Solution Architect Project Management

Mohammed Naeem Shaikh

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Home: 365-***-**** Cell: (647) 401- 8771)

Email: *.*****.******@*****.***

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naeem-shaikh-56807a56

Skills Summary

Technical & Solution Architect Consultant with 15+ years of experience in designing, testing, and implementing technology solutions across the full system lifecycle for corporate clients. Expertise in delivering innovative, fit-for-purpose solutions tailored to client needs.

Proven track record in leading medium-to-large technology services departments, managing end-to-end development and delivery of cutting-edge services. Skilled at aligning technology strategy with organizational goals to ensure customer satisfaction and business growth.

Deep commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, regularly updating service offerings by incorporating the latest in both hardware and software technologies.

Project Management Expertise: Extensive experience managing remote projects, and overseeing timelines, resources, and deliverables to meet organizational objectives. Focused on optimizing efficiency and ensuring smooth collaboration among distributed teams in virtual environments.

Strong leadership in managing application development teams, resolving technical issues, and ensuring effective team performance.

Skilled in budget management, implementing processes to ensure cost-effective project execution with minimal variance.

In-depth experience with infrastructure services, including Linux, AIX, Big Data Hadoop, and Cloud technologies, as well as expertise in TOGAF frameworks.

Hold multiple certifications in technology-related courses and general IT management, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Public Sector Experience: 5+ years delivering IT solutions in the Public Sector, managing complex projects, and ensuring alignment with government regulations and requirements.

Utilized TOGAF methodologies to define architectural blueprints and roadmaps that aligned business goals with technology strategies, delivering scalable, secure, and cost-efficient solutions for various Canadian government projects.

Results-driven AI – Techno-functional Consultant with over 2 years of experience delivering cloud-native, AI-powered solutions across the finance and government sectors. Adept at bridging technical architecture and functional business needs, with proven expertise in Azure and AWS platforms, cross-platform systems (Linux/Windows

Security Clearance: Level 11 (Secret), valid through 2028-09-26.

Technical Skills

Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure ML, Azure Databricks

Programming: Java, .NET/C#, Node.js, Angular, React

Database: MS SQL, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL

Containers & Microservices: Docker, Kubernetes, Tanzu (PCF), Microservice Architecture

DevOps Tools: Azure DevOps, Jenkins, Git, Terraform

Collaboration Tools: Microsoft SharePoint (Online & On-Premises), Confluence, Jira

Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft PowerPoint, TOGAF

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics & Physics) University of Karachi

Certifications:

AWS Certified Solution Architect - Associate

Certified Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)

Certified Microsoft Azure Solution Architect Expert (AZ-303/304)

Certified Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500)

IBM Certified System Administrator –AIX 7

HP Certified IT Professional for HP-UX

SUN Certified Systems Administrator for Solaris

Completed Corporate Training for VMware VCP 5.0

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentoring: Experience managing teams, providing guidance, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Communication: Strong communicator with experience presenting complex technical concepts to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Public Sector & Large Enterprise Experience

Collaborated with enterprise architecture governance teams in the public sector and large-scale enterprises, ensuring IT solutions adhered to organizational policies, frameworks, and architectural standards.

Professional Experience

National Defense/Government of Canada March 2024

Azure Solution Architect/ Technology Architect

Designed and implemented AI-driven solutions using Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks, and Azure Synapse Analytics to optimize cloud architecture, automate workflows, and enable predictive analytics. Architected and deployed scalable Azure-based AI solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high availability and performance. Led a team of 5 product managers to develop and launch a new SaaS product, managing a $100M+ portfolio. Improved the Digital Signage project through proactive planning analysis and assisted in implementing disaster recovery strategies for mission-critical applications.

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Spearheaded the design and deployment of solutions utilizing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, with primary focus on Azure environments

Applied TOGAF’s ADM (Architecture Development Method) to successfully guide the architecture lifecycle for large-scale systems within Defense, ensuring seamless integration, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

Provided leadership in architecting and delivering solutions based on microservice architecture, leveraging containerized platforms to enhance scalability and reliability.

