Nicholas Houser
Chesapeake Beach,MD
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Azure Cloud Migration Engineer - Federal Contract
ClearFocus Technologies
08.2022 - Current
- Leads Azure cloud migration project epics and features that involve strategy development, planning and execution for transition from on-premises to Azure
- Designs, implements, and migrates new and existing Microsoft Azure & 3rd party services and apps with IaC (Terraform)
- Developed and Oversees Azure Pipeline and Releases Strategy
- Implements architectural design and governance
- Assists with the management of project issues and risks throughout project delivery
- Identifies required application design changes for cloud suitability and migrations
- Supports lifecycle of migration activities and recommends app services and CI/CD deployment strategy.
Azure DevOps Engineer - Federal Contract
Kalani Consulting, Inc.
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Provides the technical leadership and direction in implementing enterprise IT/data engineering solutions
- Works closely with government stakeholders and ensures that solutions align with client architectural and process standards
- Interfaces and leads discussions across cross-functional teams, engaging senior management to ensure consistency in solution development and implementation
- Advises on high-level, complex solution development, architecture, and management processes from concept ideation through development, launch and maintenance
- Responsible for developing and maintaining the architecture that enables the seamless information interoperability of systems
- Plan, analyze, design, test, and deploy enterprise-scale Microsoft Azure cloud IaaS and PaaS solutions
- Lead the design and implementation of PaaS/IaaS services, construct and deployment methods including Database-as-a-Service, App Services, storage and automation
- Implement PaaS and IaaS solutions in a public Azure solution
- Use knowledge of identity and access management such as on-prem and cloud inclusive of Azure AD Connect, ADFS, and third-party identity providers
- Develop infrastructure-as-code solutions and automation templates using Azure Pipelines (JSON, YAML) and Azure DevOps Repos
- Remain current of regulatory and compliance requirements to drive successful governance strategies
- Develop and build scripts to automate product deployments, as well as test/QA.
Cloud Platform Engineer
AltoIRA
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed, Configured, Deployed, and Maintained AWS services
- Automated AWS services with Terraform
- Developed, Deployed, and Automated SonarQube to authenticate to, scan, and analyze GitHub repositories containing varying coding languages including Python, Elixir, and Go
- Daily management of large-scale dynamic web servers, databases, containers, and security
- Drove and contributed to improving CI/CD Pipeline Standards.
Systems Engineer
Jack Henry & Associates, Remote
01.2018 - 05.2021
- Drove Continual Service Improvement for Internal and External Customers
- Drove and contributed to improving CI/CD Pipeline Standards
- Engineered, Deployed, and Managed Microsoft Azure Services, Projects, and Teams
- Developed Microsoft Azure DevOps Processes
- Designed and deployed customized Microsoft Azure DevOps work-items templates
- Collaborated with Internal and External Developers to Address and Resolve .NET, Terraform, PowerShell, and XML Coding Problems and Known Issues
- Led Major Application Upgrades for both Internal and External Customers
- Managed Unplanned Emergency Activity
- Actively Engaged Security Teams to Prepare for and Mitigate Threats
- Developed guidelines and procedures for Systems Analysis and Problem Management
- Led all Systems Analysis and Solution Architecture projects from inception to closure
- Regularly presented root-cause findings, recommendations, and results to internal and external leadership.
Senior Systems Engineer - Federal Contract
Indigo IT, Washington DC
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Wrote Exchange 2016 Design Document to include executive summary, detailed system and application information, technical specifications and requirements, and implementation plan
- Prepared email organization for upgrade from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2016
- Exchange Online Protection (EOP) Administration
- Azure Active Directory Administration
- Collaborated with leadership to build escalation flow, Incident Management solutions, and documentation
- VMWare vSphere Management
- Authored Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other procedural documentation.
Senior Systems Integration Engineer - Federal Contract
iGov, Tampa, FL
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Amended immense build scripts to fully automated host configuration, VCenter & vSAN datastore creation
- Upgraded server infrastructure and to host newly developed COT and GOT applications
- Updated technical and procedural documentation for baseline changes.
