Full Resume | IT Infrastructure Engineer | New York City

Innovative and Multifaceted IT Infrastructure Engineer

Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 R2 | Exchange 2007/2003

Hyper-V | VMware | Active Directory | DNS | Group Policy | TCP-IP | PowerShell

Expert IT Specialist Contractor via Broad Crossing Inc.

New York City Department of Education

Contract

Brooklyn, NY

July 2021 - Present

• The contract job was renewed for two more years with a new job title via Broad Crossing Inc.
• I am now managing 15,000 lines of PowerShell code for the server integration tasks. Circa July 2019 550 lines of code existed.
• As new requirements for the integration process arise I update the code and the QA process accordingly.
• I updated the code to function with Server 2022.
• I recently completed a major update of the server integration script to accommodate a new networking architecture while maintaining full compatibility with the current environment. I added support for VLSM, new DHCP scopes, and settings such as DNS addresses were moved from code to text files.
• Recently the entity changed its DNS settings. Because I planned appropriately I only needed to update one text file for the script and one tab for the QA process in the Excel worksheet template file.
• I continue to increase the level of automation by reducing the amount of human input.
• I added encryption. The process is now more secure. The operator will not need to enter two pairs of credentials.
• I developed code which proactively monitors and manages over 3,300 physical and virtual servers.
• The monitoring framework enables the servers to automatically resolve faults for both Hyper-V replication and DHCP and some unresponsive operating system states.
• In addition the framework ensures that the Window-based servers with more than 30 days of uptime are restarted outside of normal operating hours. Prior to implementing the code it was not unusual to find servers which had not been restarted for several years.
• I created multiple scripts to change the DNS IP address settings in the Hyper-V servers, virtual machines, and DHCP services.
• Via PowerShell I generate reports which enable management to proactively allocate larger blocks of IPv4 addresses to schools. I have also created code which updates the configuration of the respective DHCP scope.
• I implemented and deployed code which creates a centralized nightly backup of the DHCP configuration from each school.
• I receive requests from the SCCM team to create code to enable their processes to execute.
• During Fridays I conduct online classes for interns and the server team.
• Within related internal correspondence my name appears in the list of recipients along with members of management.
• Key technical and educational staff members reach to me for assistance and timely decisions instead of their in-house bureaucratic IT groups.

Specialist / Classroom Connectivity - Server QA Deployment Engineer Contractor via IIT

New York City Department of Education

Contract

Brooklyn, NY

July 2019 - July 2021

• From the existing PowerShell scripts, originally 550 lines of code only for Server 2012R2, I developed a cohesive process using PowerShell which manages the configuration of the Hyper-V Host servers and multiple Windows and Linux virtual machines. Approximately 10,000 lines of code existed at the end of the first contract.
• I created new versions of the integration scripts for Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, RHEL 7.7, RHEL 8.2, and CentOS 7.
• I reduced the integration's deployment time from hours to approximately 50 - 60 minutes. The VM’s are simultaneously created and configured.
• I created a quality assurance process to verify the configuration. I utilized Excel to create an integration checklist with a QA tab
• I significantly reduced the quantity of manual input for the integration. For the Linux VM’s I used plink.exe to automate tasks which were manually executed via the vi editor. I also used winscp.exe to automate copying files to the Linux VM’s. For Server 2016 … I leveraged PowerShell Direct and for Server 2012R2 I developed an innovative solution.
• I created Red Hat and CentOS Kickstart images which enable automated custom settings per site. The existing RHEL 6.4 script required the operator to manually key in the configuration.
• Within the integration script I provided the operator with the ability to selectively execute blocks of code thus enabling the operator to recover from externally caused errors and rebuild individual VM's.
• I created a PowerShell script which locates and resolves Hyper-V replication problems.
• All blocks of code that execute changes are tested within an IT lab prior to being used in the production environment.
• I create and update documentation for the pre-integration tasks and the integration tasks. I share it with the related teams.
• I also execute live demonstrations for my colleagues.
• Daily tasks include receiving help desk tickets, executing the scope of work, and updating the tickets.

