Information Technology Network Engineer

Rajendra Desai

Indian Trail, NC *****

704-***-**** **********@*****.***

www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrasdesai

IT Professional

Bringing over 20 plus years of experience in Information Technology with a focus on Networking, encompassing Design, Implementation, Support, and Project Management. Key strengths include strong listening, interpersonal, and analytical skills, complemented by excellent oral and written communication abilities. Known for articulating alternative solutions and maintaining enthusiasm for adopting new knowledge and technologies to enhance team and company performance. Actively pursuing additional knowledge and certifications in the latest technologies, such as Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud Computing. Electronic certificates are posted on LinkedIn.

Noteworthy achievements include:

CCNA Certification, demonstrating proficiency in networking fundamentals and protocols.

Microsoft Certified Azure Cloud Computing AZ-900

Award-winning projects, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance and IoT security

Extensive experience in Data networking technologies, Protocols, and Telecommunications.

Proficiency in utilizing Network Management tools, Network Monitoring tools, and Reporting tools.

Successfully leading initiatives such as multiple Data Centers migration, implementation of over 2000 remote sites, and architecting new infrastructure for merged partners aligned with business capacity and future growth.

Active support throughout project lifecycles, ensuring optimized network operations.

Work Experience

BB&T now Truist, Charlotte, NC June 2012 - Present

Sr Network Engineer / Vice President

Responsibilities include supporting network and services for 50,000 users across 2000 remote, branch, and corporate locations. Focus encompasses implementing network evergreening and management using Cisco NX/IOS Switches, ISR/ASR Routers, Firewalls, and advanced technologies such as GETVPN, IWAN, SDWAN. Proficiency in technology-based tools like VManage, Cisco DNA, NNM, Solarwind and HPNA has facilitated successful completion of various engineering projects adhering to project lifecycle standards. Additionally, facilitated training for new team members and led network projects for multiple Lines of Business (LOBs) such as Insurance and Payment Card sectors, aligning with their specific requirements, demonstrating ongoing enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge and technology to enhance team and company performance.

Led fast-paced MOE (Merger of Equals) projects for Truist's Credit Card and Insurance sectors, playing a critical role in post-merger integration efforts. Successfully migrated and managed the Insurance sector’s transition to a hybrid cloud environment on Microsoft Azure.

Directed network modernization efforts at BB&T/Truist sites as part of the Evergreen Project, overseeing switch and router upgrades and implementing BGP and OSPF routing protocols to enhance scalability and performance.

Architected and implemented Corporate Security Management systems, including the complex Stanley conversion, to align with enterprise-wide security standards.

Designed and deployed PCI-compliant network solutions, significantly strengthening data security and ensuring adherence to industry regulations.

Contributed to the design and build-out of Core environments at CDC, WDC, and ZDC, including the complete architectural setup for the newly established ZDC site.

Established a Building Management System (BMS) within data centers to monitor and manage sensitive devices, improving visibility, security, and operational control.

Participated in the Charlotte Data Center DMZ migration, ensuring seamless integration with minimal downtime and optimal security alignment.

Architected data center virtualization solutions, including Cisco ACI integration with Nexus switches, and utilized automation tools like Ansible for network scanning, configuration management, and operational efficiency.

Dimension Data, (BB&T) Charlotte, NC October 2010 – June 2012

Senior Network Engineer

Served as Lead Consultant on a major Data Center Migration project, managing the transition from legacy Nortel infrastructure to Cisco systems, including full lifecycle responsibilities for LAN/WAN design, configuration, and installation of the new network environment.

Conducted a comprehensive audit and analysis of over 2,500 legacy Nortel devices, providing critical insight that guided the successful migration strategy and ensured a smooth upgrade to Cisco technology.

Designed and implemented a modern network architecture, resulting in improved operational efficiency, streamlined management, and enhanced support across all technical teams involved.

New York Stock Exchange March 2010– September 2010

Sr. Network Engineer

Operated within NYSE's global environment at SIAC NOC, overseeing monitoring and troubleshooting of global infrastructure encompassing network and security operations.

Successfully migrated Secure Financial Transaction Infrastructure (SFTI) services and approximately 500 Cisco devices to the advanced Mahwah Data Center. Completed the user validation process post-migration without issues.

Proficiently utilized technologies including Juniper, Cisco, Checkpoint, and Service Now to ensure seamless operations and support.

Satyam Computer Services September 2007 – March 2010

Client JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority), Jacksonville, FL

Network Architect

Conducted comprehensive audits of existing infrastructure, architecture, and network design to support disaster recovery (DR) site selection and strategic planning.

Designed and implemented load balancing solutions, storage strategies, and backup policies for the Jacksonville site, optimizing network performance, enhancing fault tolerance, and ensuring high availability (HA) for mission-critical applications.

National Student Loans, Denver, Colorado June 2007 – September 2007

Sr. Cisco Network Engineer

Provided network support for a $70 million company and its global users, successfully maintained a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with zero downtime during peak season.

ITP Corporation (New York) November 2006 – May 2007

Cisco Network Engineer

Administered network management tasks such as VPN connectivity, security monitoring and management, and backup management.

Handled helpdesk inquiries related to network issues.

Education, Certification and Trainings

Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics, Mumbai University, Mumbai, India

Cisco Certified: CCNA

Microsoft AZURE Certified AZ-900

Cisco Certified SDWAN Technology

PMI Certified Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity

PMI Certified Cybersecurity Foundations: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) - Cybersecurity Awareness: Cybersecurity Terminology

ISC2 in Cyber Security (LinkedIn Learning)

Artificial Intelligence for Business (LinkedIn Learning)

Advanced Cisco Routing Certification OSPF, BGP (LinkedIn Learning)

Cisco Network Security: Cisco Firewall Technologies (LinkedIn Learning)

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