Network Engineering

I am a seasoned network engineer, starting with fixed-wireless networking and progressing to switching/routing, with expertise in architecting and managing complex network infrastructures. With extensive experience across sectors such as healthcare, government, telecommunications, and energy, I have successfully led small and large scale networking and cybersecurity projects for organizations ranging from a sub-100 employee company to Sandia National Laboratories and UNM Hospitals.

Key Networking Skills:

• Network Infrastructure Design & Optimization: Proficient in designing and optimizing network infrastructure, including Ethernet, VLANs, QoS, and converged voice and data networks. Demonstrated success in implementing robust network components to support high-demand environments, such as healthcare telehealth and televideo services.

• Advanced Routing and Switching: Skilled in Cisco and Juniper networking technologies, I have experience configuring dynamic routing protocols, especially OSPF and BGP, as well as lower level protocols, such as port security, STP, HSRP, and VRRP to name a few.  I use these to ensure efficient data flow, network stability, and cybersecurity resilience.

• Network Security and Compliance: Well-versed in network security protocols, I have driven initiatives for network hardening and cybersecurity compliance, ensuring protection of sensitive data and adherence to industry-specific security standards, including those for healthcare and government sectors.

• Network Monitoring and Performance Management: Experienced with network monitoring tools like SolarWinds Orion. I am also effective with network monitoring applications and protocols, such as QoS, NetFlow, Sflow, SNMP, and more. I use these to effectively monitor, manage, and optimize network performance to ensure seamless connectivity, troubleshoot issues, and minimize downtime.

• Firewall and VPN Management: Demonstrated expertise in reducing firewall complexity by streamlining rulesets, as well as implementing VPNs and zero-trust networking to secure remote connections.  Vendors include Cisco ASA and PIX, Palo ALto, CheckPoint, Juniper, and Meraki.  I also utilize many open source security solutions, such as OPNSense firewalls, Surcata IPS, Unbound DNS, CrowdSec, and more.

• Cloud and Virtualization Integration: Skilled in Docker, Proxmox, Hyber-V, VirtualBox, and VMware for virtualized and containerized environments, enabling scalable and efficient application deployment across networks.

Proven Impact:

• Efficiency in Network Operations: My reengineering of update processes and streamlined operational protocols expedited nationwide projects, such as accelerating the configuration of over 1,200 routers, from six months to less than two weeks.

• Strategic Documentation & Maintenance: Known for meticulous documentation, I have standardized network cabling, connection points, and configurations, improving maintenance and continuity, particularly in complex data center environments.