Information Technology Contractor

New York City Department of Education

Contract

Brooklyn, NY

July 2019 - Present

• Provide support for the Classroom Connectivity Project of school server integration including but not limited to delivery, installation, and break/fix activities.
• Configure physical (Windows 2012 R2 Core) and virtual servers (3 Windows VMs and 2 Linux VMs), Remote Access cards, Active Directory, DNS Services, LAN and network services.
• Troubleshoot and provide support for hardware and software problems during the server integration including, but not limited to, DHCP, DNS, Active Directory, SNMP, TCP/IP, and WINS.
• Create and update documentation of all work effort to support server integration for sites, including design documents and process diagrams
• Perform testing on Servers.
• Interact with the client's end-users and vendors to resolve logistic and hardware issues with equipment.
• Script/automate tasks to improve provisioning and troubleshooting

IT Support Engineer and IT Training and Job Search

Job Search Activity

New York, NY

October 2018 - July 2019

Notable activities:

• IT Training: Skillsoft online training classes
• Created an Internet site within Linux to advertise my skills | distribute cover letters, resumes - Integrated with Google Analytics | Adsense, Search engines: Bing, Google, Yandex

IT Support Engineer

PHM Services

Self-employed

New York, NY

April 2019 - April 2019

Projects:

• Wonder Works Construction - Disaster recovery team member
  • Desktop support - Formatted hard drives, deployed Windows 10: added to the domain and installed software
  • Server 2012 support - Active Directory issues - diagnosed (dcdiag) / repaired (esentutl) after a system restore

IT Support Engineer

Baseil Associates

Part-time

New York, NY

March 2019 - March 2019

Projects:

• Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP - I was a member of a team that updated the Lenovo software on Windows 10-based computers and verified / updated the inventory of the end-user computer hardware.

IT Support Engineer

PHM Services

New York, NY

December 2018 - March 2019

IT Support Engineer

SourceWave Inc

Self-employed

New York, NY

November 2018 - November 2018

Projects:

• American Express - End User Relocation | New York Life - End User Relocation

IT Infrastructure Engineer

Kipany Productions, Ltd

Full-time

New York, NY

May 2018 - October 2018

Responsible for supporting:

• Company network, data center and end user computing hardware, Office 365 / Email encryption, Asset inventory
• Security and Compliance Initiatives: PCI DSS, HIPAA/Hitech, and SOC 2
• Documentation | Visio Diagrams

IT Systems Field Engineer

PHM Services

Self-employed

New York, NY

May 2017 - May 2018

I provided a variety of ad-hoc services for clients.

• Administration - Migrated Exchange mailboxes | Created/Deleted Active Directory user accounts
• Problem Resolution - VMware-based Windows Servers | Desktop Operating systems | Applications | Software

IT Messaging Contractor via KFORCE

New York City Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications

Contract

Brooklyn, NY

January 2017 - May 2017

I was responsible for assisting DoITT with planning and implementing new Enterprise Vault email archiving policies.

From a recommendation - Though the project never got off the ground, James did write a comprehensive document on what the City needed to do to reach its goal.

• The NYC DoITT Director offloaded tasks to me.
  • I created proposals to enable city agencies to obtain funds to purchase equipment and/or software.

IT Systems Consultant via PHM Services

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services LLC

Contract

New York, NY

July 2016 - December 2016

I added value to the client by partnering with the in-house IT staff to complete the assignments with a high level of precision. A discovery process was performed, the subject matter was researched, the client was presented with options, and based on the client's feedback the plan was amended, verified within a VMware-based IT lab, and executed in production. A detailed run-book with Visio diagrams was created for the implementation.