Directed implementation of robust cloud security measures, ensuring that all cloud-based workloads adhered to security best practices and were resilient against evolving cyber threats.

Led the end-to-end architecture of hybrid solutions, integrating on-premises data centers with multi-cloud providers to ensure seamless deployment and interoperability.

Assessed and evaluated diverse cloud service offerings, providing tailored recommendations to align with organizational objectives and optimize operational efficiency.

Designed and implemented scalable ML architectures integrated with enterprise data platforms (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, Azure/AWS/GCP).

Led cross-functional teams to develop and productionize LLM-based applications, including chatbots, summarization engines, and knowledge retrieval systems.

Architected and implemented scalable big data solutions on cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) to support advanced analytics and real-time data processing.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Engineered scalable solutions using microservice architecture principles on container platforms, ensuring modularity and ease of deployment.

Architected cloud-native solutions specifically designed for Tanzu (formerly Pivotal Cloud Foundry), optimizing performance and resource utilization.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Served as an architect within Agile delivery teams, ensuring solution designs met both business and technical objectives.

Collaborated closely with cross-functional delivery teams to provide architectural leadership and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Led technical teams in the successful delivery of enterprise-grade solutions, overseeing all aspects of the technical implementation.

Technology

Administered systems running on both Windows and Linux operating systems, ensuring optimal performance and security compliance.

Managed relational databases utilizing MS SQL, Azure SQL, and PostgreSQL, ensuring high availability and scalability.

Designed and implemented cloud networking solutions, including setup of Virtual Networks (V-Nets), subnets, network peering, and deployment of Web Application Firewalls.

Designed end-to-end data pipelines using cloud-native tools (e.g., AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, GCP Dataflow), ensuring seamless data ingestion, transformation, and storage.

Public Sector / Large Enterprise Organization Experience

Participated in enterprise architecture governance processes within Public Sector and large-scale enterprise environments, ensuring compliance with architectural standards.

Ensured all solutions adhered to IT policies, including frameworks like GO ITS standards, during design and implementation phases.

Soft Skills

Applied strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex technical challenges and deliver effective solutions.

Canada Border Service Agency / Government of Canada Nov 2022 - Feb 2024

Lead Solution Architect/ Application Architect

Managed the overall cloud migration program, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives, securing budgets, resolving conflicts, and coordinating resources for optimal outcomes. Led a remote team of eight architects and provided technical guidance to teams of up to twelve, including testers, analysts, and developers, ensuring high-quality deliverables. Architected applications integrated with legacy systems, achieving a 90% business growth, and developed data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, and Azure Data Storage to handle structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. .

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Delivered end-to-end cloud solutions leveraging Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, with a primary focus on Azure environments to support enterprise-level workloads.

Led initiatives to adopt microservice architecture, deploying solutions using containerized platforms to improve modularity and operational efficiency.

Directed implementation of proactive cloud security strategies, ensuring protection of cloud-hosted workloads against potential vulnerabilities and external threats.

Designed and guided the architecture of hybrid cloud environments, integrating on-premises systems with multiple cloud platforms to enable seamless interoperability.

Led the development and implementation of enterprise architecture frameworks in compliance with TOGAF, optimizing the design and deployment of complex IT solutions for the Canada Border Services Agency.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Created and deployed scalable solutions using microservice architecture principles, delivered through robust container platforms for optimized application lifecycle management.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Functioned as a key architect within Agile development teams, ensuring solution designs adhered to evolving business and technical requirements.

Collaborated directly with project delivery teams, offering leadership and technical guidance to support efficient solution design and successful project delivery.

Supervised technical teams in delivering complex projects, ensuring all aspects of solution delivery met established architecture standards.

Technology

Managed system configurations and performance optimization for both Windows and Linux operating systems to support diverse enterprise environments.

Administered relational databases including MS SQL, Azure SQL, and PostgreSQL, ensuring data integrity, scalability, and availability.

Designed comprehensive cloud networking solutions, including deployment of Virtual Networks (V-Nets), subnets, network peering, and configuration of Web Application Firewalls.

