Hi, I Am Jonathan Leal

Welcome to my professional space, where my experience meets enthusiasm and every connection counts. I invite you to explore my world and discover what makes me a leader in the field of computer networking.

Let's start here:

Yes, I am a Network Engineer, but don't worry, I won't talk your ear off about computers trying to communicate on the network using incorrect IP settings, connected via a broken Cat5 cable, while daisy-chained over two hubs. Nope I am not going to do that. (Unless you want me to, of course.)

What I can tell you is that for over a decade, I've been immersed in the world of computer networking, channeling my passion and expertise into building robust and innovative network solutions.

As a results-driven professional, I pride myself on being organized, dedicated, and committed to excellence in every project I undertake. My journey has been fueled by a love for networking technology and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. I thrive on challenges and I am known for my ability to lead, train, and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results.

Throughout my career, I've gathered a wealth of knowledge and experience, tackling major issues with critical thinking and timely solutions. My proactive approach has often prevented problems before they arise, making me a valuable asset to any company.

Career highlights

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

Successfully modernized and deployed network infrastructure across two assembly plants located in different states within a four-week timeframe. The overhaul included the installation of 58 network switches, 170 wireless access points, and support for over 3,700 device connections.

SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS

Engineered and deployed an advanced network infrastructure for a new engine assembly line in Decherd, TN. Introduced high-level network segmentation to enhance communication reliability and speed, thereby reducing troubleshooting time and increasing production uptime.

Collaborated in migrating an orphaned domain to a new forest domain, while upgraded the backbone network infrastructure to cutting-edge technology at the Decherd Powertrain Plant, encompassing distribution switches, core switches, edge routers, and firewalls. Introduced new cabling technology to provide connectivity in areas lacking traditional network or power access.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS

Conducted a comprehensive survey to assess wireless connectivity needs within the production plant and adjacent logistics yard. Designed and implemented a robust wireless solution to ensure seamless connectivity in multiple zones, both indoors and outdoors. This enabled wireless devices to reliably interface with the yard management application, optimizing operational efficiency.

leadership focus

People

Award-winning leadership and track record delivering tangible results in highly competitive cross-functional environments. A mentor to high-performing teams supporting and deploying system enhancement and customer satisfaction.

Process

Strategic planning and tactical implementation experience spanning customer support services, supply chain, manufacturing, IT, Project Management

Strength and success in driving systems enhancements and business decisions that transform how businesses operate, achieve high-impact results, and establish highly productive processes for high efficiency, reduced costs, and exceptional quality.

Systems

signature competencies

  • Continuous Improvement

  • Quality Systems and Metrics

  • Systems Integration

  • Business Intelligence and Analytics

  • Supplier and 3rd Party Vendor Management

  • Voice of the Customer

WORK EXPEREINCE

Network Engineer

Nissan North America  / Feb 2019 - Present

Responsible for development, design, execution, support and continuous improvement of the Network, Security, and Infrastructure for the Powertrain Plant in Decherd, TN. As well as regional support for the vehicle plants in Smyrna and Canton, MS.

Engineering

  • Forecast and manage yearly budgets for systems support and modernization.

  • Negotiate and maintain enterprise support and service agreements with vendors.

  • Discuss and review proposed solution with vendors and stake holders on the new technologies, production engineering, supply chain or any other groups are considering to implement in our environment if the devices will need to be connected to the network. Wired or wireless.

  • Vetting and testing of new model equipment and firmware before introducing them into the production environment.

  • Implementation of new network designs to minimize troubleshooting time and increase productivity.

  • Continues research and learning about new solutions and technology that could apply to our environment to leverage the implementation of innovation and automation.

  • On regular cadence, communicate with Cisco Engineers to discuss improvements in software and/or request for documentation with specs for new equipment or any other information about their products we may need.

  • Technical leaders create technical documentation and procedures.

  • Mentoring and training technicians and technologists on the systems we support and the tools we use.

Network and Infrastructure

  • Configuration, deployment and support of the critical data center equipment.

