VMware to Proxmox modernization
Host architecture, workload placement, ZFS-backed node design, Ceph cluster patterns, Proxmox Backup Server, HA boundaries, migration windows, and rollback planning.
cat engineering-profile.txt
Designing secure, scalable infrastructure for cloud, data center, and AI workloads.
I design, modernize, and operate the infrastructure supporting application workloads, including DNS, virtualization platforms, enterprise storage, routing, firewall policy, backup and recovery, monitoring, AI lab environments, and standardized automation and runbooks for repeatable change execution.
Core work: DNS modernization · VMware/Proxmox · ZFS/Ceph · network security · Nasuni/Azure Files · AI/RAG · GIS/DB tuning
Certifications: CCNP Security · AWS Solutions Architect Professional · Azure Administrator · Fortinet FCSS/FCP
David Nicola
Systems & Security Engineer
Infrastructure modernization / network security / platform operations
Project map
Architecture areas with production impact.
Each section is written around what was designed, migrated, tuned, secured, or made operational.
Capabilities
Technical domains and operating experience.
Not a tool list. These are the systems I have had to make stable, secure, recoverable, and supportable.
Authoritative DNS platform modernization
Linux DNS platform engineering: legacy DNS migration, zone/database reconstruction, authoritative services, replication and failover design, and PowerDNS-oriented modernization using database-backed automation patterns.
Firewall, routing, and segmentation
Enterprise networking across 300+ branch environments: Cisco switching/routing, VLANs, BGP/OSPF concepts, SD-WAN overlays, IPsec VPNs, firewall policy, NAT, HA, packet capture, and traffic-path validation.
Distributed file and archive systems
Distributed data services: Nasuni migrations, DFS namespace design, Azure Files integration, SMB/ACL continuity, WAN-aware file access, cache behavior, recovery validation, and S3 Glacier archival workflows.
Self-hosted AI/RAG labs
Ollama, Open WebUI, local model runtime, document ingestion, embeddings, vector indexes, source-grounded retrieval, Docker/Linux deployment, and Python automation.
GIS and database performance
3-GIS and ArcGIS support tied to SQL/query review, indexing, database maintenance, service dependencies, map-service responsiveness, monitoring, and backup/restore planning.
Technical skills
Skills recruiters can scan and engineers can verify.
Search by system, tool, protocol, storage layer, or project area.
Network security engineering
CCNP Securityfirewall policyroutingsegmentationVPN/IPsecNATSD-WANHA/failoverGSLBpacket capturenmaplog analysisFortiGateFortiAnalyzerFortiManagerFortiGSLBCiscoJuniperMerakiMikroTikAruba
Virtualization and clustered storage
VMware vSphereProxmox VEZFSCephclustered storageshared storageProxmox Backup ServerLinux serversWindows serversHP/Dell/SupermicroiDRAC/iLO/IPMImigration planningrollback designHA boundaries
DNS and core infrastructure
PowerDNSSimpleDNS migrationauthoritative DNSzone reconstructionreplication/failoverDNS databasesLinux servicesDebianUbuntuRed HatLibreNMSGraylogSNMP monitoringBashPythonPowerShell
Distributed file and archival systems
NasuniDFS namespacesAzure FilesSMBpermissions/ACLsnamespace migrationcache behaviorlatency reviewbackup/restore validationS3 Glacierretention planning
AI infrastructure labs
OllamaOpen WebUIlocal LLM hostingembeddingsvector databasesdocument ingestionretrieval pipelinessource groundingDockerLinuxPython automationdata-control design
Cloud, identity, and automation
AWSAzureVPCsEC2/RDS/S3S3 GlacierAzure endpointsExchangeTerraformAWS CDKAnsibleKubernetesDocker ComposePowerShellBashDNS/PKIActive DirectoryLDAP/OpenID/SSO
GIS and database platforms
3-GISArcGISSQL/query reviewindexingdatabase maintenancemap-service performanceapplication dependenciesMySQLPostgreSQLMongoDBbackup/restore planning
Security operations and evidence
security liaisonvulnerability validationscanner reviewremediation trackingevidence workflowsSIEM/loggingEDRDuo proxiesMimecastDNS securityrisk reviewSOPsoperational handoff
Project work
Selected engineering projects.
