Network Engineer Project Management

DESHAWN DONOVAN FERNANDER

Network Engineer

727-***-**** • *********@*******.***

OBJECTIVE

Experienced and versatile Network Engineer with a military foundation and over 6 years of hands-on IT experience. Proven expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, and remote project management. Looking to contribute to a forward-thinking organization while continuing to grow as a technical leader.

CERTIFICATIONS

- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

- CompTIA Security+

TECHNICAL SKILLS

- Networking: Cisco, Aruba (HP) & Juniper Routers/Switches, Fortinet Switches, Palo Alto, Palo Alto Prisma, Zscaler, MPLS

- Wireless: Cisco WiFi, Unifi Wireless Bridges and Access Points (APs)

- Security: FortiGate Firewalls, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, Palo Alto NGFW, Panorama, Zscaler

- Systems: Active Directory, Windows OS, Computer Imaging

- Ticketing Systems: ServiceNow, Remedy

- Network Monitoring: WhatsUp Gold (WUG), Junos Space

- Project Management: IT Infrastructure Deployment, Remote Collaboration

- Tools: Microsoft Office, Troubleshooting Utilities

- Other: LAN/WAN Management, Customer Support, Quick Adaptability

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Network Engineer – Interfor

2023 – Present

- Manage enterprise-level networks using Cisco, Aruba, and Juniper routers and switches

- Configure and maintain Palo Alto and Fortinet firewalls, including Prisma, Panorama, and Zscaler platforms

- Create and manage Palo Alto firewall rules using Panorama, monitor traffic flows, and handle tickets for access control and policy changes

- Support and troubleshoot MPLS networks and site-to-site connectivity

- Work closely with MPLS vendors GTT and Telus to troubleshoot and resolve circuit outages

- Collaborated with fiber optic contractors on the installation and implementation of new fiber strands

- Lead Wi-Fi projects using Cisco wireless and Unifi wireless bridges and APs

- Implement network infrastructure at new and existing sites

- Collaborate remotely with cross-functional teams

- Participate in network planning, project management, and change control

- Support networking and infrastructure across 30 mill sites throughout the USA and Canada

Network Operations Specialist – Empower AI (Federal Contractor)

2023 (3-Month Contract)

- Worked in the Regional Network Enterprise Center (RNEC) at Fort Campbell

- Monitored and supported military network infrastructure

- Assisted in incident response and network troubleshooting

- Performed tasks related to enterprise switches, including port configurations and connectivity checks

- Provided Tier 1 support for connectivity issues across the region

- Collaborated with military personnel and IT staff to ensure network uptime

IT Support / Systems Administrator – United States Army

2019 – 2023

- Provided help desk support and network troubleshooting in high-pressure environments

- Managed user accounts through Active Directory and supported onboarding/offboarding

- Maintained LAN/WAN connectivity and resolved end-user technical issues

- Reimaged systems, maintained asset accountability, and completed daily incident tickets

- Delivered technical support across multiple departments and coordinated IT efforts with various units

IT Help Desk / System Administrator – R&R Medical & Welding Supplies

2018 – 2022

- Delivered Tier 1 and Tier 2 support to internal staff

- Managed network access and permissions to shared resources

- Supported local and remote users with troubleshooting and hardware configuration

- Updated personnel profiles and supported LAN/WAN connectivity

EDUCATION & TRAINING

High School Diploma — Lakewood High School

Military IT Specialist School — United States Army (25 Weeks)

REFERENCES

CPT Jeremiah Adell – U.S. Army

********.*****.***@****.*** 585-***-****

Linda North – R&R Medical & Welding

*********@*******.*** +1-242-***-****

Deundra Johnson – Educator

********@*****.*** +1-242-***-****

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