Melynda Knowlton
Provo,UT
Summary
Seasoned Senior Firewall Engineer with 20+ years of progressive experience designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise-scale network security infrastructures across financial, technology, and corporate sectors. Expert in firewall and security architecture, policy automation, and data center integration. Known for exceptional troubleshooting skills, technical astuteness, and unwavering dedication. A loyal, collaborative team player who thrives in high-stakes environments and builds resilient systems that scale with business needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager, Security Development & Engineering Lead
Charles Schwab
Provo, UT
10.2020 - 01.2026
- Led post-acquisition (TD Ameritrade) network integration, ensuring seamless migration and uninterrupted security operations.
- Designed, developed, and enforced firewall baselines, standards, and procedures across the enterprise.
- Trained and mentored team members, enhancing skill development and operational readiness.
- Streamlined change control and SharePoint documentation processes to improve compliance and efficiency.
- Balanced competing priorities effectively, while maintaining focus on critical tasks requiring immediate attention.
Senior Consultant, Infrastructure Engineering
TD Ameritrade
Provo, UT
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Oversaw firewall lifecycle management, ensuring software and hardware currency, configuration integrity, capacity management and adherence to regulatory and risk compliance standards.
- Maintained firewall change management systems and automation workflows to improve control, transparency, and audit readiness.
- Mentored and trained new engineers, fostering a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
- Diagnosed complex network and security issues, implementing sustainable solutions that minimized downtime and risk exposure.
- Optimized documentation frameworks to enhance scalability, audit preparedness, and cross-team collaboration.
Senior Network Engineer / Consultant, Infrastructure Engineering
TD Ameritrade
Provo, UT
10.2011 - 01.2019
- Designed and deployed two new data centers, executing the migration of 100K+ firewalls while modernizing Juniper SRX infrastructure in support of 100G scalability and real-time trading demands.
- Implemented Tufin automation for firewall policies, streamlining change control processes and improving compliance accuracy.
- Collaborated with vendors and cross-functional teams to strengthen network resiliency, ensuring readiness for audits, risk assessments, and regulatory reviews.
- Modernized firewall infrastructure by integrating Netscreens into NSM (Network Security Manager) for improved visibility and operational control.
- Led critical incident response and root-cause analysis, ensuring uninterrupted uptime during high-volume trading events.
- Authored operational baselines and firewall standards, preserving compliance with internal security frameworks and audit requirements.
Firewall Technician / Workgroup Leader
Convergys / Juniper Networks
Ogden, UT
08.2007 - 10.2011
- Delivered advanced technical support and configuration for Juniper Netscreen firewalls and network security infrastructure.
- Authored and maintained technical documentation and knowledge base articles, standardizing troubleshooting and configuration practices.
- Supported escalation management, monitored service queues, and collaborated with cross-functional leadership to maintain service quality.
- Led onboarding, training, and mentoring programs that improved team efficiency, reduced error rates, and strengthened operational performance.
- Additional Early Experience: Network and operations support roles with Zions Bank, Hewlett Packard, West Telecom Solutions, and SITEL Corporation, providing foundational expertise in IT systems, customer support, and data management.
Education
Associate of Occupational Studies - Computer Systems & Network Technology
Vatterott College
Omaha, NE01.2004
Timeline
Sr. Manager, Security Development & Engineering Lead
Charles Schwab
10.2020 - 01.2026
Senior Consultant, Infrastructure Engineering
TD Ameritrade
01.2019 - 10.2020
Senior Network Engineer / Consultant, Infrastructure Engineering
TD Ameritrade
10.2011 - 01.2019
Firewall Technician / Workgroup Leader
Convergys / Juniper Networks
08.2007 - 10.2011
Associate of Occupational Studies - Computer Systems & Network Technology
Vatterott College
Career Highlights
- Proven record of modernizing firewall and security ecosystems, leading migrations to Juniper SRX, and Palo Alto platforms to enhance automation, scalability, and audit readiness.
- Key contributor in data center design, build, and integration, supporting business continuity and performance during large-scale network transitions and mergers.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and audit preparation, ensuring alignment with industry standards (SOX, internal risk controls).
- Recognized for exceptional troubleshooting and crisis management, restoring mission-critical systems during high-pressure incidents with precision and speed.
Additional Early Experience
Network and operations support roles with Zions Bank, Hewlett Packard, West Telecommunications, and SITEL Corporation, providing foundational expertise in IT systems, customer support, and data management.
Career Highlights
- Proven record of modernizing firewall and security ecosystems, leading migrations to Juniper SRX, and Palo Alto platforms to enhance automation, scalability, and audit readiness.
- Key contributor in data center design, build, and integration, supporting business continuity and performance during large-scale network transitions and mergers.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and audit preparation, ensuring alignment with industry standards (SOX, internal risk controls).
- Recognized for exceptional troubleshooting and crisis management, restoring mission-critical systems during high-pressure incidents with precision and speed.
Additional Early Experience
Network and operations support roles with Zions Bank, Hewlett Packard, West Telecommunications, and SITEL Corporation, providing foundational expertise in IT systems, customer support, and data management.