Ryan Springs - Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Professional Summary

Senior Network and Systems Engineer with extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing secure, scalable network infrastructures across on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments. Proficient in advanced networking technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, SD-WAN, WLAN, and zero-trust architectures. Skilled in virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox) and Azure cloud services, including hybrid cloud configurations, Azure networking (NSG, VNet, ExpressRoute), and cloud migrations. Dedicated to delivering high-performance, compliant, and cost-effective solutions that align with business goals.

Core Competencies

Network Engineering: LAN/WAN design, firewalls (Fortinet, Cisco, Meraki, Palo Alto), VPNs (IPsec, SSL), SD-WAN, ZTNA, VLANs, WLAN.
Cloud: Azure IaaS, Azure networking (NSG, VNet, ExpressRoute), hybrid cloud configurations, cloud migrations.
Virtualization: VMware vCenter/ESXi, Hyper-V, Proxmox.
Security & Compliance: DUO MFA, Enterprise EDR and antivirus (Huntress, Webroot), Zero Trust; HIPAA, PCI compliance experience.
Infrastructure Management: Hardware provisioning, rack-and-stack, disaster recovery planning.
Systems Administration: Experienced in Windows and Linux server management.

Technical Skills

Networking: Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto, Ubiquiti, Meraki, Pfsense, Mikrotik; IPsec, SSL VPN, VLAN, SD-WAN, ZTNA.
Cloud: Azure IaaS, Azure Hybrid Cloud, Azure Networking (NSG, VNet, ExpressRoute).
Virtualization: VMware vCenter/ESXi, Hyper-V, Proxmox.
Storage & Backup: Veeam, Dell SAN, SolidFire, HP 3PAR, Ceph.
Operating Systems: Windows Server (AD, GPOs, NPS), Linux (Ubuntu/Debian).
Programming/DevOps: Python, Powershell, bash, automation scripting. Terraform and Ansible as IaaC solutions.
RMM/CRM: ConnectWise Automate, Zendesk, Salesforce.

Certifications

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Professional Experience

Clear Guidance Partners | Network and Systems Engineer

Jan 2020 – Dec 2024

Designed and implemented secure, scalable network infrastructures for SMB clients, including firewalls (Fortinet, Cisco), LAN/WAN configurations, and wireless solutions (Ubiquiti, Meraki).
Migrated on-prem servers to Azure using Azure ASR, enabling hybrid cloud solutions and minimizing downtime.
Spearheaded the adoption of Azure IaaS as a product, expanding the company's offerings to include scalable, cost-effective cloud infrastructure solutions.
Deployed certificate-based Wi-Fi authentication using Windows NPS and Active Directory, enhancing security and user experience.
Configured and managed IPsec and SSL VPNs to ensure secure remote access for users.
Implemented Veeam backup solutions with hybrid cloud storage, ensuring data availability and compliance.

Lightedge Solutions | Implementations Engineer

Jan 2016 – Jan 2020

Designed and deployed multi-tenant datacenter networks, including Cisco switching, Fortinet/Palo Alto firewalls, and network segmentation.
Integrated storage solutions (SolidFire, HP 3PAR) with Veeam backups to deliver robust disaster recovery and compliance with SOC/HIPAA regulations.
Deployed and configured full stack for VMware-based private cloud environments. From hardware provisioning, to VM setup, to remote access.

AT&T Wi-Fi | Network Operations Technician

May 2012 – Jan 2016

Troubleshot and resolved Wi-Fi and LAN network issues for retail and hospitality venues, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Coordinated equipment repairs and replacements across the U.S., streamlining resolution processes.
Optimized network performance for large-scale venues, enhancing guest connectivity and satisfaction.

Personal Projects

Proxmox Lab Evaluation

Designed and tested a 5-node Proxmox cluster with hyperconverged storage (Ceph) to evaluate scalability and high availability for enterprise use.
Managed Linux LXC containers, Docker, and KVM VMs to simulate real-world workloads and services.

Self-Hosted Zero-Trust Overlay Network

Deployed a self-hosted Tailscale alternative (Headscale) to test ZTNA solutions, reducing reliance on traditional SSL VPNs.
Evaluated performance and security for potential enterprise adoption
Utilized Overlay network for complex hybrid cloud connectivity