• Built a VMware-based IT lab environment that contained elements from production to prepare for live changes
• Upgraded the existing single node BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) v. 5.0.2 with MSDE to a two node Active/Passive (high availability) configuration v. 5.0.4 MR13 cluster with SQL 2014
• Created a Mobile Device Management (MDM) proposal to deploy and manage Apple devices
• Active Directory
  • Optimized Microsoft DNS and group policies in a multi-forest environment
  • The recovery plan leveraged a combination of scripts with command line utilities to export the DNS configuration / data and similar scripts were created and verified for restoring the environment
  • Prepared for an IT audit by identifying stale computer objects via PowerShell scripts
  • Customized reports were created by modifying an Excel add-in's code to accept LDAP queries
• Upgraded legacy operating systems, e.g. Server 2008 to Server 2012 R2 via the use of VMware OS templates
  • Migrated - FSMO roles | certificate authorities (PKI) | domain controllers | application servers
• Provided guidance and acted as a technical resource to both IT management and the service desk
  • IT Management: MDM Solution | Microsoft Technology | FINRA Compliance
  • Service Desk: Symantec Ghost | McAfee EPO
• Patch Management - Deployed a VMware-based 2012 R2 server with the WSUS role in the "DR" datacenter
  • Utilized group policies to enable the DR computer objects in the forests to use the same WSUS server

IT Infrastructure Engineer / Team Leader

Lloyds Bank, Plc.

Full-time

New York, NY

March 2011 - May 2016

Hired as a full-time employee.

I was a trusted advisor to management, developed innovative solutions for unique problems, delivered projects in a timely and efficient manner, resolved end user and other technical issues, and shared knowledge with colleagues. Systems: Exchange 2003 - High Availability - CA RHA Clusters, Exchange 2007 Microsoft Clusters (CCR's) on VMware, and BlackBerry 5.x / 12.x, RightFax - High Availability, using VMware Site Recovery Manager.

• Participated in a datacenter migration: Data circuits | Created a script to copy data from EMC storage to NetApp storage. The script leveraged Robocopy and recursive logic to mitigate issues with long file/folder paths
• PowerShell / batch file scripts / scheduled tasks were utilized to extract and forward data via email to UK teams
• A PowerShell script was created to increase the efficiency of the monthly Microsoft patch installation process. The script stopped services on related groups of servers, application servers followed by the database servers. All servers were restarted, patches were installed, necessary reboots occurred, and the services were started on the database servers followed by the application servers.
• Redesigned the US Active Directory - Forest Consolidation | Group Policy | Schema updates - to harmonize US AD to headquarters' directives with minimal impact to production
• Implemented Cisco IronPort email security appliances with redundancy
• Implemented MessageLabs SPAM Manager: Reduced IT overhead | Provided better service to the colleagues
• Managed Microsoft Exchange - Consolidated Exchange Organizations | Upgraded Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007 Microsoft Clusters (CCR's) on VMware
• Implemented BlackBerry 5.x and 12.x with high availability
• Integrated InfoBlox DNS physical and virtual appliances with Microsoft DNS: Harmonized US and UK systems and enhanced the security posture of the IT environments
• Managed RightFax | Upgrades | SIP line migration | BCP via VMware Site Recovery Manager
• Optimized / redeployed Websense and Microsoft ISA to achieve better integration in the production and the DR datacenters thus eliminating past issues | Leveraged pac files - enabled a simple method of automatic failover/ load-balancing. Utilized group policies to push the configuration to servers and workstations
• Replaced Websense / Microsoft ISA with appliances from Trustwave (M86): Malware filtering, URL filtering, Internet Proxy - Created the initial polices, regex expressions … - handed over to the US IT Security team
• Participated in the rollout of Windows 7 | Policies | Configuration | Application Palette
• Composed documentation for business requirements, project implementation, bulletins, Visio diagrams
• Created PowerPoint presentations to educate and to build consensus for strategic decisions
• Acted as IT Liaison to internal and external counsel for all US and relevant UK Legal Discovery (e-discovery), gathering relevant data for active and pending litigation. Application - Enterprise Vault Discovery Accelerator
• Managed the US IT Compliance (FINRA) program for a broker/dealer business from inception, employing Enterprise Vault Compliance Accelerator with WORM storage to satisfy FINRA requirements 17a-3 and 17a-4
• Responsible for the annual audit with the Bank's 3rd party designee to FINRA
• Implemented Globanet's Merge1 to capture BlackBerry SMS | PIN-to-PIN | Bloomberg Email
• Implemented Actiance Vantage software to capture Cisco Jabber chat data
• Managed and executed the IT Infrastructure tasks for a business divestment
• Provided guidance to the UK e-surveillance program to satisfy a LIBOR requirement for the FSA
• Primary contact between US IT Infrastructure and UK - Home Office IT for Cyber-security and Infrastructure projects | IT related - Architecture, Project funds, Human Resources - Training systems | Employee Records
• Built multiple VMware-based preproduction test environments in the US that were integrated with the respective UK headquarters IT test environments to facilitate the deployment of UK application/systems in the US
• Leveraged VMware to deploy Windows servers from OS templates integrated with UK standard build scripts
• Assisted with the administration and maintenance of Citrix XenApp, NetScaler, VMware vSphere, NetApp SAN

