Security-Focused AD Systems Engineer with 20+ Years Experience
Resume:
Richard Sharp
***** *** *** **, ********** Ohio *3040
************************@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sharp-3829b217/
Security-Focused Systems Engineer 20+ Years in IT Infrastructure & Troubleshooting
Professional Summary
Dedicated Active Directory Specialist with over 20 years of experience managing complex, multi-domain, multi-forest Active Directory (AD) environments. Expert in configuring domain controllers, implementing Zero Trust security models, and remediating security vulnerabilities to ensure compliance with banking and financial regulations (SOX, FFIEC). Proficient in PowerShell scripting for AD automation, Group Policy management, and schema extensions. Adept at collaborating with Cybersecurity and compliance teams to deliver secure, efficient AD infrastructures. Thrives in remote, fast-paced settings requiring hands-on troubleshooting and detailed documentation.
Professional Experience
Security Engineer (AD) Robert Half Technology Raymond, OH 07/2019 – Present
Configure and manage 70+ Windows Server domain controllers (2003-2022) in multi-domain, multi-forest AD environments, ensuring redundancy and operational efficiency.
Implement Zero Trust security models and CIS Benchmarks, collaborating with Cybersecurity teams to remediate vulnerabilities using Tenable.io, achieving compliance with NIST and SOX frameworks.
Extend AD schemas and raise AD forests to support complex enterprise needs, including ADFS and identity federation for secure access management.
Script PowerShell solutions for AD management (users, groups, GPOs, ACLs) and LAPS integration, streamlining security and access control processes.
Triage and resolve Level 3 AD incidents, including domain controller issues, Kerberos authentication, and LDAP integration, minimizing downtime.
Enhance AD monitoring and logging with Xymon and ServiceNow, ensuring audit-ready documentation for banking compliance (FFIEC, ISO 27001).
Lead AD migrations, forest refactoring, and DR testing, creating detailed run-books for small, collaborative teams.
Systems Engineer Assurance Group Services Inc. Dublin, OH 07/2018 – 07/2019
Managed Windows Server (2003-2016) AD environments, configuring Group Policies, DNS, and access controls for secure, multi-client operations.
Implemented security controls, including Fortigate firewalls and Tenable vulnerability scans, aligning with financial industry standards.
Automated AD tasks using PowerShell, improving efficiency in small-team settings.
Documented AD configurations and procedures, supporting compliance and audit requirements.
Systems Administrator Community Choice Financial Inc. Dublin, OH 10/2014 – 07/2018
Administered AD in Windows Server (2003-2016) and Linux environments, managing domain controllers, trusts, and Group Policies for a financial services firm.
Designed role-based access models and remediated security risks, ensuring compliance with SOX and PCI-DSS frameworks.
Scripted PowerShell and Bash solutions for AD automation, enhancing monitoring and access management.
Supported Exchange to O365 migrations, integrating Azure AD for identity management.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Equivalent Experience Kaplan University (2009)
Associates of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems Kaplan University (2003)
Technical Skills
Active Directory: Domain controllers, multi-forest environments, schema extensions, GPOs, ACLs, LAPS, ADFS, Kerberos, LDAP, SAML
Security: Zero Trust, CIS Benchmarks, Tenable.io, NIST, SOX, FFIEC, ISO 27001 compliance
Scripting: PowerShell (AD automation, security hardening), Bash
Servers: Windows Server 2003-2022, Linux (RedHat, CentOS)
Tools: ServiceNow, Xymon, Solarwinds, Fortigate firewalls
Virtualization: VMware 6/7, Hyper-V, ESXi
Backup/DR: NetBackup (3.4-8.1), Quest Rapid Recovery
Key Strengths
Expert in triaging and securing AD domain controllers in complex, regulated environments.
Proven ability to implement security best practices and compliance frameworks in banking/financial services.
Strong collaborator, delivering technical expertise and clear documentation to Cybersecurity and compliance teams.
Versatile problem-solver, adept at automating AD tasks and resolving incidents remotely.
Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.
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