Kevin Wilkins
Winchester,CA
Summary
Seasoned Network Engineer with over 26 years of experience designing, securing, and supporting enterprise and hybrid cloud networks across diverse industries. Expert in deploying and managing Layer 2/3 network infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst, Meraki, and Dell switching platforms, with deep knowledge of VLAN segmentation, OSPF routing, EtherChannel, and spanning tree. Skilled in implementing and troubleshooting firewall and VPN solutions using Palo Alto, Fortinet, and CATO Networks, including IPSEC tunnels, NAT rules, and WAN segmentation. Strong background in cloud networking, including Azure VNETs, NSGs, firewalls, and routing, as well as AWS Route 53 DNS configurations. Proven ability to architect secure, high-performance network environments that meet PCI compliance standards while supporting scalable growth and cross-platform integration.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Manager, Infrastructure & Networks - Promoted
Tillster
San Diego, CA
06.2018 - Current
- Led modernization of enterprise and branch office networks, deploying Cisco Catalyst and Meraki L3 switches and implementing VLAN segmentation and OSPF routing, resulting in a 40% improvement in network performance and simplified WAN architecture.
- Directed enterprise cloud networking efforts in Microsoft Azure, including VNET, NSG, firewall, and route table deployments; reduced on-prem infrastructure footprint by 30% through hybrid cloud initiatives.
- Architected and implemented CATO Networks SD-WAN, providing secure, segmented connectivity across multiple sites and reducing dependency on legacy VPN infrastructure.
- Designed and enforced network security policy through centralized Palo Alto Panorama management and configuration of site-to-site IPSEC tunnels and access policies, improving threat response time.
- Enhanced infrastructure reliability and DR capabilities by deploying Nutanix clusters with Prism Central and micro segmentation, supporting isolated environments for production and external customers.
- Improved SLA response times by 60% through effective use of SolarWinds, PRTG, and PagerDuty, streamlining NOC visibility and real-time alert management.
- Reduced vendor costs by 20% by evaluating competing solutions via POCs, negotiating strategic pricing, and consolidating redundant services.
- Managed Azure patching and vulnerability remediation processes, maintaining PCI and CIS compliance across Windows and Linux environments.
- Drove cross-functional infrastructure upgrades, including SSL renewals, Radius/Wi-Fi improvements, and global backup standardization using Veeam and Veritas.
- Created and maintained detailed network diagrams and PCI audit documentation using Visio and Lucid Chart, aiding compliance and onboarding.
- Designed and deployed a segmented VLAN architecture to support a large-scale, multi-tenant lab environment, enhancing network isolation and resource utilization.
Lead Systems Engineer / Network Engineer
Tillster
San Diego, CA
06.2018 - 01.2022
- Designed and deployed network infrastructure for lab and production environments, including Cisco routers/switches, Palo Alto firewalls, and segmented VLAN architecture, improving scalability and security posture.
- Migrated on-prem systems to Azure, configuring AD Connect, ADFS, and SSO for seamless identity federation and reducing login-related support tickets by 35%.
- Deployed and managed VMware vSphere and Pure Storage systems, including clustering (DRS/HA), datastore provisioning, and host patching, ensuring uptime and performance for over 200 VMs.
- Configured and administered Meraki wireless access points and switches, enhancing Wi-Fi coverage, improving user experience, and reducing help desk tickets by 25%.
- Implemented centralized firewall policies across multiple Palo Alto devices, including NAT, IPSEC VPNs, and LDAP integration, improving security and easing firewall administration.
- Built secure external customer lab networks, isolating traffic through VLANs, IPSEC tunnels, and port forwarding while maintaining compliance and availability.
- Standardized backup and recovery operations using Veeam and Veritas, increasing recovery reliability and aligning backup policies with business continuity requirements.
- Developed standardized switch configs and implemented link aggregation (EtherChannel) and Trunking across enterprise and lab networks, improving bandwidth and resilience.
Systems / Network Engineer
UPS, United Parcel Service
San Diego , CA
03.2015 - 06.2018
Network Operations Center WAN Administrator
UPS, United Parcel Service
San Diego , CA
04.2008 - 03.2015
Network Administrator / Telecom Administrator
UPS, United Parcel Service
San Diego, CA
01.2001 - 08.2008
- Led a Tier 3 escalation team specializing in advanced troubleshooting and resolution of IPSEC VPN tunnel failures across the nationwide UPS network, ensuring uninterrupted secure connectivity for over 4,700 retail locations and sustaining critical business operations.
- Configured, deployed, and maintained enterprise firewalls (Juniper SSG-5, Fortinet FortiGate), including VPN tunnel setup, high availability, and security policy management.
- Managed VLANs, Trunking (802.1q), and Layer 2/3 switching on Cisco, HP, and Foundry switches to optimize network segmentation and performance.
- Administered network monitoring tools (SolarWinds) to proactively identify and resolve connectivity and performance issues.
- Supported and maintained Windows Server infrastructure, Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, and Group Policy for 300+ users.
- Maintained telecommunications infrastructure including Mitel PBX and integrated voice/data network systems.
- Led disaster recovery initiatives, including backup management with Veritas NetBackup and offsite replication.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT06.2026
Skills
- Cloud computing platforms
- Virtualization technologies
- Network infrastructure management
- Switch configuration and management
- Traffic management protocols
- Routing protocols and strategies
- IP addressing and subnetting
- VPN technologies and security
- Firewall management solutions
- Identity and access management
- Windows server administration
- Backup and recovery solutions
- Network architecture design
- Monitoring and alerting systems
- Documentation tools and processes
- Vendor management and procurement
- Network scaling
- Virtual private networks
Certification
- CompTIA Security+ ce, COMP001020493912, Active
- CompTIA Network+ ce, COMP001020493912, Active
- CompTIA A+, Active
- K21 Academy – Azure Job Oriented Program, Certificate of Completion, 04/23/25
- Fortinet NSE 1 – Network Security Associate, 2021
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Expired, 2024
Timeline
Manager, Infrastructure & Networks - Promoted
Tillster
06.2018 - Current
Lead Systems Engineer / Network Engineer
Tillster
06.2018 - 01.2022
Systems / Network Engineer
UPS, United Parcel Service
03.2015 - 06.2018
Network Operations Center WAN Administrator
UPS, United Parcel Service
04.2008 - 03.2015
Network Administrator / Telecom Administrator
UPS, United Parcel Service
01.2001 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
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