Senior Consultant at Hewlett Packard Enterprise - Contract
Modis, Remote
12.2015 - 02.2017
- Created Global Incident and Change Management processes and standards
- Designed, Built, and Configured Exchange 2010 Org
- One of Three Engineers who led a mailbox migration effort of more than 180,000 objects and mailboxes.
Director of Engineering & Operations
RelianceNet, Annapolis, MD
02.2014 - 07.2014
- Under direction of the Owner / CEO provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership to the Support Desk, Engineering, and Professional Services teams
- Member of Leadership Team responsible for recruiting, retaining, and career development
- Principle Engineer managing and contributing to PtoV (VMware) Network Refresh, Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013 in Office 365 migrations, and on premise to Microsoft Windows Azure migration projects
- Contributing member and Technical Lead for Service Delivery; responsible for Quality-of-Service metrics, requirements gathering, solution development, and client presentation / white-boarding
- Technical PM on all projects
- Standardized processes, tools, and Team Member roles.
Manager & Lead Messaging Engineer, SRA International at FDIC - Federal Contract
Apex Systems Inc., Washington DC
11.2013 - 02.2014
- Under the direction of Senior FDIC Department of Information Technology officials provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership to the Messaging Engineering and Operations Team
- Provide engineering leadership and operational support for messaging and all related services
- Remedy moderation
- Manage and coordinate responsibilities of seven team members
- Manage rotating on-call schedule for team members
- Recommend design changes and provide supporting documentation
- Transcribed Exchange 2010 Operational Guide which includes messaging infrastructure daily procedures, maintenance schedules, and disaster recovery plans
- Analyze system performance and provide resolution recommendations when warranted
- Provide and coordinate service down resolution and deliver RCA documentation during final remediation.
Senior Engineer
Inovalon, Bowie, MD
12.2012 - 10.2013
- Designed and implemented a new Exchange 2010 infrastructure in parallel to an outdated Exchange 2007 design
- Post implementation, solely accountable for complete migration from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010, consisting of 4000+ users
- Upgraded domain functional level from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008
- Designed an Exchange 2010 architecture with 5 mailbox servers, 4 hub transport servers, 6 client access servers overload balanced over two datacenters
- Migrated 4500 mailboxes from 2007 to 2010
- Wrote, tested, and executed customized mailbox move PowerShell scripts to automate and process bulk move requests
- Day to day administration, management, and maintenance of 4 Cisco IronPort Email Edge Security appliances
- Regularly document standard operating procedures and training presentations to supplement an increasing need for team redundancy and high support availability
- Provide leadership to a total of 7 Windows System Administrators with varying roles and responsibilities
- Designed an email archiving solution to consolidate mailbox databases, institute a universal standardized mailbox size limit, and to ultimately provide a readily available search experience for resulting archived mail.
Senior Engineer - Federal Reserve Board - Federal Contract
KForce Government Solutions, Washington, D.C.
08.2012 - 12.2012
- Under Federal Reserve Board IT Messaging and Mobile Services management delegation, responsible for delivering support and assistance for Exchange Server 2010 migration, Lync Server 2010 implementation, and Blackberry Enterprise Server for Exchange Server integration
- Wrote and tested existing and customized PowerShell scripts tailored to fit specific needs for migration, implementation, and integration of Exchange 2010 and Lync 2010 from Domino Server & SameTime
- Working in parallel with the Blackberry Enterprise Server administration team, assisted the development of automation for BlackBerry user account creation in preparation for the migration to Exchange 2010 from Domino Server
- Based on published Board and ARC/OIG account management flow charts, wrote standardized operating procedure documents to facilitate the user account and Exchange mailbox creation process for day-to-day Ops teams' administration
- Ensured that GigaTrust Mobility server mobile device security policies gracefully transitioned to Exchange 2010
- Created BlackBerry Enterprise Server IT Policy and Software Configuration specific to GigaTrust encryption
- Tested and installed IM an Expert for Lync Server 2010.
