LAWRENCE MASHIMBYE
Network Engineer
Midrand
Summary
Experienced infrastructure network and security engineer with a track record in managing, designing, and maintaining IT systems across finance, telecommunications, and healthcare industries. Proficient in implementing and administering network infrastructure, specializing in Cisco routers, Fortigate firewalls, Aruba switches, VMware environments, and backup systems. Skilled in LAN/WAN administration, virtualization, disaster recovery planning, and ensuring compliance with security standards like ISO through advanced configurations such as IPsec VPNs and SDN-WAN deployment. Extensive experience with enterprise-level tools including Active Directory, Exchange servers, Microsoft Teams for Business, Office 365 suites, UNIX/Linux environments, and SAN solutions. Demonstrated ability to enhance operational efficiency through network audits, performance monitoring metrics documentation, vendor evaluations, and SLA management. Seeking roles that require leadership in infrastructure strategy to optimize secure IT networks aligned with organizational objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
8067
8067
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Systems Engineer: Networks Infrastructure
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
Centurion
10.2023 - Current
- Configuration, implementation, and maintenance of the security and network infrastructure, including Cisco routers, Fortigate firewalls, Aruba switches, wireless access points, and HP ProCurve switches.
- Management and administration of VMware environments encompassing compute resources, storage solutions, and backup devices to ensure optimal system performance and availability.
- Support and upkeep of IT infrastructure across the organization, covering data centers, networks, server infrastructure, and patch management, to assure high security and reliability standards.
- Administration of LAN/WAN networks, alongside firewalls, routers, switches, Storage Area Networks (SANs), and wireless infrastructures such as Aruba systems, chassis/blade servers, and Windows Security environments, as well as UNIX and Linux servers.
- Administration of enterprise-level services, like Active Directory management, print services administration, Exchange server operations, antivirus solutions deployment, Microsoft Teams for Business collaboration tools, as well as the Office 365 environment.
- Regular updates to firmware configurations, while ensuring compliance with performance benchmarks in areas spanning Windows security settings and overall system availability across head office branches.
Infrastructure Network Engineer
Postbank SOC Ltd
Pretoria
04.2020 - 09.2023
- Configured core and backbone inter-networking devices for LAN and WAN environments, including planning, designing, and implementing network architecture.
- Integrated Cisco network equipment into critical production infrastructure to ensure operational reliability and efficient functionality.
- Conducted 2nd and 3rd level support, troubleshooting complex hardware, OS issues, and network-related incidents, while escalating sensitive matters to management and IT teams.
- Managed IPsec/Site-to-Site VPN implementation, alongside the configuration of firewall policies using Cisco ASA, Checkpoint, and Fortigate systems, to maintain robust network security compliance with ISO standards.
- Monitored infrastructure performance metrics such as response time, throughput, and availability; documented reports on network performance for proactive issue resolution.
- Participated in IT initiatives by auditing networks for security enhancements, recommending tools/products through vendor evaluations, and documenting network designs to improve operational efficiency.
- Monitored network capacity and performance to diagnose and resolve complex network problems.
- Reduced downtime with proactive monitoring of network devices and rapid troubleshooting.
- Improved network performance by identifying and resolving bottlenecks, optimizing configurations, and implementing best practices.
- Increased overall network stability by performing root cause analysis on recurring issues and implementing long-term solutions.
ICT Infrastructure Network Engineer
South African National Blood Service
Constantia Kloof
06.2017 - 04.2020
- Managed the design, development, and implementation of ICT infrastructure systems by analyzing and prioritizing user needs to meet organizational requirements.
- Managed IP network administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting to ensure the availability of key services, such as internet, voice/VoIP, and MPLS connectivity, across multiple sites.
- Installed, configured, maintained, and optimized IT infrastructure components, including servers, routers, switches, and network equipment from vendors like Cisco, Dell EMC, IBM, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks.
- Implemented critical projects such as Cisco SDN-WAN integration, VoIP for remote sites, wireless connectivity at office locations, call manager upgrades (Version 9 to 11), and virtualization across environments.
- Coordinated with third-party vendors to manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and provided consultation for stakeholders, consistently adhering to IT policies, governance, and implementing best practices.
- Designed business continuity plans, including disaster recovery strategies; conducted daily backups on platforms like Dell EMC Avamar and Networker; and ensured regular system maintenance aligned with organizational methodologies.
IT Operations Network Engineer
National Health Laboratory Service
Sandringham
02.2014 - 05.2017
- Managed the implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of network environments, including Mesh Network, RF (Radio Frequency), VSAT satellite, 3G, and 4G LTE networks.
- Installed, configured, and supported LAN/WAN network infrastructure to provide connectivity for new and existing laboratories, while ensuring optimal performance through proactive monitoring and issue resolution.
- Performed LAN/WAN enhancements, such as IPSEC VPN migrations from pre-shared keys to certificates, and conducted network redesigns for Academic Health Laboratories and campus locations.
- Implemented security policies using ACLs, firewalls, IPSec, SSL VPNs, and IPS/IDS systems (e.g., TACACS+, RADIUS), and performed regular security audits on perimeter routers to identify missing access control lists (ACLs).
- Coordinated IT network service-related projects, such as upgrading LAN at public health laboratories across South Africa, and migrating WAN infrastructure from PPP to MPLS protocol.
