Brian Watson

West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

Education

Associates of Applied Science Degree
June 2003 – December 2005
Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, Iowa


Professional Experience

Infrastructure Engineer
September 2025 – October 2025
Robert Half, West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Leveraged deep Group Policy expertise to design and implement equivalent administrative templates and configuration profiles in Microsoft Intune/Entra ID, migrating legacy GPOs to cloud-native policies – eliminating on-premises dependency and enabling full device compliance for hybrid-joined endpoints.
  • Troubleshot and corrected DNS-related mail delivery failures (SPF/DKIM/DMARC alignment), eliminating false spam classifications and restoring email reputation scores.
  • Quickly identified and resolved critical bugs in enterprise Power App along with extensive documentation.
  • Supported team by troubleshooting and correcting basic SharePoint list/library problems while documenting solutions for future reference.
  • Installed Cat6 Ethernet drops across the office, ensuring zero downtime during network installation.

Systems Engineer
May 2024 – August 2025
Hy-Vee, Inc., Grimes, Iowa
  • Extensive experience administering Windows Server technologies (Active Directory, Azure, DHCP, DNS, FTP/SFTP, Group Policy, IIS, M365, MECM, PKI certificates, SQL).
  • Created scripts for automation by leveraging PowerShell.
  • Administered and maintained Windows servers operating on VMware vSphere from version 2012R2 to 2022.
  • Experience with additional software used included: Cisco Umbrella, Confluence, CyberArk, firewall troubleshooting, Jira, Nagios, Okta, Rapid7 and Splunk.
  • Created and maintained technical documentation stored within the team's knowledge base.
  • Provided advanced troubleshooting support and mentorship to the Systems Administrators.
  • Assisted with the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade project with group policy creation/modification.
  • Resourcefulness and problem-solving aptitude.

Application Administrator II
November 2021 - May 2023
Holmes Murphy, Waukee, Iowa
  • Directed full-year enterprise project converting SFTP-automated workflows and scheduled jobs from legacy system to a modern platform.
  • Ensured complete and accurate migration of critical automated processes with zero production downtime.
  • Administered and maintained critical enterprise platforms, including Alteryx, Automate, Power Automate, Qlik products, and Salesforce, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.
  • Collaborated with third-party vendors to troubleshoot complex issues, monitor open support cases, and ensure timely resolution of enterprise system problems.
  • Managed incident and change tickets through established ticketing and change management systems; responded to and resolved escalated incidents in accordance with documented procedures and SLAs.
  • Served as lead for enterprise applications, coordinating multiple concurrent projects to deliver enhancements, integrations, and operational improvements.
  • Provided after-hours remote support for enterprise application upgrades, patches, and updates on VMware infrastructure, minimizing business disruption and maintaining system reliability.

Cloud Migration Engineer
September 2019 – June 2021
Dymin Systems, Urbandale, Iowa
  • Orchestrated complex infrastructure migrations from on-premises Windows servers to cloud environments (Azure and Citrix) and Microsoft Intune, encompassing IIS, DNS, file/print, SQL, mail, and application servers with minimal disruption.
  • Engineered and deployed new server environments by configuring hardware/software, installing applications, transferring data, supporting user acceptance testing, and executing seamless cutover migrations.
  • Administered and maintained Windows Server environments (2008–2019) in virtualized infrastructures, ensuring reliability, security, and performance across diverse workloads.
  • Led enterprise email migrations to Microsoft 365 from legacy systems including Google Workspace, on-premises Microsoft Exchange, and POP3/IMAP platforms, successfully transitioning users and data with high success rates.
  • Demonstrated advanced expertise in core infrastructure technologies: DHCP, DNS, DFS, Active Directory, Azure AD (Entra ID), PKI/certificates, and Group Policy management to support secure, scalable operations.
  • Applied moderate-level networking knowledge to troubleshoot and configure firewalls, switches, and related devices, resolving connectivity and performance issues efficiently.
  • Developed comprehensive policies, procedures, and documentation; configured monitoring tools to proactively identify and address system health issues.
  • Provided hands-on user training and support during environment transitions, facilitating smooth adoption, testing validation, and issue resolution.

Network Specialist III
December 2018 – July 2019
Marco Technologies, Urbandale, Iowa
  • Troubleshot networks, systems, and applications to diagnose malfunctions, implement corrective actions, and perform preventative maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational stability.
  • Installed, configured, and supported foundational network infrastructure, including workstations, servers, and core devices, delivering reliable connectivity and performance for end-users.
  • Administered virtualized server environments using Hyper-V and VMware, optimizing resource allocation, scalability, and high availability across production workloads.
  • Installed and maintained archive and backup systems, ensuring data integrity, recovery readiness, and compliance with retention policies.
  • Maintained accurate documentation and adhered to service administration protocols, including pick tickets, incident updates, time tracking, and timesheet compliance to support efficient operations and billing.

Enterprise Field Technical Service Analyst
May 2016 - June 2018
Dell Datacenter, West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Performed hands-on and in-depth troubleshooting and associated repairs of failed servers and storage systems.
  • Worked autonomously in providing on-site technical support to customers.
  • Performed thorough documentation of all service activities.
  • Managed on-site parts locker including inventory control.
  • Worked collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Tested, maintained, and monitored computer programs and systems.
  • Altered systems to improve workflow.
  • Documented systems procedures.
  • Analyzed computer performance indicators.

System Administrator
November 2014 - April 2016
Storey Kenworthy, Des Moines, Iowa
  • Provided support for 150 users via phone, email or in person.
  • Administered Windows servers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, switches, VoIP phones, smartphones, software deployment, software licensing, Active Directory, security updates/patches and Office 365.
  • Upgraded all company computers from Windows XP to Windows 7. Had employee's files copied to the new computer and assisted in switchover with the least amount of downtime for the employee.
  • Created Visio network diagrams of server rooms in 11 locations. Assigned a go-to person for networking assistance at each location.
  • Documented and mapped out the network for each cable's patch panel for all 11 branch offices using a cable tone generator.
  • Maintained network infrastructure hardware, systems software, applications and configurations.
  • Provided support for LAN, WAN, Internet system and network.
  • Provided troubleshooting of software problems, network problems, systems problems and hardware problems.
  • Performed emergency recovery operations.

Desktop Support Specialist
October 2006 - November 2014
EquiTrust Financial, West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Responsible for nightly cycle, backups, print jobs and technical support to users.
  • Exhibited leadership skills when working with coworkers during weekly system updates.
  • Assisted Help Desk with resolving tickets for users.

Computer Technician
June 2006 - September 2006
Geeks On Call, West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Repaired and maintained computers for companies and individuals.
  • Performed administrative knowledge of Microsoft operating issues with exceptional customer service skills.
  • Responded to user questions and explained the operation of applications and equipment.

Business Technical Support
June 2005 - May 2006
Mediacom Online, West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Assisted field technicians with Enterprise network troubleshooting.
  • Resolved network communication problems to ensure users access to the Internet.
  • Interacted with customers to provide and process information in response to inquiries, concerns, and requests about products and services.


Certifications



Skills



References

Available upon request.