IT Management Consultant Engineer - Private Contract
Severn Savings Bank, Annapolis, MD
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Under CIO direction, led eVault backup and Symantec Enterprise Protection Manager upgrades, respectively
- Led Office and Exchange upgrade design while providing guidance and mentorship for IT staff
- Utilizing Office 2010 Customization tool, Group Policy, and Start-Up scripting, managed, designed, and deployed Office 2010
- Created process documentation for Tier 1 and Tier 2 support teams
- Outlined escalation flows for respective support teams specific to server OS and applications.
Senior Computer Systems Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
General Dynamics Information Technology, Alexandria, VA
05.2011 - 03.2012
- Windows Server and Exchange Server SME responsible for Tier 4 administration as well as collaboration with onsite Microsoft Exchange engineers to ensure the day-to-day integrity of the USCG Exchange 2003 Org during design and planning for upgrade to Exchange 2010
- Operations Engineer liaison between Ops and Systems Engineering teams
- Provided high level transparency and initiated knowledge transfer to minimize technical barriers between Exchange engineering groups
- Primary escalation point for the Enterprise Management Facility (NOC) team members
- Provided training and guidance for lower tier level administration team members
- Assigned SME who provided technical updates, changes, and findings to USCG and Federal management during the Exchange 2010 planning phase.
Systems Engineer - Professional Services Consultant
Plan B Technologies, Bowie, MD
01.2011 - 05.2011
- Windows Server and Exchange SME responsible for Windows Infrastructure upgrades as well as Exchange 2003/Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010 email systems design and migration
- Successfully completed multiple expedited engineering projects for several clients in the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan areas
- Often filled the role of Sales Engineer for proof-of-concept meetings with potential, existing, and returning clients
- Regularly authored Scope of Work (SOW) technical documents for Project Management team members and Upper Leadership
- Following each completed project, functioned as trainer to provide full knowledge transfer to on-site client technical operations teams.
Senior Systems Administrator - Private Contract
Robert Half Technology, Columbia, MD
10.2010 - 01.2011
- Exchange SME responsible for Windows Server and Exchange Server administration
- Analyzed and resolved issues associated with server hardware and software
- Designed and implemented Exchange 2010 Org pilot for existing technical staff in preparation for migration from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010
- Implemented pilot System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 tool
- Created Group Policy Objects to administer end user capabilities for Microsoft Office 2010.
Systems Engineer - Private Contract
The ACI Group, Columbia, MD
05.2010 - 10.2010
- Exchange SME contracted to perform migration from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010 and to implement System Center Operations Manager
- Wrote deployment plan and network diagram for SCOM 2007 R2
- Configured and deployed SCOM 2007 R2 test environment
- In preparation for email migration from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010, upgraded domain functional level and removed Windows Server 2000 domain controllers
- Built an Exchange 2010 multi-function server and configured Client Access, Transport, and Mailbox server roles
- Built an Exchange 2010 Edge Server to act as primary Gateway
- Began pilot phase of the migration from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010; handed off migration to technical teams.
Systems & Network Administrator - Professional Services Consultant
DSC Tech Solutions, Greenbelt, MD
08.2009 - 05.2010
- Systems & Network Administrator responsible for day-to-day administration of several clients in the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan areas
- Reconfigured several existing Exchange 2007 Orgs to reliable and functional email systems at several client sites
- Performed Windows domain functional level upgrades at several client sites
- Acted as primary helpdesk, desktop support, and systems administrator for all clients
- Authored day-to-day operation process documents for each client.
Delayed Entry Program Recruit (DEPR)
United States Navy, Great Lakes, IL
11.2008 - 07.2009
- Enlisted in the United States Navy in November 2008 as a recruit in the DEPR program
- During these months, I was preparing to transition from civilian to Navy recruit
- I left for basic training in July 2009, was injured in basic training and discharged.
IT Desktop Support & Systems Administrator
Sourcefire, Columbia, MD
02.2008 - 09.2008
- Windows Desktop Support & Systems Administrator responsible for day-to-day user requests and Windows infrastructure
- Managed day to day helpdesk support requests for Windows machines and applications
- Actively participated in hiring new helpdesk personnel
- Wrote standardized processes for Windows support and administration
- Worked with leadership and senior engineers on new data center design as it related to Windows infrastructure integration and consolidation.