- Administered the design of complex LAN/WAN infrastructures utilizing technologies like Cisco/HP switches (2950–3500 series), routers (1921–3800 series), GSM/4G LTE systems, HP ProCurve switches, and wireless controllers/APs, while maintaining documentation of configurations for recovery purposes. Responsible for the management of the network environment implementations, monitoring, and maintenance.
- Responsible for Mesh Network, RF (Radio Frequency), VSAT satellite, 3G, and 4G LTE network implementations.
- Install, configure, and support all LAN/WAN network infrastructure to provide connectivity to new and existing labs.
- Monitor LAN/WAN performance and availability, and take appropriate action to ensure optimal network operation.
- Perform LAN and WAN-related additions and changes to ensure that business requirements are met in a timely manner.
- Setting up user accounts, permissions, and passwords on ACS servers for VPN access.
- Troubleshooting and resolving first-line WAN/LAN issues, and escalating unsolvable calls to the Senior Network Engineer.
- Perform routine backups on the configuration files for recovery purposes.
- Plan, build, and run IT LAN and WAN network services, and documentation of the network.
- Implementing security policies using ACL, Firewall, IPSEC, SSL, VPN, IPS/IDS, and AAA (TACACS+ & RADIUS).
- Dealt with monitoring tools like SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM), Fenix, NetFlow, etc.
- Migration of existing IPsec VPN tunnels from pre-shared key to certificate.
- Network redesign for branches (Academic Health Laboratories) / Campus Locations.
- Changing both the voice and data environments.
- Replacing branch hardware with new 1921 routers and 2960 switches.
- Performing security audits of perimeter routers, identifying missing ACLs.
- Troubleshooting complex LAN/WAN infrastructure, including routing protocols EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP.
- Settings of the networking devices (Cisco router, Cisco/HP switches).
- Support and delivery of LAN and WAN in the NHLS to ensure the smooth operation of all communication networks, in order to provide maximum performance and availability.
- Coordinate and deliver on IT network service-related projects.
- Ensure service levels are met for all logged calls, while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction that meets the Service Level Agreement (SLA).
- Upgrading the LAN at NHLS facilities in different public health laboratories in South Africa.
- Installed, configured, and troubleshot Cisco 2950, 2960, 3500 switches, and 3800, 2811, 1921, 1941 routers, plus Cisco 3G GSM, 4G LTE, and HP ProCurve switches 5400, 2626, 2610, 2620 PoE+, and HP MSM430, 460 AP, HP MSM 720 Wireless Controller, Wireless Presentation System WPIG-100/1000.
- Patched CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, and fiber cables.
- Administering and designing LANs, WANs, internet/intranet, and voice networks.
- Migration from PPP to MPLS WAN, and implementing VSAT, CCTV, and Mobile Labs 3G GSM/4G LTE network infrastructure projects.
IT Operations Networks Experiential Student
National Health Laboratory Service
Sandringham
08.2012 - 01.2014
- Management and resolution of escalated technical issues from field engineers, ensuring efficient problem-solving and support.
- Provision of remote technical assistance to clients, including troubleshooting complex LAN/WAN infrastructure, and addressing router link-related issues.
- Installation, configuration, maintenance, and commissioning of VSAT equipment, as well as leased lines, and ISDN connections.
- Configuration of network access servers and routers for AAA security management, with adherence to documentation and change control processes.
- Diagnosis, investigation, and resolution of network connectivity problems using tools such as ping, traceroute, and telnet, while maintaining communication protocols, integration setups, and security configurations.
- Upgrading and repairing faults in data networks, voice PABX systems, switches (Cisco/HP), including VLAN configuration/troubleshooting on both hardware and software platforms.
Student Assistant
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria
02.2011 - 06.2012
- Conducted technical programming lectures in Java and Visual Basic .NET, delivering comprehensive instruction to students.
- Provided mentorship and academic support to students, ensuring an effective understanding of course material through tutorials.
- Evaluated student performance by marking scripts accurately, and maintaining consistent grading standards.
- Entered and managed student test marks in the department’s database system, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
- Performed departmental tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet operational needs.
- Supported the academic team in fostering a collaborative learning environment for enhanced student success.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Information Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria04.2024
B Tech - Information Technology: Communication Networks
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria06.2021
National Diploma - Information Technology: Communication Networks
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria04.2013
Senior Certificate - Mathematcis And Science
Shikundu High School
Malamulele, Limpopo Province12.2007
Skills
Technical analysis
IT infrastructure
Troubleshooting
System troubleshooting
Root-cause analysis
TCP/IP protocol
Professional Development
- Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core, Torque IT, South Africa, 2024
- Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Advanced Infrastructure Implementation, Torque IT, South Africa, 2020
- ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management, HP Education, South Africa, 2016
- CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate, Torque IT, South Africa, 2014
Personal Information
- Date of birth: 07/10/89
- Nationality: South African
- Driving Licence: Code C1
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Systems Engineer: Networks Infrastructure
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
10.2023 - Current
Infrastructure Network Engineer
Postbank SOC Ltd
04.2020 - 09.2023
ICT Infrastructure Network Engineer
South African National Blood Service
06.2017 - 04.2020
IT Operations Network Engineer
National Health Laboratory Service
02.2014 - 05.2017
IT Operations Networks Experiential Student
National Health Laboratory Service
08.2012 - 01.2014
Student Assistant
Tshwane University of Technology
02.2011 - 06.2012
Postgraduate Diploma - Information Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
B Tech - Information Technology: Communication Networks
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma - Information Technology: Communication Networks
Tshwane University of Technology
Senior Certificate - Mathematcis And Science
Shikundu High School
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