Led cross-functional teams to develop and productionize LLM-based applications, including chatbots, summarization engines, and knowledge retrieval systems.

Advised C-level stakeholders on ML/LLM strategy, aligning advanced AI capabilities with business goals and regulatory frameworks.

Led the migration of legacy on-premise data infrastructure to a modern, cloud-based big data ecosystem, improving performance and reducing operational costs.

Public Sector / Large Enterprise Organization Experience

Participated in enterprise-wide architecture governance within the Public Sector and large organizational environments, ensuring alignment with established IT policies and frameworks.

Soft Skills

Utilized strong problem-solving capabilities and excellent communication skills to ensure smooth project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.

Accenture Canada (CMHC & TELUS Project), Canada Dec 2020 – Nov 2022

Application Architect

Managed and guided application migrations to public cloud environments using Optimization, Modernization, and Self-migrate strategies, while developing enterprise architectural blueprints and documentation. Led a team of 7 on-site architects and 10 offshore engineers, collaborating with clients, business analysts, and DevOps teams to define project requirements and troubleshoot cloud issues. . Possessed strong knowledge of architectural frameworks like TOGAF, Zachman, and FEA, integrating agile and waterfall methodologies. Provided technical support for Remedy, collaborated on Big Data cloud operations, and ensured successful project delivery, including patching, upgrades, and DR testing.

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Engineered and deployed enterprise-grade solutions on public cloud platforms, leveraging Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, primarily within Azure environments.

Assessed and compared various cloud service offerings, recommending optimal solutions aligned with organizational priorities and long-term scalability.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Designed distributed application solutions utilizing microservice principles and deployed them on container orchestration platforms to ensure high availability and scalability.

Oversaw delivery of complex, multi-solution programs by standardizing microservice architecture across integrated platforms, ensuring consistent and scalable delivery across program components.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Operated as a key solution architect within Agile teams, ensuring all architectural components adhered to evolving business requirements and technical best practices.

Collaborated closely with cross-functional delivery teams, offering architectural leadership and guidance throughout the solution development lifecycle.

Technology

Managed systems administration and performance tuning for both Windows and Linux operating environments.

Administered and maintained relational database solutions using MS SQL, Azure SQL, and PostgreSQL, ensuring data consistency and system resilience.

Soft Skills

Authored comprehensive technical documentation, detailing solution designs, processes, and configurations.

Shared Services Canada/Government of Canada Mar 2019 – Nov 2020

Application Architect

Communicated target architectural plans and company roadmaps across departments, providing customers with Business Productivity Infrastructure Optimization strategies and best practice recommendations, and authored key documents including Interoperability & Portability - Multi-Cloud Technical Guidance and Disaster Recovery solutions for SSC partners. Hardware Management Consoles (HMC) for redundancy, administered AIX/Linux systems for issue resolution and recovery, enforced system security policies and collaborated with IBM engineers to resolve network and SAN switch connectivity issues.

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Spearheaded the design and deployment of cloud-based solutions using Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings, with extensive experience in Azure environments.

Provided strategic leadership in implementing microservice-based solutions, utilizing container platforms to support scalable and modular application delivery.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Designed scalable, containerized applications based on microservice architecture, ensuring seamless deployment and maintainability.

Managed the delivery of large-scale programs leveraging microservice frameworks and standardized platform components to deliver cohesive, integrated solutions across multiple teams.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Served as a solution architect applying Agile methodologies, contributing to iterative development cycles, and ensuring architectural alignment.

Guided technical teams in delivering end-to-end solutions, offering leadership to ensure architectural consistency and adherence to technical standards.

Technology

Delivered solutions for diverse platforms including Mid-Tier systems and Mobile applications, ensuring cross-platform compatibility.

Administered and optimized databases utilizing MS SQL, Azure SQL, and PostgreSQL, ensuring reliability and data integrity.

Public Sector / Large Enterprise Organization Experience

Participated in architecture governance processes within the Public Sector and large-scale enterprises, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

Soft Skills

Exercised sound decision-making and negotiation skills to align project goals with stakeholder expectations and organizational objectives.

