Network Security Engineer

PRADEEP RAMESH

314-***-**** • ***********@*****.*** • www.linkedin.com/in/pradeep-ramesh-974a351a6/

• St. Louis, MO (Open to relocation)

TOP SKILLS : Network Security Engineering Firewall Configuration & Management (Fortinet, Checkpoint) Network Design & Architecture Zero Trust Architecture Incident Response & Analysis Executive Communication & Reporting SUMMARY

Network security professional with 3+ years of hands-on experience and a Master’s in Cybersecurity student. Proven expertise in designing and securing network infrastructure, enhancing threat detection, and leading incident response efforts. Strong background in Networking and network security optimization and recognized for developing resilient security solutions, enhancing compliance with industry standards (NIST, GDPR, PCI-DSS) and collaborating cross-functionally to reduce risk and support business continuity. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to redesign network architecture, reducing attack surface and improving operational efficiency. Passionate about empowering organizations and communities through proactive cybersecurity practices and awareness. SKILLS

Areas of Expertise: • Network Security Architecture & Design • NOC • Security Operations Center (SOC) • Technical assistance and network troubleshooting • Network Automation SDA and SDWAN • Risk Management • Vulnerability Assessment • Incident Response • Cisco ISE and Cisco ACI • Windows and Linux Administration • Documentation and reporting

(SOP, Playbooks, RCAs)

Technical Skills: • Cisco Routing and Switching • IP networking • Network troubleshooting • Subnetting • NAT • IP Networking • TCP/IP

• IPsec and Site-to-site VPN tunnel • FortiGate firewall and switches • Checkpoint firewall • Wireshark • Netgear Switches • ManageEngine Suite • Ubiquiti UniFi Controllers and Access Points • NetFlow Analyzer • Exinda Packet Shaper • ConnectWise tools • Metasploit • TCP dump • IPS/ IDS • Proxy • Nessus Vulnerability Assessment • Splunk • Armis • SumoLogic • Burp suite • Maltego • NIST • ISO 27001 • Kali Linux • RHEL • Python EDUCATION

MS in Cybersecurity Saint Louis University (Aug 2023–May 2025) St. Louis, MO GPA 4.0/4.0

B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering REVA University (Aug 2016–May 2020) Bengaluru, India CGPA- 7.29/10

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Interco • Industry – Information Technology & Services May 2024–Aug 2024 St. Louis, MO IT Intern

• Strengthened enterprise security by implementing and managing endpoint protection and monitoring across all corporate devices, contributing to improved compliance and reduced incident rates.

• Optimized infrastructure by deploying and configuring virtual servers using VMware ESXi, streamlining provisioning and enhancing overall system performance.

• Led FortiGate firewall administration, including web filter setup, IPsec site-to-site tunnel configuration, SNMP monitoring, and automation stitches, improving network security and operational efficiency by 30%

• Delegated and managed firewall-related tasks within the team to ensure consistent implementation of security policies and timely configuration updates.

• Managed Active Directory users and domain objects through the domain controller and Azure Entra ID, supporting secure identity and access management in a hybrid environment.

• Created and maintained documentation for system configurations and procedures, supporting knowledge transfers and efficient team onboarding.

Tecplix Technologies PVT LTD • Industry – Cybersecurity consulting Oct 2022-Jul 2023 Bengaluru, India Network and Security Engineer

• Spearheaded network issue resolution and user access troubleshooting, improving resolution time by 40% and enhancing employee productivity across internal teams and client environments.

• Strengthened internal infrastructure and supported US/UK-based clients by collaborating with SOC, VAPT, and SIEM teams, leading to a 25% improvement in threat detection and incident response time.

• Implemented security solutions including web filtering, geo-blocking, SSL-VPN configurations, and device hardening protocols, reducing unauthorized access incidents by 35%.

• Managed and optimized FortiGate 80F and 300D firewalls in Active-Passive HA mode, along with Ubiquiti Unifi Controllers, switches, and APs ensuring 99.9% uptime and reliable network performance.

• Successfully contributed to a large-scale project integrating 15,000+ endpoints into a centralized management console, streamlining endpoint visibility and improving patch deployment efficiency by 50%.

