Faizan Shoaib

As the Engineering Team Lead, I lead the way in building, managing, and safeguarding our cloud-based infrastructure and security systems. My role involves:

• Leading a team of network automation engineers, application engineers, and developers, providing technical direction across data centre infrastructure, OpenStack cloud networking, network design, and automation.
• Collaborating closely with diverse stakeholders to customise solutions that align with unique operational requirements.
• Continuously monitoring and integrating cloud technologies, network security advancements, and industry trends to elevate Vault's infrastructure to top-tier standards.
• Championed innovation within the team, encouraging creative solutions that led to competitive advantages in the market.
• Developed strong relationships with suppliers and vendors for improved access to resources and service quality enhancements.
• Manage resource allocation effectively, ensuring optimal personnel distribution across concurrent projects.
• Streamline communication channels between departments, enabling seamless collaboration throughout project lifecycles.
• Conduct thorough root cause analyses on identified issues, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and improve overall team performance.
• Improve engineering team efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing agile methodologies.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with industry regulations and organisational policies to uphold data integrity and manage access control effectively.

As a Technical Lead – Network & Infrastructure at MMC, I played a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the company's data centre network and infrastructure. My focus was on modernising our systems and fortifying them against potential disruptions. Here are some highlights of my responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a devoted team of network specialists to enhance their professional growth while ensuring adherence to established best practices in networking, infrastructure, and security.
• Serving as the SME on network and security, managing diverse network appliances for optimal performance and security, including Palo Alto and Checkpoint firewalls, F5, Cisco Nexus, and Extreme Networks equipment.
• Strengthening network defences by deploying advanced tools like F5 Advance WAF and collaborating with security partners like Whitehat, Secureworks, Expel, and Qualys.
• Playing a key role in integrating cloud solutions from AWS and Azure into our infrastructure, showcasing my expertise in cloud networking, and facilitating smooth transitions.
• Keeping critical systems running smoothly, with a focus on high availability and reliability, using Citrix and Nutanix technologies.
• Leading major projects, such as data centre upgrades and migrations, security enhancements, and business continuity planning exercises, demonstrating my project management skills and technical prowess.

• As a Senior Network Engineer, I served as the lead for various technologies and the SME for network and security. My key responsibilities included:
• Managing core firewall configurations using technologies like Fortinet, Juniper, and Cisco ASA.
• Overseeing data centre network operations. Cisco Nexus and Catalyst
• Spearheading the design and implementation of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to reinforce network security.
• Coordinating vendor relationships and overseeing RFP processes to ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Leading the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and coordinating ISMS documentation and compliance audits.
• Acting as the coordinator for the Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) and leading critical incident response efforts.
• Successfully leading key projects, such as DMZ design and implementation, Internet segment uplift, and strategic client on boarding.

• As a Research Associate, I contributed significantly to network security research. Additionally, I assisted in developing a network engineering curriculum for undergraduates.