Network & Security Engineer

Joshua Mathews

Network & Security Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT 84102 801-***-**** *******@***.*** SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Network and Security Engineer with a B.S. in Network Engineering and Security and hands-on experience architecting, securing, and automating enterprise infrastructure. Current responsibilities span firewall and network segmentation design, virtualization

(VMware, ESXi, Proxmox), monitoring (Grafana, Zabbix, Prometheus), and automation with Python, PowerShell, and Ansible. Builds on a decade of continuous, escalating IT and technical experience — from structured cabling and alarm-system installation to enterprise firewall administration and 100+ VM environments — backed by CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux Essentials certifications. Completed both an Associate's and Bachelor's degree entirely while working full-time, demonstrating exceptional discipline, time management, and follow-through. TECHNICAL SKILLS

Security & Networking: pfSense, Palo Alto Firewalls, OPNsense, GlobalProtect VPN, Network Segmentation & Access Control, Structured Cabling (Cat5e/Cat6, Coax), Low-Voltage & Alarm Systems, GNS3 Virtualization & Systems: VMware, ESXi, Proxmox, VirtualBox, Windows, Red Hat, Linux Automation & Monitoring: Python, PowerShell, Ansible, Chef, Puppet, Task Scheduler, Grafana, Zabbix, Prometheus, SQL Voice, Cloud & Programming: FreePBX, Cisco VoIP, Microsoft 365, NetSuite, Yardi, Java, C#, PHP, HTML/CSS, JavaScript PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Network Administrator / Cybersecurity Lead Diamond Ridge Development Group Dec 2024 – Present

• Architect and secure enterprise-level network infrastructure, ensuring high availability, resilience, and compliance with security best practices.

• Install and configure pfSense firewalls, Ubiquiti access points, Reolink camera systems, and Dell PowerEdge servers, implementing network segmentation, access control, and intrusion prevention.

• Manage cloud services (Microsoft 365, NetSuite, Yardi, Autodesk, Harvest), optimizing user access, license utilization, and security posture.

• Develop Python, Ansible, and PowerShell automation pipelines that collect operational metrics, reduce manual workload, and cut human error.

• Build SQL/Grafana dashboards to visualize performance and security metrics for leadership.

• Built a GNS3/VirtualBox sandbox environment for secure configuration testing and incident-response rehearsal. Truck Driver / Part-Time IT Support Standard Restaurant Supply Aug 2024 – Dec 2024

• Delivered commercial kitchen equipment across Utah and neighboring states while continuing part-time IT support duties for the organization.

• Resolved connectivity, configuration, and general IT issues for printers, phones, applications, and camera systems.

• Diagnosed and repaired PCs and troubleshot IPsec VPN tunnels to restore corporate-office connectivity. Systems & Network Administrator American Digital Systems, LLC Jan 2022 – Jun 2024

• Managed and maintained 100+ virtual machines across VMware, ESXi, Proxmox, and VirtualBox hypervisors, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.

• Deployed Zabbix, Prometheus, and Grafana for system monitoring, performance analytics, and predictive maintenance.

• Installed and configured Palo Alto and pfSense firewalls, implementing end-to-end network security, layered OSI monitoring, and traffic segmentation.

• Administered FreePBX and Cisco VoIP systems, maintaining reliable communications across distributed offices.

• Configured and maintained GlobalProtect and pfSense VPN tunnels for secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity.

• Provided 24/7 on-call support for critical infrastructure incidents, ensuring rapid response and minimal downtime.

• Authored SOPs and IT process frameworks that improved service delivery and operational consistency. Certified Alarm Technician / IT Support AAA Security May 2015 – May 2016

• Ran and terminated Cat6, coax, and low-voltage alarm cabling for residential and commercial installations.

• Installed, configured, and serviced security alarm systems as a Level 1 certified technician.

• Provided on-call IT and network troubleshooting support, building an early foundation in structured cabling and systems support.

Warehouse, Delivery & IT Support Standard Restaurant Supply / Arvesta Distribution CenterAug 2016 – Oct 2018

• Provided IT helpdesk and onsite network support alongside warehouse, delivery, and distribution duties.

• Operated company vehicles for interstate deliveries between branches, including fulfilling inter-branch back orders.

• Served as certified forklift operator and cross-trained across floor management, cashier, and repair functions. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Weekend Laborer — Coal Mine Operation, Price, UT Dec 2024 – Jul 2025 Worked 16-hour overnight double shifts Friday and Saturday nights — following a full 8-hour weekday shift — while holding down full- time network administration responsibilities at Diamond Ridge Development Group. Machinist / Assembly & Quality Control Technician — Desert Tech Mar 2021 – Nov 2021 Machined firearm components to QC spec; assembled, test-fired, and packaged finished products; performed final QC inspection in second operations.

Collections Agent — Pro Lend Solutions Oct 2018 – Mar 2021 Worked with clients to structure payment plans and bring delinquent loan accounts current. Farm Hand — Hiawatha, UT May 2016 – Aug 2016

General agricultural labor and equipment operation. Front Desk / Typesetting Clerk / Photo & Print Technician — Advanced Copy and Photo May 2013 – May 2015 Operated copy/print equipment and photo lab systems; produced vinyl lettering and typeset materials for customer orders. PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Capstone Project Western Governors University 2022

• Completed the Network Engineering and Security capstone in record time, setting the program's fastest completion pace.

• Designed and deployed an enterprise-level network with full automation, security, and reporting using GNS3, Ansible, Chef, Puppet, PowerShell, SSH, Red Hat, and OPNsense.

Freelance Website Rebuild Tiffany Miller Makeup 2024

• Reconstructed major sections of a small-business website using Tailor Brands, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to improve usability and modernize design.

• Led weekly client requirements meetings, translating technical concepts into clear, non-technical language. EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

B.S., Network Engineering and Security — Western Governors University (May 2022 – Jun 2024) A.S., Computer Science and Information Systems — Salt Lake Community College (Aug 2017 – May 2022) CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Project+, Cloud+ Linux Essentials (LPI) Codecademy: REST APIs with Spring, Spring Fundamentals & Controllers, Intro to Back-End Programming, Intro to SQL

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