Dan Tovar
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Seasoned Network Security Engineer with 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, network engineering, and IT operations. Designs and secures mission-critical infrastructure while ensuring compliance with NIST, ISO, and FFIEC. Builds high-performing teams and implements innovative solutions that reduce risk and enhance organizational resilience.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Project Manager
7tech
San Antonio, USA
10.2025 - Current
- Led infrastructure modernization and security projects, executing network redesigns, firewall upgrades, server migrations, and identity-driven cloud integrations to bolster system security.
- Direct Microsoft 365 and SharePoint migrations, email platform transitions, and secure collaboration rollouts aligned with best practices for access control and data protection.
- Implement standardized communication workflows, project tracking, and operational processes, enhancing delivery consistency and strengthening cross-team coordination.
- Manage client acquisition and onboarding projects for SMB environments, overseeing up to 16 concurrent initiatives during peak periods while ensuring secure deployment of network and cloud services.
- Functioned as primary liaison between clients and engineering teams, translating business and security requirements into actionable technical plans aligned with MSP service offerings.
Director of Engineering
EvoTech LLC
San Antonio, USA
10.2021 - 05.2025
- Directed IT, cybersecurity, and engineering operations supporting DHS/CBP. Oversaw NOC/SOC, risk & compliance, and enterprise engineering departments.
- Managed $45M program budget, reducing downtime by 30% and avoiding $750K in capital costs through lifecycle strategy.
- Built and led a GRC team achieving ISO 27001/9001 certifications and implemented Zero Trust Maturity Roadmap across the enterprise.
- Launched Managed Services Provider (MSP) business line, providing secure IT and compliance solutions for SMB clients.
- Achieved 15% cost reduction and 60% decrease in staff turnover by implementing training, cross-training, and certification programs.
- Led proposal teams using Shipley method, advancing candidacy for multi-million-dollar federal technical operations award.
Sr. Information Security Engineer
USAA
San Antonio, USA
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Implemented risk-based controls aligned with NIST 800-53 and FFIEC CAT, strengthening enterprise security posture.
- Developed standardized compliance review processes, reducing audit readiness timelines by 40%.
- Supported implementation of PKI, email/web proxy, endpoint security, and MDM platforms to enforce enterprise-wide security controls.
- Led information security compliance for Platform Threat Defense team during OCC audit remediation.
Sr. Network Security Engineer (Consultant)
Robert Half Technologies (Protiviti)
San Antonio, USA
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed audit-ready documentation and evidence aligned with NIST 800-53, FFIEC, and ISO 27001 to support audit processes.
- Led remediation efforts for OCC audit findings at USAA, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Created process maps and control narratives to streamline remediation planning and validation.
- Facilitated collaboration between InfoSec, GRC, and Audit teams to enhance alignment and streamline processes.
Sr. Network Engineer - Homeland Security Solutions
Elbit Systems of America
Fort Worth, USA
01.2016 - 02.2020
- Led CBP Integrated Fixed Towers program, enhancing border security surveillance networks and SOC operations.
- Designed, deployed, and managed CBP data center network and remote tower network infrastructure.
- Defined and implemented firewall policies across Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, and Check Point platforms, fortifying network defense.
- Managed NOC/SOC teams and coordinated daily operations to ensure mission-critical uptime.
- Nominated for Outstanding Employee (2018).
Network Engineer - Enterprise IT
Elbit Systems of America
Fort Worth, USA
01.2012 - 12.2015
- Supported enterprise network infrastructure and IT projects to enhance system reliability and performance.
- Maintained routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure using Cisco ISE, WSA, and Prime.
- Completed domain migration post-acquisition and site de-branching efforts.
- Conducted disaster recovery exercises and contributed to policy development ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Systems Engineer - Enterprise IT
M7 Aerospace (Acquired by Elbit Systems)
San Antonio, USA
09.2008 - 12.2011
- Managed Citrix/VMware environments, including patching, backups, and LAN design for local/remote sites to enhance system reliability.
- Executed enterprise hardware refresh and disaster recovery planning to bolster system resilience and minimize downtime.
- Maintained enterprise systems infrastructure and service desk operations to ensure seamless user support and system availability.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Cloud And Network Engineering
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 06.2025 - 04.2026
Graduate Certificate - Computer Networking
Brightwood College
San Antonio, TX 03.2001 - 01.2003
Skills
- Project management and planning
- Contract and project engineering
- Network security architecture
- Risk and governance compliance
- Incident response and operations
- Firewall management: Cisco, Palo Alto, Check Point, Fortinet
- SIEM and log management: Splunk, Elastic Stack
- Zero trust security
- Identity and access management: Cisco ISE, Okta, Active Directory
- Cloud security: Azure, AWS
- Vulnerability management: Nessus, Qualys
- Endpoint protection strategies
- Networking: Cisco routing and switching, BGP, OSPF, MPLS
- Wireless networking: Cisco WLC, Aruba
- VPN solutions: AnyConnect, GlobalProtect
- Virtualization technologies: VMware, Hyper-V
- Operating systems: Windows Server, Linux, Red Hat
Accomplishments
- Led network & security engineering design during $500M U.S. Customs & Border Protection initiative, enhancing border security infrastructure nationwide.
- Directed enterprise NOC/SOC operations, achieving a 15% cost reduction while improving cybersecurity posture and securing a sole-source federal contract award.
- Developed and led compliance remediation at USAA, improving audit readiness timelines by 40% and closing OCC audit findings.
- Built a Zero Trust Maturity Roadmap aligned with CISA guidance, reducing security incidents by 30% and advancing enterprise cybersecurity maturity.
- Recognized with Excellence Award (EvoTech, 2024), Outstanding Employee Nominee (Elbit Systems, 2018), Employee of the Year (UniFirst Corporation, 2004)
- linkedin.com/in/DanTovar02020
Education Certifications Clearances Awards
- Network Specialist Program Graduate, Brightwood College, 2003
- B.S. Information Technology Management, Western Governors University, In Progress
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Renewal Pending
- CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+
- PMP Candidate, 2026
- Excellence Award, EvoTech, 2024
- Outstanding Employee Nominee, Elbit Systems, 2018
- Employee of the Year, UniFirst Corporation, 2004
Timeline
Project Manager
7tech
10.2025 - Current
Some College (No Degree) - Cloud And Network Engineering
Western Governors University
06.2025 - 04.2026
Director of Engineering
EvoTech LLC
10.2021 - 05.2025
Sr. Information Security Engineer
USAA
06.2021 - 10.2021
Sr. Network Security Engineer (Consultant)
Robert Half Technologies (Protiviti)
02.2020 - 06.2021
Sr. Network Engineer - Homeland Security Solutions
Elbit Systems of America
01.2016 - 02.2020
Network Engineer - Enterprise IT
Elbit Systems of America
01.2012 - 12.2015
Systems Engineer - Enterprise IT
M7 Aerospace (Acquired by Elbit Systems)
09.2008 - 12.2011
Graduate Certificate - Computer Networking
Brightwood College
03.2001 - 01.2003