    • Core switches

    • Edge routers

    • Industrial Switches

    • Wireless LAN Controller

    • Wireless Access Points

    • ISE (Identity Service Engine)

    • Firewall (Cisco ASA, Firepower)

    • Data storage systems.

    • Fiber and copper cabling

    • SFP+, QSFP, Switch Modules, etc.

Network Automation

  • Network Automation using Python scripts and libraries

    • Python

      • Netmiko

      • Paramiko

Security

  • Configuration, maintenance and support of firewalls, security appliances and packet analyzers.

  • RSA-VPN Token

  • Wireshark

Active Directory

  • DHCP

  • Domain users and groups

  • Group Policies

Other Software

  • Visio

  • Ekahau

  • Netally / Fluke


Project Management

  • Work with stake holders and customers in minor and major enhancements and implementation of new technology related to Network and infrastructure with primary focus in Decherd, but constantly providing support and implementation at a regional level.

  • Provide high level overview or spending plan and procurement with management and senior management.

  • Review the benefits and consequences of each implementation

  • Interviewing and vetting new vendors who want to work in our projects with my group.

  • SOW for vendors and suppliers

  • Budgeting and Procurement

  • Vendor management and scheduling

  • Changes management

  • Training documentation creation and updates

  • Creation of area layout, equipment location and other needed drawings for the project.

PREVIOUS WORK EXPEREINCE

Network Technologist

Yates Services / Aug 2015 - Feb 2019

Responsible for support and devices up-time in the Smyrna vehicle assembly plant, Battery plant and the campus buildings.

Network

  • Configuration, deployment, and support of the plant floor switches and wireless access points. Hardware upgrade and production support.

  • After hours production support via VPN or over the phone coordinating steps with onsite technical support team

Security

  • Extensive use of packet capture software to troubleshoot communication issues and find root cause of problems.

Project Management

  • Support of the development and system deployment of the ILC Building in Smyrna TN.

  • Daily run the business, and small to mid-size projects implementation.

  • Management and scheduling of Ethernet cable installer in the plant and campus buildings

Systems Analyst

Premier Systems Integrators / Aug 2012 - Aug 2015

Database Management

  • Intensive SQL scripting on Oracle databases

Server infrastructure support

  • Compute, Storage and DB server support

Network infrastructure wired and wireless support

  • Switch management and configuration.

  • LAN support on production machines and equipment

  • Wireless access points and wireless bridges configuration and support.

  • Wireless device configuration and support

Hardware and Software Support

  • Computer asset management

  • System image repositories updates and maintenance

  • Onsite build production page updates and support

Technical Support Specialist

Ozburn-Hessey Logistics (GEODIS) / Oct 2010 - Aug 2012

Hardware and software troubleshooting and support

  • Developed an asset checkout process. This was built to help identify defective equipment, keep in stock only functional equipment and schedule repairs in timely manner to avoid downtime and productivity lost, due to not having the right equipment when needed.

  • Keep firmware in equipment updated, load new apps and discuss with developers any potential improvements to the existing apps, based on feedback form the production floor users.

Predictive Workload Scheduler

  • Analyze raw data to predict incoming volumes of product to schedule the workforce needed for following days.

  • Extensive use of Excel macros for inventory control and daily productivity

Production control

  • Personnel management and coordination of their daily tasks and responsibilities.

  • Daily production reports to management.

Software Field Programmer

Insequence Corporation / Jul 2010 - SEP 2010 (3 month contract)

24x7 Technical Support - English/Spanish

  • Remote support nationwide and international with different car assembly supplier companies (US, Mexico)

  • Customer service serving as translator English/Spanish in person and over the phone with customers in Ramos Mexico.

  • Translation from English into Spanish of technical documentations

  • Multitasking, strong mental abilities, and customer service skills

Server programming and deployment.

  • Travel to customer sites to install servers, routers, switches, workstations, and scanners

  • Customer site personnel training

Shipping and Receiving Senior Assistance

Dell, Inc. / Feb 2008 - Jul 2010

Production control

  • I was responsible to schedule daily shipment orders and assign these orders to the shipping teams in the department.

