Dashnor Alushaj
Leeds
Summary
Methodical and results-driven Network Engineer with over seven years of experience designing, implementing, and optimizing enterprise-grade infrastructure across financial, education, and consultancy sectors. Proven ability to deliver scalable, high-performance network solutions that support mission-critical operations, real-time analytics, and secure connectivity across data centres and campus environments. Known for structured diagnostics, automation-driven efficiency, and clear stakeholder communication in high-stakes environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Network Engineer
Yorkshire Building Society (YBS)
Leeds
12.2022 - 11.2025
- Migrated legacy Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks into Cisco ACI, streamlining fabric integration and improving agility.
- Upgraded and optimized ACI fabric across multiple data centres.
- Designed Layer 4–7 Policy-Based Redirect (PBR) using vzAny for multisite service chaining.
- Engineered F5 LTM/GTM load balancing for critical services.
- Automated F5 VIP provisioning using Terraform for scalable, repeatable deployments.
- Administered Check Point, ASA, and FTD firewalls via FMC, handling patching, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
- Contributed to the Check Point hardware refresh project, including integration with Multisite ACI and core network infrastructure. Completed full redesign, reimplementation, and replacement of legacy firewalls to meet the highest industry standards.
- Diagnosed Meraki SD-WAN HA failovers, correlating WAN instability with VRRP transitions.
- Worked on up to four crucial projects simultaneously, collaborating with various teams across the business.
Network Engineer
White Spider
Leeds
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Delivered SDN solutions across Cisco ACI, SD-WAN, and SD-Access platforms.
- Migrated traditional networks into ACI fabric, enhancing segmentation and visibility.
- Administered ASA and FTD firewalls via FMC, supporting secure enterprise operations.
- Designed and deployed S2S VPNs and DMVPN networks.
- Integrated SDN technologies with legacy infrastructure for hybrid network resilience.
Network Engineer
Harrogate Ladies’ College
Harrogate
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Delivered network upgrades while ensuring adherence to SLAs for issue resolution.
- Managed Layer 2/3 connectivity across campus networks for optimal performance.
- Led technical projects from planning through implementation, enhancing infrastructure reliability.
- Installed and maintained routers, switches, and servers to support operational needs.
Network Engineer
Agora Solutions
Leeds
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Modernised legacy infrastructure using Cisco Meraki routers, switches, and access points.
- Executed full-stack Meraki deployments across client sites efficiently.
- Conducted site assessments to ensure seamless cutover processes.
Operations & Project Oversight
Hospitality Sector – Various Roles
03.2015 - 03.2018
- Oversaw new restaurant launches, coordinating vendors and infrastructure setup.
- Developed stakeholder communication and project delivery skills.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science
Universiteti i Tiranës (UT)
AlbaniaSkills
- Routing & Switching: BGP, OSPF, VLAN/VxLAN, STP, VRRP, DMVPN, S2S VPNs
- Platforms: Cisco ACI, SD-WAN, SD-Access, Meraki SD-WAN
- Firewalls & Security: Check Point (CCSA/CCSE), Cisco ASA, FTD, FMC
- Load Balancing: F5 LTM/GTM
- Automation: Terraform (in progress)
- Monitoring & Tools: Wireshark, tcpdump, SPAN
- Soft Skills: Stakeholder communication, escalation reporting, cross-functional collaboration
Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise, with specialist credentials in:
- Cisco SD-WAN Implementation
- Cisco Advanced Routing (ENARSI)
- Cisco ACI Implementation
- Cisco Advanced ACI (in progress)
- Terraform Associate (in progress)
- Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
- Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
Timeline
Network Engineer
Yorkshire Building Society (YBS)
12.2022 - 11.2025
Network Engineer
White Spider
05.2021 - 12.2022
Network Engineer
Harrogate Ladies’ College
05.2019 - 05.2021
Network Engineer
Agora Solutions
03.2018 - 05.2019
Operations & Project Oversight
Hospitality Sector – Various Roles
03.2015 - 03.2018
Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science
Universiteti i Tiranës (UT)