Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Taha Afsar

Oakbrook Terrace

Summary

Dynamic System Engineer with extensive experience at American Express, specializing in VMware vSphere and Windows Server management. Proven track record in executing seamless server migrations and enhancing IT infrastructure. Adept at utilizing PowerShell for automation while delivering exceptional Level 2 support, ensuring operational excellence and system reliability.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

System Engineer (Windows/Wintel and VMware)

Northern Trust
Chicago
09.2024 - 01.2025
  • Built and configured ESXi servers using VMware vSphere 5.0 through 6.5.
  • Managed installation and configuration of ESXi 6.5, 6.0, and 5.5 servers.
  • Configured port group policies, security settings, traffic shaping, load balancing, and VLAN tagging.
  • Coordinated with network team to design network infrastructure for new ESXi hosts.
  • Administered Windows Server 2012 and 2008 R2 with Active Directory domain services.
  • Executed migrations from physical to virtual environments using P2V and V2V techniques.
  • Installed and maintained file, application, and print servers to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Developed disaster recovery plans and conducted exercises for production servers.

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

Bluecross Blueshield of California
LA
03.2024 - 08.2024
  • Provided Level 2 and Level 3 support for all server-related issues.
  • Operated and maintained Windows servers, VMware ESXi, and backup systems.
  • Installed and upgraded ESX/ESXi hosts and vCenter from 2008 to 2012 R2, then to 2016.
  • Created, installed, configured, and maintained virtual machines with Windows and Linux guest OS.
  • Executed P2V, V2V, and V2P migrations using vConverter and PlateSpin.
  • Migrated virtual machines between data centers while ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Utilized PowerShell scripts for VM server deployment and remote administration tasks.
  • Configured backup and restore processes for NSX Manager and data environments.

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

Alcon Vision
Fort Worth
02.2023 - 02.2024
  • Provided Level 2 support for all Windows server-related issues.
  • Operated and maintained Windows servers and VMware ESXi environments.
  • Installed, configured, and maintained Windows Server operating systems: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019.
  • Managed user accounts, permissions, and access rights within Active Directory.
  • Monitored system logs to identify and resolve performance issues effectively.
  • Oversaw deployment and management of critical applications and software updates.
  • Coordinated deployment of VMs using templates while allocating resources efficiently.
  • Conducted Disaster Recovery Exercises to refine production server DR plans.

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

American Express
Whitsett
12.2019 - 01.2023
  • Built and configured VMware and Windows infrastructure, enhancing operational capabilities.
  • Performed administration for various Windows OS versions 2008, 2008R2, and 2012.
  • Managed systems and networks for Windows Server from 2008 to 2019 with Active Directory.
  • Configured Dell PowerEdge servers utilizing RAID technology for improved performance.
  • Executed physical-to-virtual (P2V) and virtual-to-virtual (V2V) migrations using VMware tools.
  • Resolved issues in Citrix Farm, including printer and application-related problems.
  • Installed HPE OneView appliance on a new 2016 Windows Hyper-V server for effective management.
  • Created and managed user accounts and permissions in Active Directory, ensuring secure access.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Information Technology

University of The People
Pasadena, CA
06-2022

Bachelor of Commerce -

University of Sindh
Jamshoro, Pakistan
04-2010

Skills

  • VMware vSphere and ESXi
  • Active Directory configuration
  • Windows Server management
  • Level 2 support
  • IT infrastructure management
  • Virtualization administration
  • Virtual machine deployment
  • System monitoring
  • Server migration techniques
  • Linux (RHEL) expertise
  • Storage solutions (DAS, NAS, SAN)
  • Backup and recovery systems
  • Scripting languages (VBScript, PowerShell)
  • Programming languages (C, C, FORTRAN)
  • Networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)
  • Remote access tools (SSH, VNC)
  • Database management (MS-SQL, Oracle)
  • Data protection solutions (VERITAS NetBackup)
  • Cloud orchestration tools (VRealize)
  • Server hardware management

Timeline

System Engineer (Windows/Wintel and VMware)

Northern Trust
09.2024 - 01.2025

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

Bluecross Blueshield of California
03.2024 - 08.2024

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

Alcon Vision
02.2023 - 02.2024

System Engineer (Windows/VMware)

American Express
12.2019 - 01.2023

Bachelor of Science - Information Technology

University of The People

Bachelor of Commerce -

University of Sindh

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Taha Afsar