Senior Systems Engineer Cloud & On-Prem IT Infrastructure

Akif Qadeer

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

Phone: 732-***-****

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akif-qadeer-52290a22b/

Work Authorization: US Citizen.

Education: Kean University

Professional Summary:

Seasoned System Engineer with a proven track record in designing, deploying, and

optimizing enterprise-level systems. Expert in cloud infrastructure management across

AWS, GCP, and Azure environments. Proficient in managing organizational network

systems, ensuring data security, and maintaining high performance. Results-oriented and

driven to improve system operations through scalable solutions that meet future

demands. Expertise in installing, configuring, and supporting network and internal

systems, with a keen ability to troubleshoot and trace faults. Known for maintaining

infrastructure that adapts to changing business needs. Provide expert advice and training

to users, ensuring seamless system management. Committed to staying ahead of emerging

technologies and best practices. Detail-oriented and reliable, consistently taking on

challenges and prioritizing tasks to drive team success and Linux Engineer with solid background installing, configuring and supporting network and internal systems. Verify operations and trace faults with skilled testing and troubleshooting. Thrive under pressure to keep systems optimized and user-friendly.

KEY SKILLS:

●Linux Server Administration

●Windows Server Management

● Virtualization

● VMware,Hyper-V

● Cloud, Infrastructure (AWS,Azure)

● Network Configuration & Security

● Server Performance Monitoring

● Active Directory Administration

●Backup & Disaster Recovery

● Shell Scripting (Bash,PowerShell)

● Configuration Management(Ansible)

● Patch Management Strategies,

● Database Server Maintenance

● Storage Management(SAN/NAS)

● Kubernetes & Docker Orchestration

● Identity Access Management

● System Performance Optimization

● Firewall & Security Configurations

● Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

●, IT Automation Solutions

Endpoint Management Systems.

Work Experience:

System Engineer

IEEE (Piscataway, NJ, 08854)(Hybrid), Sep 2024- Current

●Designed, implemented, and managed VMware infrastructure upgrades across environments.

●Performed vSphere upgrades to version 8.0.3 and ESXi 8.0, improving system performance.

●Managed VMware environments in compliance with Oracle licensing requirements.

●Set up vCenter Server for centralized management of vSphere environments.

●Configured virtual networks, storage solutions, and security policies for systems.

●Applied updates and patches to ESXi hosts and vCenter Servers.

●Administered hybrid cloud solutions integration with Azure, optimizing workloads.

●Created, deployed, and managed virtual machines (VMs) for operational efficiency.

●Optimized server resources, including CPU, memory, and storage allocation.

●Administered and maintained Cisco UCS servers and SAN storage solutions.

●Integrated Cisco ACI Spine and Leaf SDDC architecture for optimized networking.

●Automated tasks with Ansible and Bash scripts to improve operational efficiency.

●NFS management - take care of user accounts/groups, setting up of NFS environment

●Transferring files from one system to another using FTP and SFTP

●Monitoring server performance and troubleshooting server related problems to SNMP

●Configured and maintained SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) and other modules for monitoring Linux-based infrastructure.

●Integrated Linux servers with SolarWinds using SNMP, ICMP, and agent-based monitoring for system performance, disk usage, and service availability.

●Creating and maintaining user accounts, profiles, and security rights

●Installation, configuration, and maintenance of web servers, application servers, and database servers on Linux Servers.

●Scanning for vulnerability using Nexus tangible scanner

●Applying CIS benchmarks to meet compliance

●Installing and configuring version control tool git

●Created and managed repository on git as well as in the OS

●Used github to manage and deploy ansible playbooks across the environment

●Installed and configured different client tools such as oracle client, db2 client, send mail, etc.

●Provisioning configuring and performing patch management on linux Rhel 8 and 9 versions, as well as esxi hosts and rocky linux

●Work Experience as a member of AWS Build Team.

●Setup and manage EBS Volumes and EIP to EC2 Instances.

●Designed AMI images of EC2 Instances by employing AWS CLI and GUI.

●Created and Managed User Accounts, Log Management, Shared Folders, Reporting, Group Policy Restrictions, etc.

●Responsible for troubleshooting various network problems, system problems like Core Dump Analysis.