These are written as infrastructure stories: what was fragile, what was redesigned, and what became easier to operate.
01
DNS / Core Services
SimpleDNS to PowerDNS-oriented core service modernization
Modernized DNS operations by moving away from host-bound legacy workflows toward a cleaner authoritative DNS model with reconstructed zone data, replication/failover, and Linux service ownership.
Technical details
- Migrated DNS services to new hosts and reconstructed DNS databases/zone records.
- Designed replication and failover so core name resolution was not tied to a single fragile service path. Integrated DNS considerations with hybrid cloud connectivity, identity services, and operational monitoring.
- Framed the next operating model around PowerDNS authoritative services with a database backend for automation, auditability, and repeatable zone management.
- Connected DNS work to PKI, SSO/LDAP, VPN, cloud endpoint, and core network dependencies.
Systems: SimpleDNS-style legacy DNS, PowerDNS architecture, Linux, DNS databases, replication/failover, PKI, LDAP/SSO, VPN dependencies.
Outcome: More maintainable DNS foundation, cleaner recovery path, and less operational risk around core network services.
02
Virtualization / Storage
VMware to Proxmox VE modernization and storage architecture
Designed migration patterns for moving workloads from VMware into Proxmox VE while treating storage, backup, HA, and rollback as first-class design constraints.
Technical details
- Mapped workloads, host dependencies, backup relationships, storage paths, and recovery priority before migration sequencing.
- Used ZFS for local node storage patterns where integrity, snapshots, and predictable recovery mattered.
- Evaluated Ceph clustered storage patterns for workloads requiring shared storage, distributed resiliency, and future HA expansion semantics, failure-domain awareness, and HA flexibility.
- Planned around Proxmox Backup Server, bridge/VLAN layout, management interfaces, and post-cutover validation.
Systems: VMware vSphere, Proxmox VE, ZFS, Ceph, Proxmox Backup Server, Linux/Windows workloads, Dell/HP/Supermicro hosts, iDRAC/iLO/IPMI.
Outcome: Lower dependency on licensing-heavy virtualization paths, more transparent storage behavior, and clearer recovery/runbook ownership.
03
Datacenter / Colo
HQ to colocation migration and physical buildout
Supported relocation of production systems from headquarters into a colocation facility over ELAN connectivity, including rack buildout, host configuration, and validation of production services.
Technical details
- Built out physical infrastructure and host environments for the new facility.
- Validated VMware host configuration, connectivity, rack layout, and operational access paths.
- Aligned migration work with high availability, outage handling, and production continuity requirements.
Systems: VMware vSphere, HP/Dell hardware, colocation facility, ELAN, routing, host management, high-availability systems.
Outcome: Production systems moved into a more appropriate datacenter footprint with clearer operational ownership.
04
Network Security
Enterprise routing, switching, SD-WAN, and security architecture
Worked across firewall rules, routing, SD-WAN, VPN/IPsec, segmentation, centralized logging, and packet-level validation to make network behavior match security intent.
Technical details
- Reviewed rule intent, NAT, address/service objects, tunnel paths, route preference, HA behavior, Cisco/Fortinet network paths, and branch connectivity dependencies.
- Used Nmap, packet capture, log analysis, and traffic-flow review to separate real issues from assumptions.
- Kept Fortinet tooling in context: useful implementation platforms, not the actual skill by itself.
Systems: FortiGate, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiGSLB, Cisco, Juniper, Meraki, MikroTik, Aruba, VPN/IPsec, SD-WAN, DNS/PKI.
Outcome: Security policy became easier to validate, troubleshoot, and hand off after routing or firewall changes.
05
File / Data Services
Distributed file services, cloud storage, and archival
Worked on file-service migration and recovery design where permissions, user paths, latency, archive retention, and restore behavior had to be aligned before handoff.
Technical details
- Migrated legacy file systems into Nasuni and DFS-style namespace patterns.
- Reviewed SMB permissions, ACL continuity, cache behavior, and latency-sensitive access patterns.
- Connected Azure Files and S3 Glacier decisions to retention, retrieval expectations, recovery procedures, and hybrid file-service operating models.
