CHRIS MCRAE
Los Alamos,NM
Summary
Network professional with solid foundation in crafting and maintaining sophisticated network systems. Known for driving impactful improvements in network efficiency and security. Reliable team player who adapts seamlessly to evolving challenges and focuses on delivering consistent, high-quality results. Skilled in network design, troubleshooting, and project management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Network Architect
Los Alamos County
Los Alamos, NM
05.2025 - Current
- Expertise in designing LAN, WAN, and Software-Defined Networks (SDN)
- Advanced skill in pulling, terminating, and testing copper and fiber optic cabling (including backbone infrastructure)
- Expert use of OTDR, OLTS, ping, and trace route for fiber and copper circuit testing
- Hands-on experience configuring and managing enterprise-level switches, routers, and UPS devices
- Knowledge of BICSI, ANSI, and TIA standards for infrastructure adds and changes
- Technical support for Audio/Visual (A/V) infrastructure and wireless technology deployments
- Designs and implements long-term strategic plans to ensure network capacity and agility satisfy service level agreements
- Provides expert architectural consulting and direction to network analysts, engineers, and third-party vendors
- Manages IT infrastructure projects through all phases, including planning, design, construction, and final inspection
- Acts as the primary liaison between IT, project management teams, customers, and vendors to coordinate scheduling and requirements.
- Directs and administrates task orders and projects with contractors, managing priorities for design and maintenance of all network infrastructures
- Performs expert-level troubleshooting to isolate circuit faults and improve network performance using industry-leading testing equipment
- Monitors work in progress to ensure technical compliance with approved plans and conformance to local technical standards
- Conducts countywide site surveys to identify, interpret, and document wiring requirements for new projects and moves
- Provides lead supervision, training, and technical assistance to other employees while fostering a collaborative work environment
Senior IT Infrastructure Coordinator
Los Alamos County
Los Alamos, NM
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Acts as a primary liaison between IT teams, project managers, vendors, and customers to ensure seamless communication and scheduling for complex infrastructure requirements
- Manages all phases of infrastructure projects, including planning, design, and construction, while ensuring strict adherence to organizational standards and practices
- Assists in designing technical solutions for high-consequence infrastructure projects, integrating multiple technologies to achieve broad strategic goals
- Provides direct guidance and work coordination for consultants, team members, support staff, and field crews to ensure project milestones are met
- Monitors work in progress to confirm technical compliance with approved plans and troubleshoots complex issues involving contractors and vendors
- Maintains accurate IT infrastructure documentation by updating configuration drawings
- Supports the design and implementation of enterprise Layer 1 networking and provides primary technical support for internal Audio/Visual infrastructure
- Drives continuous infrastructure process improvements to maximize the value of equipment investments and business efficiency
IT Infrastructure Coordinator
Los Alamos County
Los Alamos, NM
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Spearheaded the layout and installation of physical IT infrastructure, including the design of voice/data circuits and associated telecommunication equipment.
- Performed advanced Layer 1 support, isolating circuit faults and repairing network performance issues to ensure 24/7 connectivity.
- Provided lead supervision and training to technical teams while managing IT-initiated physical plant projects from inception to completion.
- Maintained backbone infrastructure for county property, ensuring all communication rooms and locations met updated configuration standards.
Jr. Network Administrator
Stimulus Technologies (Black Mesa Wireless)
Velarde, NM
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Tasked with proactive maintenance, management, and monitoring the performance of our wireless network
- Performed upgrades and configurations for existing and newly deployed wireless technologies
- Conducted troubleshooting for client connections to provide solutions ensuring customer satisfaction
- Assisted with developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various aspects of the business (basic troubleshooting, billing, scheduling, etc.)
- Monitored network performance using advanced diagnostic tools to ensure optimal connectivity and uptime.
Project Engineer/Lead Field Technician Level 4
SynchroNet, Inc.
Bremen, GA
07.2017 - 10.2021
- Tasked with conducting projects for our partners and ensuring profitability
- Deployed and managed teams across the country to implement a customer’s long haul/backbone/metro network to operate as designed
- Responsible for the installation of long-haul, fiber optic network equipment as well as leading a team in full turnkey projects
- Responsible for proper test and turn up (commissioning/provisioning) of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems.
- Performed troubleshooting of hardware/software, fiber, fiber optic modules, ethernet and AC/DC power
- Developed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations for multiple, ongoing projects
Customer Support Technician, Systems
Greenway Health
Carrollton, GA
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Provided support for Greenway customers as issues with hardware/software arise
- Ensured quick fixes to minimize delays in day-to-day processes for medical professionals
- Conveyed technological concepts to multiple levels of the organization as well as customers
ITS Infrastructure Intern
Southwire Company
Carrollton, GA
09.2016 - 02.2017
- Tasked with assisting senior level IT professionals in troubleshooting of various software/hardware issues throughout the company
- Maintained databases of information (i.e., current hardware/software, customer/employee records, etc.)
- Assisted fellow interns with flashing new and old desktop computers
Education
BBA - Management Information Systems
University of West Georgia
Carrollton05-2017
Skills
- Network Protocols
- IP addressing
- Wireless networking
- Network troubleshooting
- Firewall configuration
- Network monitoring
- Data center networking
- Troubleshooting
- Network Diagrams
- DWDM
- Command Line Interface
- Project Management
- Microsoft 365
- Data Analysis
- Problem Solving
- Nokia, Ciena, Infinera
- Cisco (routers, switches, firewalls, WLC, APs, etc)
- Juniper
Certification
- BICSI Installer 2, Copper: INSTC
- BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber: INSTF
- BICSI Technician: TECH
- FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT CFOS T S H)
Timeline
Network Architect
Los Alamos County
05.2025 - Current
Senior IT Infrastructure Coordinator
Los Alamos County
10.2023 - 05.2025
IT Infrastructure Coordinator
Los Alamos County
01.2023 - 10.2023
Jr. Network Administrator
Stimulus Technologies (Black Mesa Wireless)
04.2022 - 12.2022
Project Engineer/Lead Field Technician Level 4
SynchroNet, Inc.
07.2017 - 10.2021
Customer Support Technician, Systems
Greenway Health
02.2017 - 06.2017
ITS Infrastructure Intern
Southwire Company
09.2016 - 02.2017
BBA - Management Information Systems
University of West Georgia