Deloitte, Canada Nov 2018 – Feb 2019

Technology Architect

Possess advanced experience with Hortonworks Data Platform (HDP) and strong knowledge of Hadoop distributions like Cloudera Distribution of Hadoop (CDH). Skilled in installing, configuring, and managing Hadoop ecosystem components including HDFS, Yarn, MapReduce, HBase, Oozie, Hive, Sqoop, Pig, Flume, Smart Sense, Storm, Kafka, Ranger, Falcon, and Knox. Experienced in securing Hadoop clusters using Kerberos, TLS/SSL, and Active Directory (AD) integration, ensuring compliance with security requirements.

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Delivered enterprise cloud solutions leveraging Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, with a focus on Azure-based deployments.

Provided strategic recommendations on selecting appropriate cloud service models, aligning technology choices with business needs.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Engineered cloud-native solutions using microservices principles, ensuring modularity and ease of maintenance through container platforms.

Oversaw delivery of large-scale programs built on microservice frameworks, coordinating across multiple projects to ensure cohesive platform usage.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Functioned as an architect within Agile delivery teams, facilitating iterative solution development aligned with architectural standards.

Technology

Configured, maintained, and optimized servers running on both Windows and Linux operating systems.

Managed and administered relational databases utilizing MS SQL, Azure SQL, and PostgreSQL, ensuring data availability and security.

Soft Skills

Communicated effectively with technical teams and business stakeholders, utilizing excellent verbal, written, and negotiation skills to achieve alignment and clarity.

IBM Canada – TD EFAP & RBC DICE Project, Canada Feb 2017 - Sep 2018

Technical Consultant

Successfully delivered 5+ Infrastructure and remediation projects valued between $ 1M-$5M, ensuring compliance with ITIL policies while managing a team of 20 members. Provided technical leadership on Big Data strategy, architecture, data engineering, and modeling, and continuously optimized Hadoop/Spark-based solutions for performance. Led a team of 25 onshore and offshore consultants, offering technical guidance, and collaborated with the Change Management team to schedule and approve changes. Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Designed and deployed cloud-based solutions utilizing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), with extensive experience in Azure environments.

Microservice Architecture / Container Solutions Delivery

Architected cloud-native solutions based on microservices design patterns, ensuring deployment readiness on container platforms.

Managed large-scale solution portfolios utilizing common microservice frameworks, ensuring consistent delivery across integrated program streams.

Agile Software Delivery & DevOps

Acted as a solution architect within Agile delivery teams, guiding design decisions in alignment with iterative project cycles.

Worked alongside development teams, embedding architectural guidance to ensure cohesive solution design and delivery.

Provided technical leadership to project teams, overseeing delivery of end-to-end solutions and ensuring adherence to architectural standards.

Technology

Managed and configured systems based on Windows and Linux operating systems, supporting enterprise-level deployments.

Deployed and supported Microsoft SharePoint Online and on-premises SharePoint environments to facilitate collaboration and content management.

Soft Skills

Applied critical thinking and problem-solving expertise to resolve technical challenges efficiently.

CGI Canada Oct 2012 – Apr 2014

Senior IT Consultant

Major clients for CIBC-Melon and CGIC (Co-operators General Insurance Company). Managed Big Data framework (HDFS, MapReduce, Hive, Base), have a good understanding of distributed system concepts and design.

Solutions & Cloud Architecture

Delivered solutions on public cloud platforms by utilizing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, with substantial hands-on experience in Azure environments.

IBM Canada (Consultant) Loblaw’s Jan 2010 – Sep 2012

Technical Infrastructure Lead

Queue Manager for IPDS UNIX team, managed all problem tickets & service request queues, executed change controls, routine & and incident support over 1200 IBM AIX servers. Led a team of 12 onshore and 15 offshore UNIX administrators

Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) Toronto, Canada Jul 2009 – Dec 2009

Technical Lead

Built AIX/Sun/HP-UX servers from scratch according to CSC standards and delivered them promptly.

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