Systems: Nasuni, DFS namespaces, Azure Files, SMB, Windows/Linux servers, AWS S3 Glacier, backup platforms.
Outcome: File services became more resilient, easier to recover, and less dependent on legacy path assumptions.
06
AI Infrastructure
Self-hosted RAG lab for controlled document retrieval
Built local AI/RAG workflows to test how infrastructure teams can use private document retrieval without treating public AI services as the default data path.
Technical details
- Built local model workflows using Ollama, Open WebUI, embeddings, vector indexing, and document ingestion.
- Tested retrieval quality, source grounding, model/runtime behavior, latency, and storage boundaries.
- Documented practical operating patterns around data control, source attribution, and support ownership.
Systems: Ollama, Open WebUI, local LLMs, vector databases, Docker, Linux, Python, document retrieval pipelines.
Outcome: A practical lab for internal knowledge retrieval that is grounded in infrastructure constraints instead of demos.
07
GIS / Database
3-GIS and ArcGIS deployment support with database tuning
Supported GIS platform work across application dependencies, database performance, map-service response time, backups, and operational troubleshooting.
Technical details
- Connected GIS behavior to database query plans, indexing, server dependencies, and service health.
- Tuned and maintained database-backed systems where application performance depended on clean SQL, indexing, and maintenance routines.
- Aligned restore planning and troubleshooting procedures with application-owner handoff.
Systems: 3-GIS, ArcGIS, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQL/query review, indexing, map-service performance, Windows/Linux servers.
Outcome: GIS issues became easier to isolate across application, database, server, and storage layers.
08
Security Operations
Security liaison and vulnerability remediation workflow
Turned scanner output and security requirements into infrastructure work that could be assigned, validated, evidenced, and closed.
Technical details
- Validated findings and separated real exposure from scanner noise.
- Coordinated evidence, remediation ownership, risk review, and closure across infrastructure and security stakeholders.
- Supported control workflows across identity, email security, endpoint controls, DNS security, logging, and EDR.
Systems: Arctic Wolf scanning review, Nmap, FortiAnalyzer, SIEM/logging, Carbon Black, Aurora, Duo proxies, Mimecast, DNS security, Active Directory, LDAP, PKI, OpenID.
Outcome: Security work moved from abstract findings to operational remediation and evidence.
Technical domains
Stack view by engineering area.
Built for recruiters who need a fast scan and engineers who want the actual substrate.
Virtualization
DNS/core
Network security
File/data
AI infrastructure
GIS/database
SecOps
Cloud/archive
Virtualization
VMware / Proxmox / storage architecture
VMware vSphere · Proxmox VE · ZFS · Ceph · PBS · shared storage · HA · backups · migration windows · rollback · host management
- Assess hosts, storage paths, backup relationships, and workload dependencies before migration.
- Use ZFS where local integrity/snapshots matter; use Ceph where shared clustered storage and HA behavior are justified.
- Document cutover, validation, rollback, and steady-state operations.
DNS/core
Core service modernization
SimpleDNS migration path · PowerDNS authoritative · zone/database reconstruction · replication/failover · Linux service ownership · monitoring
- Move DNS away from fragile host-bound operation toward database-backed, auditable service management.
- Rebuild zone data and failover paths so DNS is recoverable and maintainable.
- Tie DNS changes to identity, VPN, cloud endpoint, PBX, and application dependencies.
Network security
Security controls at traffic level
CCNP-S · firewall policy · routing · segmentation · VPN/IPsec · SD-WAN · NAT · HA · GSLB · packet capture · logs · Fortinet platforms
- Map traffic intent to rules, NAT, route preference, tunnel behavior, and segmentation boundaries.
- Validate change outcomes with packet capture, Nmap, flow review, and centralized logs.
- Keep vendor platforms secondary to fundamentals: route, policy, state, flow, recovery, and documentation.
File/data
Distributed file and archival systems
Nasuni · DFS namespaces · Azure Files · SMB · ACLs · cache behavior · latency review · backup/restore · S3 Glacier
- Translate legacy paths into resilient namespaces with permissions continuity.
- Map cloud file and archive services to access patterns, retention, recovery, and support ownership.
- Validate backup, restore, archive retrieval, and handoff before treating the migration as complete.
