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Joshua Saunders

Objective

An information technology expert, with a security clearance and over 12 years of professional experience. Currently holding industry recognized certifications and has an established history of administering and securing government and military computing systems.


Areas of Expertise

  • Mastery of Virtualization Technologies: Command over VMware and Hyper-V environments, enabling efficient virtual infrastructure design, deployment, and management.
  • Technical Resource Leadership: Proven track record in the strategic allocation and optimization of IT resources, driving projects to successful completion within budget and time constraints.
  • Advanced Datacenter & Server Stewardship: Expertise in the administration and evolution of data center ecosystems and server landscapes, ensuring peak performance, reliability, and scalability.
  • Process Optimization Specialist: Adept at conducting thorough Process Gap Analyses, pinpointing operational inefficiencies, and formulating actionable strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
  • IT Service Excellence: Comprehensive understanding of IT Service Management principles, dedicated to delivering exceptional service quality and enhancing user satisfaction.
  • Contractual Analysis & Alignment: Skilled in dissecting and interpreting contract scope, ensuring projects are delivered in strict adherence to agreed terms, and fostering strong, transparent client relationships.

Experience

Senior Systems Engineer
NTT Data Federal Services | January 2020 – Present

Managed and administered a highly secure data center, overseeing VMware virtualization and Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure. Proficient in VMware vSphere, Horizon View, App Volumes, and Dynamic Environment Manager, as well as Nutanix technologies like Acropolis, Prism, and NVIDIA GRID hardware.

Led domain-level administration, handling Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy. Created, deployed, and managed both virtual and physical servers and appliances operating on Windows and Linux systems. Ensured DISA STIG compliance and addressed vulnerabilities across all servers and virtual endpoints.

Performed system updates via IBM BigFix Enterprise Services (BES), including upgrading and migrating the BES Server itself and associated components. Developed and maintained detailed operational diagrams illustrating virtualization structures and interoperability.

Managed PKI certificate requests for servers and applications. Played a key role in planning zero-client deployments, addressing user concerns, and handling licensing and management. Utilized PowerShell scripts for task automation and employed troubleshooting skills to resolve issues by referencing logs, manuals, and other resources.

Information Assurance Analyst / SysAdmin
CTI, Inc. | July 2017 – January 2020

Managed and secured an internet-connected production network and two stand-alone training networks for US Navy’s HELMINRON Twelve (HM-12).

Provided hardware and software support for Windows Server 2012 R2-based servers, Windows 10 workstations, and diverse networking equipment.

Administered Active Directory Domain Network using Windows Server 2012 R2, ensuring Group Policy adherence and DISA STIG compliance through rigorous DISA SCAP testing.

Implemented Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization technology to enhance server backup and restore capabilities. Maintained Questionmark Perception web-based assessment software.

Developed technology refresh strategies for hardware and software, optimizing network performance, security, and sustainability. Improved operational processes.

Managed Active Directory accounts, groups, and computers, ensuring precise system access control. Resolved hardware/software interface and interoperability issues for uninterrupted network operations.

Project Analyst / NetOps Liaison
Falconwood Inc. | December 2015 – July 2017

An integral part of the Integrated Product Team supporting the Assistant PM of Network Operations and Engineering Support within the program management office (PMW-205). Conducted thorough process analysis, identifying gaps and providing strategic recommendations for effective mitigation. Contributed to the creation of operationally informed use cases, actively participating in contract scope discussions and offering insights aligning operational challenges with contract capabilities and limitations.

Represented PMW-205 at internal NETWARCOM NetOps executive-level meetings, aiding in planning and addressing concerns or inquiries. Served as a direct liaison channel for NetOps feedback to the program office, swiftly addressing potential and realized operational impacts on processes and services.

Played a crucial role in developing NGEN tool requirements and validating their performance. Additionally, acted as the Subject Matter Expert for capability access requests for both civilian and contractor personnel.

Field Operations Manager / EKMS LE
Hewlett Packard Enterprise | August 2014 – December 2015

Led a 40+ member team comprising technicians, network engineers, and support personnel, overseeing their management and coordination. Conducted interviews and facilitated the hiring process for diverse site positions. Effectively managed site resources, workload distribution, and staffing requirements.

Acted as the primary point of contact for addressing high-profile VIP customer issues, ensuring immediate and effective resolutions. Maintained a steadfast focus on monitoring and enhancing overall performance metrics across all site operations, consistently achieving and sustaining peak performance levels.

Established and nurtured positive, constructive relationships with Navy customers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Continuously surpassed performance expectations, garnering the highest commendations in yearly performance reviews from both direct and indirect managers.

Offered extensive expertise on policy and procedures to various teams and customers, providing invaluable guidance and knowledge dissemination across different operational facets.

Field Technician / Site Technical Lead
HP Enterprise Services | September 2012 – August 2014

Served as the primary technical lead on-site at the largest naval base in the world, delivering end-to-end support for Navy and government IT systems. Led deployment if 802.1x network authentication. Supported both unclassified and classified systems. Played a key role in the site-wide migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 and delivered direct support to high-ranking Navy and Government personnel. Mentored new hires, advised fellow technicians, and responded to information assurance incidents to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.

Service Desk Technical Lead
HP Enterprise Services | November 2011 – August 2012

Oversaw a team of 25+ service desk agents with a primary focus on SIPR remote support. Offered technical guidance and procedural advice to both agents and management, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment. Contributed to the review and development of new processes and improvements in existing procedures.Maintained project statuses assigned by supervisors or managers while actively monitoring agents’ calls to provide constructive feedback and mentoring. Coordinated and developed comprehensive monthly status reports, ensuring effective communication of team progress.

Managed agents’ schedule adherence and attendance, ensuring smooth operational continuity. Played a pivotal role in the Windows 7 implementation pilot on NIPR & SIPR NMCI (Navy-Marine Corp Intranet) machines, contributing to the successful execution of the initiative.


Education | Certifications