Sd-Wan Network Engineer

Hardik Shah Contact: +91-954******* Email: ******.*@****.***

Date of Birth: 13th November 1987 Passport: T3785427 Senior Network Design & Implementation Engineer

12+ years of global experience in enterprise-grade network design, deployment, and operations across data centers, WAN/SD-WAN, security, and cloud environments. Professional Summary

Seasoned network engineer with proven expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing high- performance, secure, and scalable network infrastructure. Strong track record of delivering mission-critical projects using technologies such as Cisco Nexus, Aruba EdgeConnect, FortiGate/Palo Alto firewalls, and Meraki. Adept in hybrid networking, SD-WAN, and cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS) with a focus on reliability, automation, and proactive monitoring. Skills Matrix

Domain Technologies/Tools

Core Networking Cisco Nexus 7700, Catalyst, vPC, HSRP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, QoS, STP SD-WAN Aruba EdgeConnect, Cisco Viptela, Meraki SD-WAN Security Palo Alto NGFW, FortiGate, VPNs, GlobalProtect, HA Clusters, ACLs, Zone Policies

Cloud Networking Azure (VNET, ExpressRoute, Firewall, VPN Gateway), AWS basic networking

Monitoring Zabbix, ManageEngine OpManager, SNMPv3, NetFlow, Syslog Protocols VLAN, VTP, VXLAN, DHCP, DNS, NTP, AAA, TACACS+, Multicast Availability &

Upgrades

ISSU, BIOS upgrades, firmware lifecycle management Documentation HLD, LLD, Change Management, SOPs, Risk Assessments Soft Skills Leadership, Mentorship, Vendor Management, Cross-functional Collaboration

Professional Experience

Encora Inc. Manager, Network Engineering

Client: Guggenheim Partners

June 2025 – Present

• Designed, architected, and implemented enterprise-grade network infrastructure across data centers, campus LANs, WAN, and cloud environments.

• Led full lifecycle deployment of Cisco Nexus 7700 series core switches, including vPC setup, dual supervisor configurations, and ISSU-based software upgrades with BIOS maintenance.

• Architected and deployed secure perimeter networks using FortiGate Next-Gen Firewalls, including advanced security profiles, IPSec/SSL VPNs, and high availability (HA) configurations.

• Planned and executed global SD-WAN rollouts using Aruba EdgeConnect, integrating multiple WAN transports, HA links, path conditioning, and intelligent routing policies.

• Performed complex network migrations, including firmware upgrades, multi-phase cutovers, and low-to-zero-downtime transitions across production environments.

• Conducted network assessments, capacity planning, and scalability analysis, aligning infrastructure growth with business needs.

• Integrated and managed Meraki cloud-managed infrastructure, including switches, wireless access points, and security appliances, ensuring seamless branch deployments and centralized visibility.

• Deployed network monitoring and alerting systems using Zabbix, ManageEngine OpManager, and SNMPv3, enabling real-time performance insights and proactive troubleshooting.

• Created and maintained detailed network design documentation, including HLD, LLD, change management plans (CMs), risk/impact assessments, and rollback procedures.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams including server, cloud, application, and security teams to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions.

• Provided Tier-3 escalation support, conducted root cause analysis, and led recovery efforts during critical outages and performance degradations.

• Mentored junior engineers, delivered technical training and KT sessions, and maintained a robust knowledge base and SOP documentation.

• Actively evaluating emerging technologies such as Cloud Networking, SASE, Zero Trust, and AIOps for future-state network transformation strategies. Transparent Value Pvt Ltd. C/o Guggenheim Partners Network Manager Nov 2016 – June 2025

• Maintained a secure, scalable enterprise network infrastructure with 99.99% uptime, leading a team of 4 network engineers.

• Oversaw multiple large-scale network upgrade projects, enhancing data throughput and overall connectivity.

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of service delivery and data center operations, ensuring SLA adherence.

• Provided high-level technical support, managing critical incidents and maintaining high end-user satisfaction.

• Created and maintained comprehensive network documentation, including High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD).

• Played a pivotal role in the Spine and Leaf architecture deployment for next-generation data center infrastructure.

• Managed and maintained enterprise wireless networks, ensuring seamless connectivity across the organization.

• Administered Fortinet Firewalls, implementing robust security policies to safeguard organizational assets.

• Architected secure network solutions, ensuring compliance with internal and external security standards.

• Oversaw complete network operations, including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and daily operations.

• Managed Azure cloud infrastructure, including VNET, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, Load Balancer, and VPN Gateway, ensuring performance and cost-efficiency.

• Continuously monitored resource health and utilization to optimize Azure infrastructure costs.

• Configured Meraki Auto VPN and site-to-site VPNs for secure and resilient inter-branch communication.

• Led the Meraki SD-WAN deployment project, rolling out Meraki devices across all branch locations.

• Hands-on experience with Cisco Viptela SD-WAN components, including vEdge, vBond, vManage, and vSmart.

• Expertise in routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and overlay protocols like OMP, DMVPN, and GRE.