AI infrastructure
Private retrieval infrastructure
Ollama · Open WebUI · local LLMs · embeddings · vector databases · document ingestion · RAG pipelines · Docker/Linux · Python
- Run local model and retrieval stacks to understand real resource, latency, and data-control tradeoffs.
- Test source grounding and retrieval quality instead of only testing chat UI behavior.
- Write operating patterns for teams that will maintain the system after the proof of concept.
GIS/database
GIS application and database performance
3-GIS · ArcGIS · SQL/query review · indexing · DB tuning · map-service performance · monitoring · backup/restore
- Trace performance across application, database, server, storage, and network layers.
- Review indexing, maintenance, query behavior, and resource utilization for service impact.
- Align troubleshooting and restore procedures with application-owner handoff.
SecOps
Security operations systems
Vulnerability validation · evidence · SIEM/EDR · DNS security · email security · identity controls · remediation tracking
- Convert scanner findings into owned remediation work.
- Translate security requirements into implementation steps and evidence artifacts.
- Support controls across identity, endpoint, email, logging, DNS, and access layers.
Cloud/archive
Hybrid cloud and automation
AWS · Azure · VPCs · hybrid connectivity · S3 Glacier · Azure Files · Terraform · AWS CDK · Ansible · Docker · Kubernetes · DNS/PKI
- Connect cloud networking, storage, archival, and endpoint services to on-prem systems.
- Use automation and container patterns where repeatability matters more than one-off configuration.
- Design around access control, logging, recovery, documentation, and maintainability.
Resume
Infrastructure roles with hands-on systems ownership.
Career path across network implementation, systems engineering, ISP/core services, infrastructure operations, security liaison work, and consulting systems engineering.
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP-S) | Cisco | 2025
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate | Microsoft | 2025
- FCSS Public Cloud Security | Fortinet | 2025
- FCP Network Security | Fortinet | 2025
- AWS Solutions Architect - Professional | Amazon Web Services | 2024
- AWS Solutions Architect - Associate | Amazon Web Services | 2024
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst | Coursera - IBM | 2022
Education
- M.S. Cyber Operations | University of Maryland Global Campus | GPA 4.0 | 2024-2026
- B.S. Computer Networks and Cyber Security | University of Maryland Global Campus | GPA 3.8 | 2018-2020
- B.S. Political Science | The Ohio State University | 2017-2019
Professional experience.
Consulting Systems Engineer
World Wide Technology
- Client-facing systems engineering across virtualization modernization, infrastructure redesign, and network-security projects.
- VMware/Proxmox assessments: hosts, storage, HA, backups, migration path, workload placement, and cutover validation.
- Firewall policy, segmentation, VPN/IPsec, and traffic-flow review for security and resiliency.
Infrastructure Engineer
IBP
- Security liaison: requirements, evidence, vulnerability validation, remediation ownership, and operational risk review.
- Network security: Fortinet platforms, firewall policy, SD-WAN, VPN/IPsec, routing, segmentation, logging, and GSLB/failover review.
- Infrastructure: VMware vSphere, Nasuni/DFS/Azure Files, datacenter colocation buildout, Proxmox workloads, backup/restore validation, and AI/RAG labs.
Systems Engineer
Bresco Broadband
- Redesigned legacy network and core services: DNS, replication/failover, user/security policy, Azure/on-prem domains, Linux databases, and server migrations.
- Rebuilt DNS hosts and databases; worked toward a cleaner authoritative DNS model suitable for PowerDNS-style operations and automation.
- Supported AWS Glacier/VPCs, Kubernetes, Docker, ECS/EKS, VPNs, LDAP, DNS, PKI, SSO, VoIP PBX migration, database tuning, and Cisco/Juniper routing.
Network, implementation, and cyber QA roles
Chick-fil-A · L Brands · Huntington National Bank · Ohio House
- Network implementation, switch/router/firewall deployment, endpoint/server support, IAM testing, security-control validation, and documentation.
- Built the foundation for later infrastructure work: troubleshooting, customer-facing support, root-cause analysis, network diagrams, procedures, and operational handoff.
Contact
Infrastructure modernization, network security, DNS/core services, AI/RAG, GIS, and data platforms.
Email, LinkedIn, and resume downloads are available below.