Team Leadership

  • Led a team of 25 employees across different functional areas within the shipping and receiving department

  • Training the different groups in the inbound and outbound shipping areas improving shipping time, quality of work and improvement of productivity.

  • Working with supervisors and managers solving problems in the inbound and outbound areas.

  • Recognized by the Senior Management team for ability to resolve issues that affected customer experience, quality, and safety.

  • Motivated team to achieve business metrics through coaching and communicating expectations.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

ITIL Foundations v4 - IT Service Management

AXELOS

Certified Cloud Practitioner

AMAZON WEB SERVICES

Introduction to Modern AI

CISCO

Introduction to Data Science

CISCO

EDUCATION

Bachelor in Project Management

ITT-Technical Institute / 2015

Associates in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering

ITT-Technical Institute / 2012

OTHER SKILLS

Bilingual
English / Spanish

GETTING TO KNOW ME A LITTLE BIT BETTER BY PEEKING BEHIND THE CURTAIN AND SEEING WHO I AM BEYOND THE RESUME

Taking on Challenges Head-On

In my professional journey, I've never been afraid to take on challenges with confidence and determination. Just like in skydiving, where I embrace something that may be scary or overwhelming for some, I approach challenges with the right mindset and determination to complete the task at hand delivering successful results.

One of the biggest task I've successfully managed involved working on three different projects across two states within a one-month period of hands-on work, while coordinating and preparing for one month prior to starting the job. The project involved upgrading and configuring 20 network enclosures, replacing 58 switches, and installing 170 wireless access points, all while ensuring connectivity for over 3,700 devices. My efforts resulted in a seamless startup of manufacturing lines with zero downtime related to my work.

Throughout this process, I took on significant responsibilities, including:

  • Managing the procurement of hardware and vendor payments.

  • Communicating with local site leadership to clearly explain the plan, timeline, and budget.

  • Providing daily reports and managing three vendors, each with different responsibilities and delivery expectations.

  • Supporting onsite engineers by troubleshooting network-related issues and designing new local networks to enhance their projects.

This project challenged not only my technical knowledge but also my commitment to put in the effort, determination and the miles. While working on these projects I have to drive long distances between MS, and TN, while coordinate tasks remotely over the phone, hosting and attending virtual meetings (not while driving). Despite the challenges, I never doubted my ability to succeed. I have always believed in myself, my dedication, and my emotional intelligence to handle stress and successfully deliver results.

I am committed to putting in the effort and hours needed to achieve the target while maintaining focus and attention to detail. I am a team player who enjoys working with my peers and supporting teams. I firmly believe that we can always learn something from someone else's experiences, and I like to share mine as much as possible. I am always respectful of everyone I work with and thrive on seeing the people I work with succeed, gaining confidence and increasing their skill set to support the systems after the project is completed.

Even after the projects are delivered, I stay in close contact to support and troubleshoot any issues, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success.

Team Work

At a young age, I understood the meaning of hard work and dedication.

For over 10 years, I was part of multiple soccer clubs, starting from entry-level teams and gradually building my skills and experience. This journey led me to reach the professional level, allowing me to compete in international tournaments, representing not just my club, but also as part of the national team. As a soccer player, this is the highest honor you can achieve. Being part of the national soccer team means that you are being recognized as one of the best players, selected for one of these highly sought-after positions.

Individualities and team work

My belief is that, as professionals at work, just like in any sports team, everyone has a position based on their skills and abilities. Each position alone is not enough to succeed, but when we combine all the individual positions as one, it creates a well-versed and strong team that can take on any challenge and deliver great results. Collaboration fosters innovation and drives us to achieve our goals more effectively, ensuring that we always strive for excellence.

This experience has profoundly shaped my professional identity and conduct. I firmly believe that hard work and dedication yield success not only in sports but also in personal and professional life.

Through my travels to various countries, whether playing soccer or exploring as a tourist, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people and forging lasting friendships. These interactions have broadened my perspective, allowing me to appreciate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and technical expertise that individuals bring to the table. As a professional, I am adept at working with people from all walks of life, finding common ground in communication, understanding, and respecting their ideas while maintain my identity.

You can find me in LinkedIn