●Infrastructure Development on AWS

Infrastructure Engineer

AT&T (DXC Technology)(Remote), Apr 2023 - Aug 2024

●Managed data server maintenance by coordinating hardware replacements, obtaining approved downtime from clients, and initiating change management procedures through formal change ticket submissions.

●Provided 24/7 on-call support for server infrastructure as part of a rotational schedule, ensuring rapid response and resolution to critical system issues.

●Managed daily support tickets prioritized by severity levels, ensuring timely resolution in alignment with defined (SLAs)

●Administration, Installation, Configuration, troubleshooting and Performance tuning of Linux distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, KVM, SUSE Linux Enterprises, Ubuntu, Fedora and Windows Servers.

●Configured Puppet servers and puppet agent to automated different configuration on servers

●Configured and managed NVIDIA GPU drivers and CUDA toolkit on Linux servers to support AI/ML workloads and high-performance computing applications.

●Performed root cause analysis using SolarWinds performance metrics and historical data for Linux-based services.

●Deployed and optimized GPU-accelerated Docker containers for TensorFlow and PyTorch workloads using NVIDIA Container Toolkit (nvidia-docker).

●Configured and managed network interfaces on Ubuntu servers using Netplan to support static IP, VLANs, and bonded interfaces in production environments.

●Migrated legacy ifupdown configurations to Netplan YAML format, ensuring seamless network connectivity during OS upgrades.

●Automated Netplan deployments and validations using Ansible playbooks to maintain consistent network settings across multiple servers.

●Monitored and troubleshot GPU resource utilization using nvidia-smi and integrated metrics into Prometheus/Grafana dashboards for performance analysis.

●Experienced in to deploy automated tasks and installing/upgrading software to different servers

●Designed and architected scalable cloud solutions with AWS services such as EC2, EKS, RDS, and Lambda to ensure cost-efficiency, resilience, and optimal application performance.

●Configured and maintained ESXi hosts and vCenter environments, deploying VMs across platforms like Red Hat, CentOS, and Windows Server. Led server virtualization projects to improve flexibility and lower operating costs.

●Implemented storage configurations, including RDMs, VMDKs, and LVMs, in VMware and Linux environments. Established VLANs and network trust relationships to optimize interoperability.

●Created and optimized automated CI/CD workflows using Jenkins to streamline development processes, reduce manual effort, and speed up delivery timelines.

●Scripted automation tools and processes for tasks such as backups and monitoring, improving execution efficiency and ensuring consistent system performance.

●Introduced HashiCorp Vault to manage secrets securely, enhancing the overall security framework for both cloud and on-premises operations.

●Performed security updates and patch management for Linux, AIX, Solaris, and Windows systems using Lumension and GFI LanGuard, ensuring systems were up-to-date and compliant with industry standards.

●Upgraded monitoring capabilities by transitioning from Nagios Core to Nagios XI Enterprise, building custom plugins and integrating with ticketing platforms for proactive issue detection and resolution.

Infrastructure Engineer

Sonepar USA (Hamilton Township, NJ, 08691)(Remote), Mar 2022 - Mar 2023

●Worked with vendors and security architects to integrate vendor solutions into the system.

●Automated tasks for RHEL 7, 8, 9 using RedHat Satellite and Ansible.

●Performed security scans and resolved vulnerabilities in RHEL environments.

●Integrated Linux servers with Active Directory for improved authentication.

●Led SSD-based storage implementation, improving system responsiveness by 30%.

●Managed Linux VMs and services on Azure, optimizing cloud resource allocation.

●Utilized Ansible playbooks to ensure alignment with security standards.

●Wrote, debugged, and maintained automation scripts as needed using provisioning and configuring RHEL 7, 8, 9 virtual and physical servers

●Patched and updated RHEL 7.8 and 9

●Experienced with Veeam backup solution for data protection and disaster recovery

●Used Red Hat satellite and Ansible to automate tasks for RHEL 7, 8, and 9

●Performed security scans and resolved vulnerabilities on RHEL 7, 8, and 9

●Successfully integrated Linux servers with Active Directory, improving user management and authentication processes

●Led the implementation of SSD-based storage solutions, resulting in a 30% improvement in system responsiveness

●Implemented Kerberos authentication across the enterprise, enhancing security measures and ensuring secure user access

●Utilized IPAM (DDI) management tools to efficiently manage IP addresses, DNS, and DHCP configurations

●Managed SMTP servers, ensuring smooth email communication and troubleshooting any issues that arose

●Assisted in managing SMTP servers, ensuring the smooth flow of email communication and resolving any related issues

●Implemented Kerberos authentication for secure user access.