ZTE India (via TeamLease) Senior Associate (Client: Reliance, TATA) May 2016 – Nov 2016

• Managed MPLS core network services using Cisco 7600 Series PE routers.

• Configured Cisco 7600 PE routers for Internet access, MPLS Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN), and Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) services.

• Worked with ZTE equipment for routing and Layer 2 switching operations.

• Configured site-to-site and remote access VPN tunnels across enterprise and service provider environments.

• Performed advanced routing issue troubleshooting, ensuring minimal service disruption.

• Executed change requests following ITIL processes for planned network modifications. HCL Technologies Ltd. Sr. Specialist Network Data May 2015 – May 2016

• Handled Sev-1 and Sev-2 incidents, ensuring quick turnaround and business continuity.

• Managed core infrastructure using Cisco Nexus 7000 Series switches.

• Administered access layer network with Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switches.

• Oversaw WAN connectivity leveraging Cisco ASR 1006 routers.

• Configured and maintained BGP routing for internet connectivity.

• Managed WAN routing using OSPF and BGP protocols.

• Implemented Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic classification policies.

• Supported and maintained fiber-optic network connectivity.

• Configured and managed F5 Load Balancers to distribute traffic based on client requirements.

• Utilized Cisco 6500 Series switches for enterprise-level network management.

• Used Cisco 2900 Series ISR G2 routers as terminal servers for console access across the network.

• Ensured device redundancy and link failover to maintain maximum uptime.

• Maintained and monitored redundant Internet and WAN point-to-point links.

• Created and managed Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances as per client design.

• Troubleshot complex data plane and control plane issues across the enterprise network. NR Switch-N-Radio Services Pvt. Ltd. IP/MPLS Engineer (MTS) Nov 2014 – May 2015

• Led performance reviews and held team members accountable for delivering on defined responsibilities, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

• Provided technical guidance and strategic input to the MPLS Network Team, enabling efficient problem resolution and architecture optimization.

• Developed and enforced standardized network configurations and policies to maintain consistency and system integrity across all infrastructure components.

• Delivered comprehensive High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD) for new network projects and implementations.

• Managed network upgrades, migrations, and operational tasks, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal resource allocation.

• Conducted ongoing assessments of emerging technologies and best practices to future- proof the organization’s network architecture.

• Maintained detailed network documentation, including topology maps, configuration baselines, and knowledge-transfer guides to support team onboarding and cross-training efforts.

Agrobytes IT Services Pvt. Ltd. Network Engineer Jan 2013 – June 2014

• Designed, configured, and managed complex switching environments to support enterprise network infrastructure.

• Maintained network routing using Dynamic (OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS) and Static Routing, along with Inter-VLAN Routing to ensure efficient traffic segmentation and flow.

• Proficient in configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches, including hands- on experience with Cisco 2950, 3500, and 3750 series switches.

• Implemented and managed Policy-Based Routing (PBR) to meet custom traffic engineering requirements.

• Resolved a broad range of network issues including routing inconsistencies, performance degradation, and hardware/software-related faults.

• Performed installation, configuration, and maintenance of Layer 2 and Layer 3 network devices in multi-vendor environments.

• Strong ability in network administration and performance tuning, with extensive experience diagnosing application conflicts and system bugs.

• Demonstrated deep understanding of TCP/IP protocol suite and related technologies for end-to-end network connectivity and troubleshooting.

• Ensured high network availability and resilience through proactive monitoring and fault isolation.

Wipro Ltd. Sr. Associate Network Support

Jan 2011 – Dec 2012

• Delivered technical support to customers, resolving diverse network-related issues across a range of devices, including Cisco, MikroTik, Maipu, Cyberoam, Linksys, and others.

• Monitored live network performance and uptime using Network Monitoring Systems (NMS) to ensure continuous service availability.

• Conducted troubleshooting of network faults, including connectivity, performance degradation, and device-level failures.

• Engaged with customers to understand their network design, identify performance gaps, and recommend or implement network optimization strategies.

• Proactively communicated with clients during outages or link failures, providing timely updates and driving issue resolution.

• Tracked network health metrics and proactively identified patterns to prevent future disruptions.

• Provided Estimated Time of Resolution (ETR) and escalated complex cases to Level 2 engineers when necessary.

• Maintained case documentation through emails and calls, ensuring all status updates and troubleshooting steps were clearly recorded.

• Shared Reason for Outage (RFO) reports with clients, offering transparency and technical insights post-resolution.

• Created and maintained technical documentation and knowledge base articles for internal reference.

• Delivered process training and mentoring to new team members to streamline onboarding and improve team efficiency.

Education

• Graduate Diploma in Electronics & Telecommunication – Apex Institute of Mgmt. & Tech., Nagpur (2013)

• HSC (Science), Amolakchand College, Yavatmal (2006)

• SSC, Free Methodist English High School, Yavatmal (2004) Certifications

• Silver Peak SD-WAN Professional

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Administrator (AZ-104), MCT

• Cisco CCIE Routing & Switching Written – Score: 979/1000 CCIE Lab Attempted

• Fortinet NSE1 and NSE2 Certified

• Diploma in Hardware and Networking – IIJT Infotech, Nagpur

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