Rafek Ashem

Results-driven IT Infrastructure, Network, and Systems Professional with extensive experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise-level technology environments. Demonstrated expertise in managing network infrastructure, servers, workstations, cloud services, and endpoint devices to ensure secure, reliable, and high-performance operations. Highly skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex hardware, software, network, and system issues to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.

Strong background in implementing and administering security solutions including firewalls, access controls, endpoint protection, encryption technologies, and enterprise security best practices. Proficient in administering Windows desktop and server environments (Windows 7–11; Windows Server 2008–2016), including installation, configuration, patching, backup administration, and disaster recovery planning. Knowledgeable in cloud computing and virtualization technologies to deliver scalable and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.

Hands-on experience coordinating hardware/software deployments, technology refresh initiatives, and enterprise-wide upgrades. Expertise includes PC assembly and imaging, application installation and support, printer deployment, memory/storage upgrades, motherboard replacement, workstation/server restoration, and comprehensive diagnostics. Experienced supporting enterprise applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, endpoint security products, and other business-critical software.

Adept at developing and executing backup and recovery strategies, monitoring system and network performance, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing infrastructure for improved availability and operational efficiency. Recognized as a versatile, customer-focused IT professional with exceptional troubleshooting, installation, and support skills, committed to delivering innovative technology solutions aligned with business objectives.

Information System and Technology Lead Engineer (Natrium Project) at Bechtel (2022-07 – Present)

Responsible for all IT operations and services for the Bechtel team on the project.

• Provide IT operational/technical support and manage IT requirements and deliverables to support execution of the project.
• Define IT infrastructure, network, and communications requirements for site offices.
• Develop complex IT reports, dashboards, and automate workflows.
• Coordinate IT plans with project team, contractors and client, and establish clear Divisions of Responsibility.
• Investigates and resolves problems and provides information about the technology to the users and to service delivery.
• Establish relationships with IT vendors.
• Performs hardware and software moves, adds, and changes.
• Migrates data and user accounts as required.
• Support mobilization of project team – Asset management, imaging and provision of Bechtel computers, mobile phones and Microsoft 2FA.
• Setup network printers and scanners.
• Help Bechtel users connect to the network, printers, file server, applications, Teams and SharePoint, and resolve any technical issues.
• Develop metrics for IS&T performance and governance compliance.
• Manages automation, innovation and integration requirements with Bechtel, client and/or key stakeholders and disciplines.
• Performs specific tasks while utilizing prescribed information technology methods.
• Provide input to technical scopes of work for contractors.
• Recommend process improvement solutions.
• Follow GBU and corporate processes for deploying approved applications.
• Development of IT support guides and user training.
• Adhere to Corporate, Bechtel Business Line and Project IT procedures, standards, and security requirements.
• Creates and maintains trouble tickets, configuration, and inventory records; creates process maps.
• Develop and maintain the Project Automation Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, Software Application Portfolio, and project IT handover and Closeout plan.
• Define and set Project IT goals, schedules and divisions of responsibility.
• Performs a range of tasks in a variety of contexts, without frequent reference to others.
• Conducts tests of standard hardware and/or software affected using supplied test procedures and diagnostic tools.
• Assists in resolving problems and faults concerning hardware or software installation.
• Performs data backup according to established procedures and assures compliance with the policy.
• Maintain Project IT budget and associated forecasts.
• Responsible for IT procurement and asset management.
• Respond to audits as required.
• Responds to customers' needs, questions, and concerns accurately, effectively, and timely.
• Escalates problems to a higher level as required to ensure timely resolution.
• Maintains data center applications.
• Assures that all work processes are properly tracked through the standard ticketing system.

IT System Administrator / Deskside Technician at Chenega IT Enterprise Services (2018-11 – 2022-07)

• Managed onboarding including user accounts, desk phones, laptops, and desktops.
• Troubleshot hardware, software, network components, Exchange, Active Directory, Backup Exec, and other IT systems.
• Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Supported 200+ computers across multiple Windows OS versions.
• Performed OS upgrades, re-imaging, and software testing.
• Ensured full functionality of PC/Mac desktops and adhered to corporate IT standards.
• Led help desk operations and assisted Systems Administrators.
• Managed tape backups/restores and resolved local server issues.
• Completed projects ahead of schedule and delegated tasks as needed.

Deskside Engineer Tier II at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (2018-06 – 2018-11)

• Install and support PCs, laptops, printers, peripherals, and connected equipment in an IT Enterprise environment comprising 6,000 – 8,000 users.
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policies, and networking.
• Provide end-user software and hardware troubleshooting and support in person or over the phone.
• Manage VPN and Citrix for remote access.
• Install, upgrade, support, and troubleshoot Windows OS, authorized desktop applications, hardware, and peripheral equipment.
• Coordinate and execute preventative maintenance and remedial repairs on computers, laptops, printers, and peripherals.
• Imaging workstations while safeguarding customer files and profiles; also testing laptop and desktop computers.
• Upgrading end-user computer systems ensures no data loss.
• Work within Citrix Studio and IBM BigFix.
• Apply thorough knowledge of network configuration and troubleshooting techniques such as TCP/IP, WINS, DHCP, and DNS within the Windows-7 operating system and Windows 10 and MACs to resolve customer workstation issues.

Network Engineer at Computer Service Unlimited (2016-08 – 2018-06)

• Configured and installed routers, switches, and wireless controllers.
• Install a wide range of network equipment.
• Quickly resolve all IP network issues to reduce waste and downtime while also ensuring client Service Level Agreements.
• Troubleshoot issues with the network to run more efficiently and to avoid future problems.
• Securing network systems by enforcing policies and monitoring access to them.
• Troubleshooting LAN and WAN Network issues.
• Configure Router, ASA Firewall, Active Directory, DNS installation, and IPSec.
• Troubleshot main fiber-optic line disconnecting problems, and solved network equipment errors and problems. Provided equipment replacement solutions without affecting services, addressed data center problems, and designed backup plans.
• Build and maintain a computer network with capabilities of sharing information or keeping it confidential for all employees throughout the building.
• Installed software, modified, and repaired hardware, and resolved technical issues.
• Implemented and maintained firewalls, series switches, and security appliances.
• Review logs for all networking devices for unresolved abnormalities and problems.
• Visually inspected temperature sensors to maintain the health of servers and network devices.
• Troubleshot and maintained all networking devices and infrastructure across the enterprise including switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Communicate with vendors to resolve network outages and periods of reduced performance.