●Collaborated in configuring IBM MQ 9.2 on Linux and Windows environments.

●Managed IPAM (DDI) for DNS, DHCP, and IP address configurations.

●Worked with the Vulnerability Management Team to remediate system vulnerabilities.

●Played a key role in system migrations and infrastructure optimizations

Systems Admin

Citizen Bank, Nov 2017 - Jan 2022, (Providence Rhode Island) (Remote)

●Oversaw and evaluate global transaction monitoring alerts and suspicious activity reports (SARs), ensuring prompt detection and resolution of potential financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and sanctions breaches.

●Reviewed alerts generated by monitoring tools, escalating critical cases to senior leadership with actionable insights for mitigating risks.

●Designed and executed compliance frameworks by defining thresholds, establishing risk metrics, and implementing daily monitoring guidelines for transaction screening processes.

●Trained and mentored junior analysts and quality assurance teams to ensure high standards in case investigations and compliance reviews.

●Prepared and delivered management reports highlighting trends, emerging risks, and financial crime patterns, supporting strategic compliance and risk management decisions.

●Installed, configured, and maintained Solaris 10 servers integrated with Veritas Volume Manager (5.0) and Veritas Cluster Server (5.1) to enhance system reliability and redundancy.

●Deployed and configured Oracle WebLogic 10/11g instances, supporting the rollout of JAR and WAR files in development environments.

●Managed and optimized storage volumes using Veritas Volume Manager, Solaris Volume Manager, and Logical Volume Manager (LVM) in Linux environments, ensuring efficient disk utilization and redundancy.

●Configured and maintained ZFS file systems on Solaris 10 servers and implemented RAID configurations (0, 1, 5) using Veritas Volume Manager to boost data management and system performance.

●Performed operating system upgrades, applied security patches, and managed package installations to keep systems secure and up-to-date.

●Designed and deployed large-scale server environments using Ansible Automation Platform (AAP), Red Hat

●Satellite, and advanced Ansible playbooks, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.

●Architected scalable hybrid cloud and on-premises solutions utilizing AWS (EC2, S3, RDS, EKS), VMware, Hyper

●V, and Azure DevOps, ensuring compliance with industry standards and disaster recovery best practices.

●Automated infrastructure provisioning, including virtual machines and containerized microservices with Kubernetes

●and Docker, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency.

●Installed, configured, and optimized Red Hat Linux, Solaris, and Windows environments, deploying OSes via

●Kickstart, Jumpstart, and VMware tools for over 100 servers.

●Configured and maintained critical infrastructure services (Apache, DNS, DHCP, FTP) and managed CI/CD

●pipelines using AWS CodeBuild, CodeDeploy, Terraform, and Git for streamlined deployments.

●Migrated and enhanced monitoring systems (Nagios, Zabbix, Splunk, Elastic Stack), developing custom plugins

●and integrations to optimize observability and system performance.

●Designed, implemented, and maintained Oracle databases and enterprise storage solutions with Veritas Volume

●Manager and VMware data stores, ensuring secure and efficient data management.

●Designed and implemented IBM AIX backup strategies through NIM servers, optimizing recovery times and

●ensuring high availability of critical production systems.

●Collaborated with cross-functional teams in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions and

●ensure seamless integration across infrastructure, application, and security layers.

●Worked with development teams to integrate and automate infrastructure components using RESTful APIs,

●improving system interoperability and efficiency.

Systems Administrator

ESPN, Feb 2014 - Sep 2017, (Hartford, CT )(Remote)

●Installed and configured Red Hat Linux servers using kickstart and Tivoli Process Manager.

●Administered Veritas Cluster Servers for redundancy and high availability.

●Configured ASM devices and installed Oracle packages for database servers.

