troubleshooted VOIP service degradation using Wireshark
This represented my initial job opportunity, followed by undergraduate degree, during which I undertook the position of a Software Engineer for Telecom Industry in OSS/BSS area. As part of the telecom engineer’s team, I played a crucial role in the Etisalat Project (Waterfall phased). I excelled on the training of ConceptWave VeloStudio Designer Tool and effectively integrated various functional systems, including CRMS, WFMS, ePMS, and ASAP etc. My involvement extended across multiple roles, overcame interrelated challenges, and I assumed the role of an associate project manager when needed for estimated timelines and hurdles. As an application developer, I reported and highlighted ground-level roadblocks, challenges, risks, and anticipated delays. It boosted my credibility to adhere more challenges in this project.
Moreover, I advanced my career by obtaining certifications in CCNA and CCNP Routing & Switching in 2015, and I enrolled myself in CCIE DC boot camps, demonstrated my commitment for professional development.
• I learnt Object-Oriented Programming, JavaScript, Oracle SQL, and W3School practices by myself. I wrote over 1000 lines of scripts, accomplished significant milestones in a phased approach project. Firstly, I demonstrated the Etisalat OSS/BSS application as POV, and enriched the application with real components of Etisalat in Ericsson Order Care product.
• My contributions were acknowledged and appreciated by Colleagues, Solutions Architect, Project Manager, and CEO. Recognition was extended for my role as a team player, leadership, and support, consistently delivering completed tasks ahead of schedule.
• I honed my skills in debugging, troubleshooting, scripting, and database schema analysis, effectively addressing errors across a spectrum of scenarios including use case proofing, front-end, back-end issues, integrations, quality assurance, and service or platform migration.
Telenor, Pakistan
Monitored the central region BTS sites in GSD project under NOC Team.
Participated in cross-functional team-building activities.
Enhanced collaboration between team members by preparing meeting materials and taking clear notes to distribute to
stakeholders
Inspection on LV AC drives in Service Center and ETL600 Power Line Carrier.
Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email or in-person to provide information and direct to desired staff members.
Cambridge Advance Levels and Cambridge Ordinary Levels 4 90%+ Grades and 1 80%+ Grade