Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Areas of Expertise
Timeline
Generic

Andrew W. Watkins

Huntsville

Summary

Senior Network Engineer with 7 years of experience designing, securing, and modernizing enterprise and tactical networks for federal and DoD clients. Proven record leading SDN deployments, Zero Trust architectures, and large-scale modernization initiatives in mission-critical environments. Adept at guiding teams, managing Agile projects, and delivering secure, resilient networks.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Senior Network Engineer

Sentar
Huntsville
05.2024 - Current
  • Lead a team of 14+ engineers modernizing the FBI’s aging network to a comprehensive software-defined infrastructure across 800+ sites, 6,000 network devices, and over 40,000 endpoints.
  • Develop and implement Zero Trust security models leveraging Cisco ISE to enforce strict user access controls and TrustSec segmentation.
  • Design and execute site surveys, infrastructure assessments, and detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure smooth deployment phases.
  • Draft and enforce SDN standards including architecture diagrams, migration playbooks, and QC protocols, standardizing processes across nationwide rollouts.
  • Develop two robust training programs with virtualized labs covering vManage, vSmart, vBond, Catalyst Center, Identity Services Engine, Infoblox, Catalyst routers/switches.
  • Use JIRA to create Agile workflows for project tracking, risk mitigation, and status reporting to stakeholders and executive leadership.
  • Troubleshoot complex SD-WAN and SD-Access issues involving routing protocols (BGP, OMP), secure PKI authentication, and automated device provisioning.

325th Communications Squadron & 332nd Expeditionary Comm. Squadron Network Systems Operations

United States Air Force
11.2019 - Current
  • Spearheaded DoD’s first pilot of Software Defined Architecture at Tyndall AFB using Cisco DNA Center automation, reducing network outages and help desk tickets by over 50%.
  • Managed an account valued at $14 million with 100% accountability and zero discrepancies.
  • Coordinated with interagency teams to establish SIP trunking for VoIP, enhancing call reliability across mission-critical operations.
  • Deployed to austere environments in Jordan to repair and maintain vital network and SATCOM systems for Pararescuemen, directly supporting kinetic missions; recognized with a Commendation Medal and coin from a Brigadier General.
  • Developed a new training program, including procurement of third-party courses, increasing technician knowledge base and reducing service ticket turnaround by 64%.

Lead Senior Network Engineer

Namauu Technological & Industrial (NTI)
Tyndall AFB
11.2023 - 05.2024
  • Directed a team of six engineers deploying the largest Software Defined LAN in the DoD, integrating tactical network solutions with advanced fighter programs (F-22, F-35).
  • Engineered and sustained a network enclave spanning 10 square miles, managing 300+ nodes, 13,000 endpoints, 90+ TACLANEs and POTS/VoIP integration.
  • Implemented a dynamic Zero Trust framework using Cisco ISE to evaluate and remediate user credentials in real-time, improving compliance and security posture.
  • Coordinated the design and integration of Aruba wireless solutions and modernized VoIP circuits to enhance base-wide secure communications.
  • Authored technical documentation detailing network topologies, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures to guide ongoing operations and maintenance.

Advanced Repair Agent

Geek Squad
Miami
06.2015 - 11.2019
  • Completed 1,200+ device repairs per year, providing diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
  • Maintained direct communication with clients throughout the repair lifecycle, ensuring high customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Trained junior technicians in repair procedures, quality control, and customer interaction best practices.

Education

M.S. - Information Technology Management

Western Governors University
12.2026

B.S. - Information Technology – Networking

Miami Dade College

A.S. - Military Information Systems

Community College of the Air Force

Skills

  • Cisco ISE
  • Zero Trust security
  • Technical documentation
  • SDN architecture
  • Project management
  • Team leadership
  • Risk assessment
  • Network Access control implementation
  • Software-defined networking
  • Catalyst SD-WAN
  • Catalyst Center
  • Cisco Unified Call Manager
  • SolarWinds
  • Infoblox
  • Ansible
  • Microsoft Visio
  • TACLANEs
  • PKI
  • TrustSec
  • JIRA
  • Agile

Certification

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) (In Progress)

Areas of Expertise

  • Software Defined Networking (Catalyst Center, SD-WAN, SD-Access)
  • Zero Trust Architecture (Cisco ISE, TrustSec)
  • Layer 2/3 Routing & Switching (VRF, VXLAN, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
  • Wireless Networks (Controllers, Mesh, Aruba solutions)
  • VoIP & SIP Integration (Cisco CUCM, Unified Comms)
  • Automation & Orchestration (Ansible, ZTP)
  • Network Security & PKI
  • Agile Project Management (JIRA, BOMs, task workflows)
  • Technical Leadership & Training
  • Network Documentation & Monitoring (Visio, SolarWinds, Infoblox)

Timeline

Lead Senior Network Engineer

Sentar
05.2024 - Current

Lead Senior Network Engineer

Namauu Technological & Industrial (NTI)
11.2023 - 05.2024

325th Communications Squadron & 332nd Expeditionary Comm. Squadron Network Systems Operations

United States Air Force
11.2019 - Current

Advanced Repair Agent

Geek Squad
06.2015 - 11.2019

M.S. - Information Technology Management

Western Governors University

B.S. - Information Technology – Networking

Miami Dade College

A.S. - Military Information Systems

Community College of the Air Force

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