●Managed storage using Veritas Volume Manager and LVM for disk management.

●Supported business-critical applications like TIBCO, MQ, and Websphere.

●Managing disk storage using Veritas Volume Manager 4.1/5.x/6.x, Linux LVM, and Solaris Volume Manager

●Upgrading Veritas Volume Manager from 4.1 to 5.0

●Installing HBA drivers, firmware, and Powerpath software in Production, Development, and QA servers

●Managing data backup and recovery operations using Veritas Netbackup

●Configured volume groups and logical volumes, extended logical volumes for file system growth using Logical Volume Management (LVM) commands

●Coordinating with Tivoli team for setting automated alerts which include OS-related alerts and application alerts

●Configuring ASM devices and installing ORACLE packages for database setup and supporting the servers running ORACLE RAC clusters

●Led patch management processes to maintain server security and compliance.

●Performed root cause analysis for technical issues and implemented solutions.

●Worked with Tivoli and NetBackup tools for backup and recovery operations.

●Coordinated with cross-functional teams for system upgrades and migrations.

●Developed and applied scripts for automating various administrative tasks.

●Administered Solaris and Linux servers, ensuring high-performance operations.

●Managed user accounts and groups, following organizational security protocols.

Junior System Administrator,

HSBC, Nov 2012 - Jan 2014,( New York,NewYork)(Remote)

●Performed system administration tasks for Red Hat Linux servers.

●Supported network, server, and data center environments through NOC duties.

●Utilized Nagios for monitoring and troubleshooting UNIX systems.

●Created and maintained system documentation, including procedures and knowledge base.

●Ensured efficient user account management and access control.

●Applied patching and updates on Linux servers using YUM repository.

●Supported disk management and handled hardware issues in server environments.

●Provided 24/7 support for system and network issues, ensuring minimal downtime.

●Assisted with incident response and troubleshooting of server-related issues.

●Managed system resources, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.

●Monitored server health and addressed any hardware failures or performance issues.

●Worked collaboratively with teams to resolve complex technical problems.

Operating Systems:

●Expert in Linux Redhat (5, 6, 7,8 and 9), centos, ubuntu, Suse linux

●Expert in VMWARE ESX 5.5 6.5, 6.7, 7.0, 8

●Expert in SAN Storages like Dell Compellent SC4020, EMC VMX and VMAX, Netapp. Power Maxx

●Intermediate Skills in IBM AIX 6.0 and Solaris

Hardware:

●Dell PowerEdge series servers R710, 610 R410 R820 R730and R940

●HP Blade G7, G8, G9, ProLiant DL380, DL480 and superdome servers.

●IBM P6, P7.

●Solaris Sunsparc T2550 and M3000.

●Cisco UCS Blades

●Cisco Nexus switches, iSCSI and Fiber Channel Switches.

●SAN STORAGES: Dell Compellent, EMC VMX, VMAX, Netapp Filers.

Programming:

● Shell Scripting, python, power shell, bash, yaml

Networking:

●TCP/IP Configurations, DNS servers Setup, NFS Shares, SSH Tunneling, Firewalls, DHCP Server setup, Managing Certificates, creating VLANS, Network models 1Pv4/1Pv6

Tools and Software:

●MONITORING: Ganglia,, Nagios core, NagiosXI, Splunk, Dell OME, Zabbix, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack

●CLOUD: Azure, vmware cloud, Amazon AWS, google cloud platform, ibm cloud

●PATCHING: IBM Bigfix, Redhat Satellite server using ansible and subscription manager

●BACKUP: NetBackup, Veeam, Rubrix, snapshot, OS copy, AWS backup

●AUTHENTICATION TOOLS: Active Directory, Centrify, LDAP, Fisher.

●TICKET TOOLS: ITSM, Blackboard. ServiceNow, Moogsoft and Jira, leankit,remedy

●AUTOMATION AND DEPLOYMENT: Ansible, Puppet, Red Hat Satellite Server, Cisco USC . Foreman, Ansible tower, AWX,Vrealize, Docker, OpenShift

●Misc. Tools: Vmware, vmware business for cloud. Veritas Volume Manager.

Certifications:

●AWS Solution Architect (Associate)

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