IT Infrastructure Engineer Contractor at Lloyds Bank, Plc.

Apex Systems

Contract

New York, NY

September 2010 - March 2011

Provided IT support services at Lloyds Bank, Plc.

IT Systems Consultant

Garrigan Enterprises Inc.

Self-employed

New York, NY

January 2008 - September 2010

Provided IT services to small businesses as independent contractor to PHM Services, Technologies on Premises, and other IT services companies. Clients included small mom/pop retail entities, restaurants, law offices, and hedge funds.

• Data Backups: Backup Exec | Internet-based backups
• Deployed Symantec Endpoint Protection with the management console
• Managed the desktop via group policies
• Implemented Citrix server with thin client terminals
• Implemented Symantec Ghost for the deployment of hard drive images
• Implemented Windows Software Update Services (WSUS) to deploy Microsoft updates / patches
• Leveraged VMware to migrate legacy application servers from legacy hardware
• Built multiple VMware hosts on HP Servers, racked/stacked, copper & fiber cabling, fiber switch configuration
• Migrated active directory from server 2003 to server 2008 on new hardware
• Migrated a Smarter Email system to Exchange 2007 with a Barracuda appliance
• Upgraded / replaced IT equipment: servers, workstations, network electronics, Cisco ASA
• Supported Websense URL filtering: Modified policies - Added/modified URL's and managed user permissions
• Updated a real estate management company's computer environment (Active Directory | Data Shares | NTFS permissions | Operating Systems), delivering accurate and more efficient applications and systems
• Supported computer operations of a staffing company with 10+ office locations, enabling computer operations which would have not been affordable with full-time employees

IT Systems Consultant

PHM Services

Self-employed

New York, NY

September 2007 - January 2008

Provided IT support services to small and medium size businesses

Clients: small mom/pop retail establishments, non-profits, restaurants, law offices, hedge funds

• Installed, configured, managed, upgraded, migrated user and configuration data:
  • Blackberry Enterprise Server, Exchange Server 2003 | 2007
  • Firewalls | Routers | Switches
  • Symantec Anti-Virus | Anti-SPAM solutions
  • Symantec Backup Exec
  • Active Directory | NTFS Permissions - Windows 2003 | 2008
  • Windows Operating Systems - Desktop | Server

Systems Engineer / Administrator

LS Power Development / Luminus Management, LLC

Full-time

New York, NY

August 2005 - September 2007

Hired as a full-time employee.

Previous client of the Netsys Group – The entities were expanding and full-time IT staff was required.

• Built the NJ & NYC IT Infrastructure: Desktops | Firewalls | Messaging | Servers | Switches | Routers
• Provided connectivity between the offices and remote clients via secure VPN on Cisco firewalls
• Successfully passed an IT audit which included penetration testing, documentation | Visio diagrams
• Managed IT using hands-on, results-oriented style in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Applied in-depth knowledge of technical concepts, practices, and procedures
• Established standards for IT operations, evaluated vendors, and hardware/software
• Analyzed technologies to determine feasibility of adoption, provided a summary to management
• Developed project proposals, budgets, recommended IT purchases and upgrades
• Proposed and implemented an IT strategic plan to support present and future initiatives
• Resolved LAN/WAN [TCP-IP] connectivity, performance, security, market data / trading issues
• Monitored systems, provided emergency response to minimize outages, and data loss
• Stayed informed on general business and technological trends related to the company's business
• Reduced the complexity of the environment by consolidating the IT systems from both companies while maintaining the mandated level of separation via NTFS permissions and Active Directory settings

IT Systems Consultant

The Netsys Group

Full-time

New York, NY

October 2003 - August 2005

Hired as a full-time employee.

