Zain Saleem
Greenhithe,Kent
Summary
Experienced IT Infrastructure Engineer with a strong background in designing, implementing, and supporting secure, scalable, and highly available enterprise infrastructure across on-premises and Microsoft Azure cloud environments. Skilled in Azure infrastructure services, hybrid cloud solutions, Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, Microsoft 365 administration, and network infrastructure. Experienced in deploying and managing Azure Virtual Machines, cloud resources, identity and access management, backup and disaster recovery solutions, and infrastructure monitoring. Proficient in PowerShell automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform to improve deployment efficiency, consistency, and operational reliability. Strong expertise in Windows Server administration, troubleshooting complex technical issues, third-line support, and implementing security best practices. A proactive and solutions-focused engineer committed to delivering reliable cloud infrastructure, supporting digital transformation initiatives, and continuously improving IT service delivery.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work history
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Arqit
City of London
2023.02 - Current
- Designed, deployed, and managed Microsoft Azure infrastructure to deliver secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions.
- Managed hybrid cloud environments by integrating on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft Azure.
- Administered Azure Virtual Machines, Virtual Networks (VNets), Network Security Groups (NSGs), Load Balancers, and Azure Storage.
- Configured and maintained Microsoft Entra ID, Azure RBAC, Conditional Access, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance security posture and user access management.
- Implemented Azure security best practices using Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Policy, and Microsoft Entra security features.
- Monitored Azure resources using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Alerts to ensure optimal performance and availability.
- Automated infrastructure deployment and administrative tasks using PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or Bicep) to streamline resource provisioning and reduce manual errors.
- Configured and supported Azure networking, including VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, DNS, Private Endpoints, and Application Gateway.
- Performed migrations of on-premises workloads, servers, and applications to Microsoft Azure using Azure Migrate.
- Implemented Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery to support business continuity and disaster recovery requirements.
- Managed Azure subscriptions, resource groups, governance policies, tagging strategies, and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Investigated and resolved complex infrastructure incidents while meeting agreed SLAs.
- Collaborated with networking, security, application, and project teams to deliver infrastructure projects and cloud transformation initiatives.
- Produced and maintained technical documentation, architecture diagrams, standard operating procedures, and disaster recovery documentation to ensure compliance and facilitate knowledge transfer.
- Participated in change management, release planning, and CAB meetings following ITIL best practices.
- Mentored junior engineers and provided third-line technical support for business-critical infrastructure.
- Managed Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and file services.
- Supported Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and Intune.
- Administered VMware and Hyper-V virtualisation platforms supporting hybrid infrastructure environments.
- Performed infrastructure upgrades, patch management, vulnerability remediation, and lifecycle management.
IT Engineer (MSP)
Skye Cloud
Dartford
2020.01 - 2023.11
- Managed Microsoft 365 environments including Active Directory, Intune, and SharePoint.
- Managed user identities and access controls with M365 & Azure Active Directory
- Administered user account management and access controls as Active Directory Administrator.
- Administered Exchange Admin Centre for on-premises email management and configuration.
- Implemented various IT solutions and Support Services to streamline network operations and improve system performance
- Troubleshot network issues and provided rapid solutions to limit downtime.
- Troubleshot operating systems, hardware and software problems to identify root causes.
- Utilised technical expertise and interpersonal skills to diagnose and resolve issues remotely, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Managed over 20 customer calls per day Recorded all IT Incidents, Requests and Problems, ensuring all relevant details are captured in line with Service Desk standards
- Logging and assigning tickets in ticketing system (Autotask). Classifying calls accurately with information provided and priorities in line with Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Responded promptly to service issues and requests, delivering consistent customer support as IT Network Engineer and simplifying technical jargon for users.
- Managed cloud and on-premise resource allocations to optimise usage and minimise wastage.
- Installed new software for users and monitored version and patch update requirements.
- Performed tests on newly installed hardware and software to provide components that interface correctly with each other and network
Senior IT Support Analyst
Kwik Fit
Letchworth Garden City
2017.12 - 2020.12
- Managed Active Directory user accounts and permissions, ensuring secure access to systems.
- Oversaw Microsoft 365 user setup and configuration, facilitating seamless collaboration across teams.
- Took ownership of personal queue, resolving technical issues efficiently or escalating when necessary.
- Troubleshot operating systems, hardware and software problems to identify root causes.
- Answered user questions about hardware and software operation to help resolve problems.
- Installed new software for users and monitored version and patch update requirements.
- Carried out new hardware installations and updates, keeping systems functional and secure.
- Followed technical documentation for accurate installation, maintenance and repair work.
Education
BSC (HONS) - Cybersecurity & Networks
University of East London
LondonA-Levels - Math, Physics
Barking And Dagenham College
LondonSkills
Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Networks (VNet)
Azure Storage Accounts
Azure Backup
Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
Network security operations
DNS & DHCP
Switching & Routing
VM Administration
Azure Infrastructure (IaaS)
Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Azure Cost Management
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
PowerShell Automation
Active Directory services
Microsoft Intune
Hyper-V
Virtualisation Technologies
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Cloud transitioning
Infrastructure as code mastery
Systems integration
Network configuration
Windows Server management
Technical support provision
Network diagnostics
Cloud computing architecture
Security compliance and governance
Infrastructure automation
Azure proficiency
Cloud native technologies
Certification
- Microsoft Azure Administrator - AZ-104
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals - MZ-900
- Microsoft 365 Fundamentals - MS-900
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- ISC2 CERTIFIED in CYBERSECURITY
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Arqit
2023.02 - Current
IT Engineer (MSP)
Skye Cloud
2020.01 - 2023.11
Senior IT Support Analyst
Kwik Fit
2017.12 - 2020.12
A-Levels - Math, Physics
Barking And Dagenham College
BSC (HONS) - Cybersecurity & Networks
University of East London