Syed Zulfekar Ahmed
Senior Network Security Engineer
Riyadh
Summary
Meticulous Senior IT security expert with 12+ years of experience across multi domains of IT systems lifecycle. Highly skilled in network security, data center and server infrastructure. Self-motivated and deadline-oriented with track record of on-time deliverables. Loves collaborating with teammates to develop and implement creative technical solutions to challenging problems. Polished in developing and implementing security plans and procedures and developing strategies to respond and recover from security breaches. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
25
25
Certificates
5
5
Languages
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Infrastructure &Network Security Engineer
Zakat Tax and Customs Authority
Riyadh
09.2016 - Current
- Managed installation, upgrade and deployment projects and provided on-site direction for network engineers.
- Resolved issues related to operational components for LAN, WAN and voice systems.
- Defined enterprise processes and best practices and tailored enterprise processes for applications.
- Built and maintained network infrastructure consisting of Windows, Linux and virtual products.
- Managed and monitored installed systems for highest level of availability.
- Designed and implemented system security and data assurance.
- Monitored and tested application performance to identify potential bottlenecks, develop solutions and collaborate with developers on solution implementation.
- Participated in system development life cycle from requirements analysis through system implementation.
- Provided 2nd and 3rd level technical support and troubleshooting to internal and external clients.
- Facilitated installation processes to deliver project requirements on time.
- Verified location of deployed hardware in correct organizational unit.
- Participated in development meetings for high-value customers and business operations updates.
- Collected project information and disseminated to appropriate stakeholders.
- Supported business objectives by seeking out new projects and networking at key events.
- Evaluated existing procedures and made proactive adjustments to meet changing demands.
- Fostered positive and performance-oriented environment by implementing successful reward systems.
- Oversaw projects to help teams build, secure and optimize their IT infrastructure.
- Designed Security architectures and IT infrastructures according to project specifications.
Operation Systems Specialist
Ministry of Finance
Riyadh
09.2012 - 09.2016
- Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
- Established network specifications and analyzed workflow, access, information and security requirements.
- Designed proactive preventive maintenance schedules to prevent unnecessary downtime and hardware faults.
- Provided comprehensive training to internal and off-site users to optimize systems maintenance and resolve recurring issues.
- Provisioned new software and hardware for use, following established security policies.
- Implemented corrective plans of action for network availability and latency.
- Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues.
- Served as subject matter expert on proposed technology purchases.
- Detailed upcoming software upgrades and system sprints to team members.
- Maintained current software licenses for Servers and appliances.
- Conducted routine and emergency maintenance of assigned data center equipment.
- Configured and tested Windows Server operating systems with roles features.
- Contributed to development, administration and testing of disaster recovery plans.
- Delivered Tier 2 and Tier 3 support for problem identification, diagnosis and issue resolution.
- Attended meetings to deliver status reports to key stakeholders.
- Mentored employees and offered constructive feedback for performance improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Actively listened to users' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
IT Infrastructure Consultant
Saudi Red Crescent Authority
04.2012 - 08.2012
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Developed proposals for clients outlining project scope and timeline.
- Participated in development meetings for high-value customers and business operations updates.
- Supported business objectives by seeking out new customers and networking at key events.
- Verified location of deployed hardware in correct organizational unit.
- Worked with vendors to accomplish technical aspects of projects.
- Provided 2nd and 3rd level technical support and troubleshooting to internal and external clients.
- Managed and monitored installed systems for highest level of availability.
- Managed installation, upgrade and deployment projects and provided on-site direction for network engineers.
- Designed and implemented system security and data assurance.
- Resolved issues related to operational components for LAN, WAN and voice systems.
- Monitored and tested application performance to identify potential bottlenecks, develop solutions and collaborate with developers on solution implementation.
Senior IT Consultant
Saudi Red Crescent Authority
Riyadh
03.2011 - 04.2012
- Performed root cause analysis to provide resolutions for production issues.
- Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
- Created manuals and taught training sessions to educate co-workers on new systems.
- Worked with stakeholders to determine implementation and integration of system-oriented projects.
- Assisted employees with resolving network problems at remote locations.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to design and develop high-end software applications.
- Analyzed security logs to determine and alleviate network threats.
- Optimized networked software and operating systems by applying updates and patches.
- Collaborated with executive team to define business requirements and systems goals.
- Suggested system updates or changes after conduct in-depth technical reviews.
- Integrated database and backup servers into enterprise systems.
- Checked for accuracy and functionality during implementation of new systems.
- Maintained stability, integrity and efficient operation of information systems supporting organizational functions.
- Supported system users, educating employees on troubleshooting and problem-solving protocols.
- Created flowcharts, diagrams and other documentation.
- Configured, installed and upgraded SQL databases.
- Researched software and systems products to determine purchase recommendations.
- Streamlined troubleshooting processes to improve system support and enhance communication between support team and end-users.
- Completed software updates and assessed security patches for optimized computer use.
Network & Systems Engineer
Fasttech Solutions
Madinah Munawwarah
11.2009 - 02.2011
- Initiated and managed network test facilities to verify network hardness and resilience.
- Provided network support services for devices such as switches routers and other hardware.
- Monitored network capacity and performance to diagnose and resolve complex network problems.
- Collaborated with vendors to identify best options for optimizing network performance.
- Provided complete end-to-end engineering and installation of route-based IP network solutions.
- Provided detailed network diagrams and procedural guidelines.
- Troubleshot complex multi-vendor network service provider issues.
- Assisted with implementation and support of network monitoring tools.
- Organized frameworks to transfer secure data from internal to external and public networks.
- Integrated fixed wireless connectivity into facilities requiring high-speed networks.
- Detected intrusion attempts and promptly responded to DDoS attacks.
- Established robust infrastructure and data capacity for new applications.
- Liaised with stakeholders to keep project goals and deadlines on target.
- Escalated emergency technical issues beyond knowledge to maintain optimum up-time.
- Performed troubleshooting for Juniper, Cisco and packet analysis.
- Performed virtual machine provisioning and VM priority setup.
- Created VPN infrastructure and allowed for secure remote connections.
- Managed, tracked and coordinated problem resolution and escalation processes.
- Recommended options for disaster recovery and remote access security.
- Applied tier-isolation best practices to support multi-tier architectures.
- Integrated data, voice and video networks for use in multi-site installations.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Science
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Hyderabad 04.2004 - 03.2008
Skills
Palo Alto Networks
Fortigate Firewalls
Cisco Firewalls
F5 BIG IP
Infoblox
Microsoft
Vmware
Antivirus
SIEM Solutions
Planning and Coordination
Critical Thinking
Communication
Certification
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2020 (VCP-DCV 2020)
Quote
Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems.
Rene Descartes
Timeline
Senior Infrastructure &Network Security Engineer
Zakat Tax and Customs Authority
09.2016 - Current
Operation Systems Specialist
Ministry of Finance
09.2012 - 09.2016
IT Infrastructure Consultant
Saudi Red Crescent Authority
04.2012 - 08.2012
Senior IT Consultant
Saudi Red Crescent Authority
03.2011 - 04.2012
Network & Systems Engineer
Fasttech Solutions
11.2009 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Science
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
04.2004 - 03.2008
Trainings
Attended many trainings and events including below
Infoblox
Cisco
Palo Alto
Fortinet
Microsoft
Trainings
Attended many trainings and events including below
Infoblox
Cisco
Palo Alto
Fortinet
Microsoft
Trainings
Attended many trainings and events including below
Infoblox
Cisco
Palo Alto
Fortinet
Microsoft