Provided IT support services for small and medium size clients

• Financial Data / Hedge Fund Support
  • As a partner to Goldman Sachs deployed the IT systems and provided on-site IT services for several Hedge Funds: Marshall Wace, Luminus Management, and Riva Ridge Capital Management
• Administrative/Sales Support
  • Developed project proposals and managed implementations - for new and existing clients
  • Assisted clients by providing recommendations for IT related purchases
  • Reviewed client invoices and when proper made customer service related adjustments
  • Documentation - Maintained detailed IT information for each client and updated it as needed
• Technical Support
  • Blackberry Server and handheld devices | Active Directory Administration - Add / Delete Accounts
  • Desktop and laptop computer - Upgrades / Monthly patch deployment - Windows 95 | 98 | 2000 | XP
  • Desktop applications: Microsoft Office, Symantec/Norton Antivirus, PCAnywhere
  • Server Hardware - Dell | Compaq | IBM - Operating systems - Windows NT 4.0 | 2000 | 2003 SBS
  • Data Backup Solutions: Implemented Veritas Backup Exec with DLT and DAT tape drives
  • Exchange 5.x | Active Directory | 2000 | 2003 servers - Client software: Outlook / Outlook Web Access
  • Network hardware: switches, routers (wired & wireless 802.11b/g), and firewalls (Cisco PIX)
  • Migrations - NT 4 server - 2000 - 2003 | Exchange 5.5 - 2000 - 2003 | Windows 95 - 98 - NT 4 - XP
  • Remote Access Solutions
    • Virtual Private Network connections (VPN's) via Windows server and firewalls Cisco PIX
    • Provided users with remote desktop access to their office computers by utilizing a combination of VPN access to their office network and terminal services within Windows XP
    • Deployed Windows 2003 Terminal server for remote application access

IT Systems Consultant

Independent Contractor

Self-employed

New York, NY

January 2003 - October 2003

Provided IT support services for The Netsys Group's small and medium size clients

Hands-on IT Administrator / Engineer

Marquis Jet

Full-time

New York, NY

February 2002 - December 2002

• Renovated the existing infrastructure to provide a superior functioning IT environment
  • Deployed a Dell server as a Windows 2000 domain controller for a new domain
  • Migrated accounts to the domain via Microsoft's Active Directory Migration Tool
  • Developed a standard desktop/laptop configuration
  • Windows 2000, Microsoft Office 2000, Symantec Antivirus, Blackberry client
  • Refreshed the software on all IBM client computers
• Reduced the TCO of the network by utilizing group policies to deploy Office 2000 and its updates, used Windows Update Services to install critical Microsoft Windows updates, and Symantec Anti-virus Corporate Edition
  • Developed a server tape backup strategy that utilized Veritas Backup Exec
  • Optimized the network topology by updating the configuration of the 3Com switches
  • Enabled remote network access (VPN) via a Netscreen firewall & Windows 2000 server
  • Provided extensive documentation of the environment including an asset inventory
  • Supported Blackberry client devices and its respective user software
  • Coordinated the support of an Avaya Merlin Magix phone system
  • Was the liaison between the finance department and the IT/Telecommunication vendors
  • Reviewed monthly invoices and assisted with the creation of the 2003 IT budget

IT Systems Consultant

InfoTech

Full-time

Fairfield, NJ

November 2001 - February 2002

Hired as a full-time employee.