• Led key network architecture changes that resulted in a 30% reduction in operational costs by consolidating infrastructure and optimizing routing and bandwidth allocation.

• Deployed and maintained ManageEngine solutions to monitor network health and device compliance, enhancing audit readiness and reporting accuracy.

LTIMindtree • Industry – Information Technology Services Jul 2020–Oct 2022 Bengaluru, India Engineer Cloud and Infrastructure Services

• Streamlined network operations and troubleshooting by analyzing recurring connectivity and latency issues, resulting in a 20% reduction in incident resolution time and improved SLA compliance across supported regions.

• Designed and implemented efficient routing and switching strategies within enterprise networks, enhancing overall network performance and reducing downtime by 15%.

• Supported data center migration project by configuring and validating BGP for Internet Leased Lines and managing MPLS links, contributing to a seamless transition with zero critical outages.

• Optimized LAN/WAN infrastructure and collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance network availability, achieving 99.9% uptime across monitored network assets.

• Promoted from ConvergedOps to Network Operations Center (NOC) team by demonstrating strong performance in L1 support across IT domains (network, systems, storage, Exchange), and taking on L2 responsibilities in network and security engineering.

• Enhanced visibility into network health by implementing monitoring protocols and proactive alerting systems, reducing escalations by 18% and improving first-level resolution rates. TECHNICAL PROJECTS & COMPETITIONS

Network Security Enhancement Project

Overview: Led the deployment and configuration of advanced security tools including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to strengthen enterprise network defenses. Conducted regular security audits to ensure compliance and proactively mitigate threats.

Highlights:

• Strengthened network security posture, reducing vulnerability exposure by 45%.

• Enhanced threat detection and response time by 35% through SIEM rule optimization and IDS configuration.

• Achieved 100% compliance in internal security audits aligned with NIST and CIS benchmarks. National Cyber League (NCL) – Fall 2024

Overview: Competed in the Fall 2024 National Cyber League Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, representing team Cyber Billikens 2. Demonstrated hands-on cybersecurity expertise across a wide range of domains through individual and team-based challenges. Highlights:

• Achieved an individual ranking of 118 out of 691 and a team ranking of 113 out of 534, showcasing strong performance across all categories.

• Tackled challenges in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Cryptography, Log Analysis, Network Traffic Analysis, and Password Cracking.

• Strengthened core competencies in Web Application Exploitation, Forensics, Enumeration, and Exploitation.

• Applied real-world tools and techniques to solve complex problems, sharpening critical thinking and technical troubleshooting skills. Cybersecurity Awareness & Threat Analysis Simulation – Mastercard (Forage) Overview: Completed Mastercard’s virtual cybersecurity experience program via Forage, simulating the role of an analyst on the Security Awareness Team. Focused on identifying social engineering threats, evaluating security awareness gaps, and recommending training strategies.

Highlights:

• Identified and reported phishing threats, contributing to a simulated reduction in risk exposure.

• Conducted gap analysis to assess department-specific security awareness needs across the organization.

• Developed tailored training modules and procedures to strengthen end-user security behavior. Virtual Cybersecurity Career Challenge – NCyTE (Feb 2025 – May 2025) Overview: Participated in a multi-phase cybersecurity challenge focused on designing, securing, and managing a virtual enterprise network. Tasks included configuring virtual machines, conducting penetration testing, and presenting security solutions to a professional panel. Highlights:

• Designed and deployed a secure virtual network, aligning configurations with specified technical and compliance requirements.

• Leveraged project management tools (Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and Visio) to effectively plan, document, and track project milestones.

• Executed penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, applying layered defense strategies to enhance the network’s security posture.

• Delivered a formal presentation of findings, risks, and mitigation strategies to a panel of cybersecurity professionals. CERTIFICATIONS

• CompTIA Security+ (SYO-701) (expected May 2025)

• Cisco Certified Network Associate, CCNA 200-301

• AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials

• Fortinet Network Security Associate- NSE 3

• Google Cybersecurity Professional

• LinkedIn- Wireshark Network Troubleshooting

• Simplilearn certification- Azure Fundamentals AZ-900

• Fortinet NSE in Cybersecurity and FortiGate Operator

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