Computer Systems Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
CACI, Alexandria, VA
09.2007 - 11.2007
- Windows and Exchange Administrator responsible for day-to-day Windows and Exchange administration as well as network operations
- Managed Windows 2003 Enterprise Servers including Exchange 2003, DHCP, DNS, WINS, and SQL via Microsoft Operations Manager (M.O.M.) per shift schedule
- Regularly restored corrupted Exchange 2003 databases and mailboxes
- Performed regular maintenance of Symantec Backup Executive clients on all Exchange servers in the Org.
NOC Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
Intermedia Group, Alexandria, VA
01.2006 - 05.2006
- Windows and Exchange Administrator responsible for day-to-day Windows and Exchange administration as well as network operations
- Managed Windows 2003 Enterprise Servers including Exchange 2003, DHCP, DNS, WINS, and SQL via Microsoft Operations Manager (M.O.M.) per shift schedule
- Regularly restored corrupted Exchange 2003 databases and mailboxes.
Desktop Support Administrator
USI, Annapolis, MD
09.2004 - 01.2006
- Helpdesk and Desktop Support Admin responsible for day-to-day user requests, tickets, and end-user account administration
- Responsible for technical support as well as System Administration for 650+ users
- Installed, maintained, analyzed, troubleshot desktops and laptops, printers, monitors, and other peripherals in a networked environment
- Responsible for Exchange 5.5, 2000, 2003 mailbox support and administration
- Was mentored and guided to participate in Windows Server 2000, Active Directory, DNS, Systems Infrastructure, and System maintenance and upgrades
- Provided support for OS, hardware, software, remote access devices, e-mail clients
- Distributed standardized USI corporate image through ImageCast imaging software.
Timeline
Azure Cloud Migration Engineer - Federal Contract
ClearFocus Technologies
08.2022 - Current
Azure DevOps Engineer - Federal Contract
Kalani Consulting, Inc.
02.2022 - 08.2022
Cloud Platform Engineer
AltoIRA
05.2021 - 12.2021
Systems Engineer
Jack Henry & Associates, Remote
01.2018 - 05.2021
Senior Systems Engineer - Federal Contract
Indigo IT, Washington DC
09.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Systems Integration Engineer - Federal Contract
iGov, Tampa, FL
06.2017 - 08.2017
Senior Consultant at Hewlett Packard Enterprise - Contract
Modis, Remote
12.2015 - 02.2017
Director of Engineering & Operations
RelianceNet, Annapolis, MD
02.2014 - 07.2014
Manager & Lead Messaging Engineer, SRA International at FDIC - Federal Contract
Apex Systems Inc., Washington DC
11.2013 - 02.2014
Senior Engineer
Inovalon, Bowie, MD
12.2012 - 10.2013
Senior Engineer - Federal Reserve Board - Federal Contract
KForce Government Solutions, Washington, D.C.
08.2012 - 12.2012
IT Management Consultant Engineer - Private Contract
Severn Savings Bank, Annapolis, MD
03.2012 - 06.2012
Senior Computer Systems Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
General Dynamics Information Technology, Alexandria, VA
05.2011 - 03.2012
Systems Engineer - Professional Services Consultant
Plan B Technologies, Bowie, MD
01.2011 - 05.2011
Senior Systems Administrator - Private Contract
Robert Half Technology, Columbia, MD
10.2010 - 01.2011
Systems Engineer - Private Contract
The ACI Group, Columbia, MD
05.2010 - 10.2010
Systems & Network Administrator - Professional Services Consultant
DSC Tech Solutions, Greenbelt, MD
08.2009 - 05.2010
Delayed Entry Program Recruit (DEPR)
United States Navy, Great Lakes, IL
11.2008 - 07.2009
IT Desktop Support & Systems Administrator
Sourcefire, Columbia, MD
02.2008 - 09.2008
Computer Systems Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
CACI, Alexandria, VA
09.2007 - 11.2007
NOC Administrator - United States Coast Guard (TISCOM) - Federal Contract
Intermedia Group, Alexandria, VA
01.2006 - 05.2006
Desktop Support Administrator
USI, Annapolis, MD
09.2004 - 01.2006
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