• Desktop and laptop computer support: Windows 95 | 98 | 2000 Intel based computers
• Desktop applications: Microsoft Office, Symantec/Norton Antivirus, PCAnywhere
• Server Hardware Support: Primarily Dell, Compaq, and IBM Intel based hardware
• Server Operating Systems Support: Windows NT 4.0 | 2000, SBS and standard versions
• Email support: Exchange 5.x | 2000 servers and Outlook client software
• Network connectivity: switches, DSL routers (wired & wireless), and firewalls

IT Systems Consultant

Independent Contractor

Self-employed

Fairfield, NJ

August 2001 - October 2001

Provided IT support services for InfoTech's small and medium size clients

IT Systems Consultant

Trade.Com

Contract

New York, NY

March 2001 - August 2001

Trade.com ceased operations on 8/31/2001

• As a member of the domain administration group, built, deployed, and supported the Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 servers that hosted the application and its components
• As a member of the exchange messaging administration group, built, deployed, and supported mission critical Microsoft Exchange 5.5 servers
• Supported Windows 95 | 98 | 2000 computers with Microsoft Office 2000, Symantec Antivirus, etc.
• Developed standard desktop documentation with installation instructions & hardware configuration
• Optimized desktop deployments via Windows 2000 deployment methods and Ghost technology
• Built a lab environment to simulate a domain migration, Windows NT 4.0 to Windows 2000
• Member of an Exchange migration team, Exchange Server 5.5 to 2000 with a cluster configuration

Systems Analyst / National Field Engineer

GAF

Full-time

Wayne, NJ

January 1998 - October 2000

Promoted to Network Analyst / National Field Engineer to support corporate-wide upgrades

• Launched corporate-wide networked FAX capability with documentation and training
• Supported and maintained the corporate network and computing environment, 30 U.S. locations, by troubleshooting and fixing problems. The support role involved administration and occasionally disaster recovery for both NT 4.0 and Exchange Server 5.x
• Wrote the Kixtart script/code to correct company-wide problem: users could not access critical data from their home site remotely. This was a "drive mapping" problem, corrected by using the user's home folder as a reference to enable their off-site drive mappings to correctly correspond / link to their home location.
• Researched / planned / supported Windows NT 4.0 Y2K remediation project. Led a three-member team that upgraded approximately 80 servers in the home office and the 30 remote sites
• Co-developed transition plan from WIN95 / NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 Professional / Server
• Instrumental in designing a new standard server configuration: Windows 2000 based HP Net server consisting of Norton Anti-virus Corporate Edition, Exchange , and Backup Exec
• Led the upgrade from an NT 4.0 domain / Exchange 5.5 to Windows 2000 Active Directory / Exchange 2000

Help Desk Administrator / PC Analyst

GAF

Full-time

Wayne, NJ

July 1997 - January 1998

Recruited by the IS manager for a full-time position

• Supported 500 Windows 95 PC's, a UNIX-based application, and remotely supported end-users' (sales force) laptop computers
• Traveled with the application development group to provide IT systems support at regional meetings. Support consisted of maintaining remote connectivity from the meeting location to the home office network, and addressing various user technical issues
• Project team member in the development, selection, and configuration of all desktop software, and the new desktop networked systems (security, virus protection). The standard application palette, Microsoft Office, PC Anywhere, terminal emulator, and Norton Anti-virus, was installed on Windows 95
• Installed / upgraded / integrated into new and existing environments (30+ U.S. based plants and offices) Cisco network electronics and Compaq servers running NT 4.0 and Exchange Server 5.x

A/R Processing Support | National Technical Services Unit (PC and LAN)

GAF

Contract

Wayne, NJ

October 1996 - July 1997

Initially employed as a contractor to support A/R processing and the national technical services unit (PC and LAN)

Account Receivable IT Support

Executive Conference Inc.

Full-time

Wayne, NJ

December 1995 - October 1996

As IT support for Account Receivable I reported directly to the Vice President of Operations and to the Sales Department President.

• Utilized dBase IV to process the data from the conference call bridges for invoices.
• Supervised the billing of major clients and developed custom invoices as required within dBase IV.

Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ

1986 - 1989

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Cisco Networking Academy

2018

Cisco CCNA Course

Compu21

2017

Cisco CCNA Course

Compu21

2017

Microsoft Server 2016 MCSE Course

Global Knowledge

2014

Citrix XenApp Course

Global Knowledge

2014

Exchange 2013 Course

Microsoft Certified System Engineer

December 2000

Microsoft, License 2164299

Mastering Windows Server 2019 by Jordan Krause

2019

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