Alasdair Dunn
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced Network Engineer with over 19 years in designing, supporting and implementing IT networks across diverse sectors including Service Provider, Healthcare and Finance. 14 years of my career has been in the Finance industry with a leading International finance and insurance company. Demonstrated expertise in change management and risk analysis, ensuring smooth transitions through various environments from lab to production. Committed to customer engagement throughout project lifecycles, effectively addressing requirements and delivering solutions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Network Engineer (Level 3)
Aegon
Edinburgh, UK
04.2012 - Current
- Served as SME in Cisco ACI, enabling seamless setup and resolution of technical issues; conducted knowledge transfer workshops for level 2 and 3 network teams to empower them in ACI work streams.
- Automated ACI changes using Postman to post JSON scripts, streamlining execution time and establishing a repeatable process for future modifications.
- Migrated systems (Cisco UCS, servers, firewalls, and mainframe) from legacy network switching infrastructure to Cisco ACI, enhancing network efficiency and support for modern applications.
- Created network design and implementation plans for an Active/Active Data Center solution.
- Created network design to setup connectivity for HPE GreenLake Hybrid Cloud platform and Zerto connectivity.
- Worked on Wireless and Access layer Migrations in three key European office locations from Aruba to Juniper MIST infrastructure.
- Built out Data Segmentation using Cisco ACI Application Centric Model and Palo Alto Firewalls as part of a project.
- Promoted changes through various environments. Especially for Cisco ACI, I proved the configuration worked without risk or impact in POC, then either promoted the next change to UAT or DR, finally followed by Production.
- Carried out Firmware Upgrades on Cisco ACI, Nexus Switches, IOS Switches/Routers and Firewalls. Also on Silverpeak SDWAN Appliances and Palo Alto Firewalls.
- Palo Alto Firewall Policy Administration using Panorama Firewall Management platform (Standard, UserID and AppID rules), NAT and VPNs.
- Worked on various firewall migrations including Checkpoint to Palo Alto and Cisco ASA to Palo Alto.
- Worked with managers and business units to determine lifecycle and project budgets.
- Organised and prioritised work to complete assignments in a timely, efficient manner.
- I was able to adapt to constant changes both from a technical configuration perspective and within customers' requirements.
- Went through several Network Hardware Lifecycles in the Data Centre and DR site.
- Created High Level Designs and Low Level Designs, delivering focused solutions to meet customer demands.
Operations Engineer (Level 2)
Block Solutions Ltd
London, UK
09.2011 - 04.2012
- Configured and deployed Cisco Nexus 7K's, Cisco 3750/3850 switches, Bluecoat proxies, Checkpoint and Cisco ASA firewalls to enhance network reliability.
- Utilised Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor suite to monitor Great Ormond Street Hospital network and healthcare devices, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
- Delivered onsite and remote network support for Great Ormond Street Hospital and NHS customers, managing ticket resolution from ICT Helpdesk to Network Team (Block Solutions Ltd).
Lab Engineer
Cisco
Reading, UK
09.2006 - 09.2011
- Developed test plans and executed test cases, documenting bugs to facilitate resolution and improve overall testing processes.
- Worked in a Cisco Lab Facility which carried out thorough test cases for the customer 'Service Provider British Telecom (BT)' pertaining to Test Plans executed by Network Consultant Engineer's (NCEs). Worked on Cisco Carrier Class Routing Systems and Core Service Provider network devices.
- Delivered lab support for technical issues reported by NCEs in Advanced Services team, maintained lab infrastructure, and built testbeds to enhance testing capabilities.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Network Computing
Napier University
Edinburgh, UK09-2005
PGDip - Advanced Computer Networking
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow, UK07-2006
Skills
- Cisco Routing and Switching (CCNP Certified)
- Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)
- Expert knowledge of Data Center Enterprise Network Infrastructure
- Hybrid Cloud Network Infrastructure (HPE GreenLake)
- Juniper MIST deployments at four key European office locations (SRX, EX4400)
- VPN Technologies (IKEv2 IPSec and GRE)
- Palo Alto Firewalls (Firewall builds and connectivity)
- Palo Alto Panorama (Policy Administration)
- Silverpeak SDWAN
- Network Performance Monitoring
- Scripting Proficiency (JSON and Python)
- SLA Compliance Management
- Agile Network Adaptability
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Clear and concise communicator
Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Chinese (Mandarin)
Beginner
A1
Chinese (Cantonese)
Beginner
A1
Hobbies and interests
- Golf
- Cycling
- Hiking
Timeline
Senior Network Engineer (Level 3)
Aegon
04.2012 - Current
Operations Engineer (Level 2)
Block Solutions Ltd
09.2011 - 04.2012
Lab Engineer
Cisco
09.2006 - 09.2011
BSc (Hons) - Network Computing
Napier University
PGDip - Advanced Computer Networking
Glasgow Caledonian University