Dhilip Panchatcharam

Strategic and results-driven Senior Network Operations Engineer with 16+ years of experience in designing, securing and automating enterprise network infrastructure. Proven success in leading cross-functional teams, managing 24x7 mission-critical environments, and driving operational excellence. Proficient at developing high-performing teams, implementing scalable network operations frameworks and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.

Expertise in Cisco and Palo Alto platforms, network automation (Python, Ansible) and incident/problem management. Committed to continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and operational resilience.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TCEnergy (TransCanada Pipelines), Calgary Oct 2016 – Present

Senior Network Design and Operation Engineer

• Led cross-functional teams on infrastructure projects including FlexVPN upgrades, corporate switch refreshes, and network audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Administered Palo Alto and Cisco ASA firewalls, implementing robust access control policies to protect corporate and SCADA field assets.
• Automated IOS upgrades for Nexus 5K switches and routers using Ansible and SolarWinds Orion, improving consistency and reducing manual effort.
• Served as a specialized escalation point for outage events, conducting root cause analysis and leading post-event actions.
• Led network automation projects and provided technical guidance/coaching to staff and junior engineers.
• Owned and delivered critical projects, including technology migrations and deployment process enhancements.
• Developed Python scripts to monitor device availability and send outage notifications, enhancing operational visibility.
• Managed device backups and configuration compliance, automating ACL updates and password rotations.
• Optimized hardware lifecycle management, decommissioning unused circuits and saving over $5M.
• Enhanced inventory accuracy for 8,000+ Cisco devices in SmartNet Total Care, reducing maintenance costs.
• Utilized SPLUNK queries to proactively resolve authentication/authorization failures.
• Demonstrated expertise in routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, RIP, BGP) and Cisco platforms (Nexus 9K/5K, Catalyst 9K/4500, Cisco ISE).
• Operated in 24/7 mission-critical environments, ensuring high availability and rapid incident response.
• Coordinated technical milestones, advised leadership and collaborated across teams to drive strategic initiatives.
• Partnered with vendor and account managers to resolve business and operational challenges.

Sysgen Solutions Group, Calgary Dec 2013 – Sept 2016

Network Administrator

• Delivered end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions across diverse client environments, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Deployed and managed enterprise-grade systems including Cisco switches, ASA firewalls, VoIP, ESXi hosts, and server racks.
• Led VMware ESXi upgrades and P2V migrations, optimizing performance and patch compliance.
• Installed/administered Windows Server roles and Citrix environments to support core business operations.
• Designed secure networks with Cisco ASA, Catalyst switches, Meraki wireless, and integrated threat mitigation tools.

Home and Office Micro Solutions, Edmonton Sep 2013 – Nov 2013

Systems Analyst

• Configured/Installed Microsoft Windows 2012 OS on a Dell T320 server and configured VM’s using Hyper-V
• Implemented new VoIP deployment including CUCME/Unity installation and managed QoS
• SME on Cisco projects and designed client’s network with 3750, ASA 5510 and managed site to site VPN

Cobalt Business Systems, Edmonton Jan 2013 - August 2013

Network Analyst

• Installed and configured Cisco UC 560, 2960S POE switches, and IP phones for client deployments.
• Configured Fortinet firewalls and Cisco wireless routers for secure network access.
• Performed server maintenance, monitored backups, and managed licensing for Exchange, Symantec, and Trend Deep Security.

NTT Data Canada (Formerly Keane Inc), Halifax May 2010 - August 2012

Senior Desktop Engineer

• Provisioned and supported Windows XP virtual desktops using VMware vSphere Client and Citrix Access Management Console, resolved Citrix XenDesktop issues and delivered infrastructure training to 15 Level 1 analysts during MSSB migration.
• Handled escalations effectively, resolving technical issues raised by Service Delivery Managers, Level 2 support and Executive Directors with a focus on timely and high-quality service delivery.

IBM, Calgary Dec 2008 - Sep 2009

Network Analyst

• Supported and monitored multi-vendor network infrastructure including Cisco, Juniper, 3Com, and HP devices using tools like NetCool, NMC, Eye of the Storm, and SolarWinds to manage LAN/WAN environments and resolve issues such as power failures, circuit outages, and connectivity disruptions.

EDUCATION

Master of Engineering in Internetworking 2006 - 2008

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Instrumentation 2002 - 2006

Sathyabama University, Chennai, India