Milad Bazdar

Senior Systems & Virtualization Engineer

Senior Systems & Virtualization Engineer with 10+ years of experience managing Windows Server, VMware, and HP infrastructure in enterprise environments. Expertise in Active Directory, Exchange, Veeam Backup & Replication, and disaster recovery planning. Proven track record of maintaining high availability, reducing downtime, and optimizing datacenter operations.


Experience

Senior Systems & Virtualization Engineer

Tehran Provincial Government

- VMware Virtualization

Transformed the virtual infrastructure by designing a scalable VMware environment for 200+ VMs. Through implementing DRS and HA, eliminated unplanned downtime and automated resource allocation, directly supporting the organization's 99.9% SLA requirement.

- Active Directory

Transformed the identity and access management architecture by redesigning Active Directory with a tiered administrative model (Tier 0/1/2) and structured access controls. Eliminated privilege creep and lateral movement risks by enforcing least-privilege principles and logical OU segmentation, directly supporting the organization's security compliance and audit requirements.

- Microsoft Exchange

Transformed the messaging and collaboration platform by architecting a purely on-premises Microsoft Exchange environment for 2,000+ mailboxes with Database Availability Groups (DAG) for automatic failover. Implemented organization relationships and federation trusts to enable secure calendar sharing and cross-organization collaboration with external partners. Eliminated email downtime and single points of failure, directly supporting organizational productivity SLAs.

- Linux Server Administration

Transformed the on-premises file sharing and collaboration infrastructure by designing and deploying a Linux-based Nextcloud platform for 2,000+ users. Implemented a scalable architecture with load-balanced web servers, Redis caching, and MariaDB clustering for high concurrency. Eliminated reliance on unsecured file sharing methods (USB drives, personal cloud, email attachments) while providing controlled, auditable access to organizational data, directly supporting internal data governance and productivity requirements.

- ManageEngine Endpoint Central

Deployed ManageEngine Endpoint Central for 2,000+ clients across 20 buildings with role-based access controls enforcing site-level technician scoping, eliminating unauthorized cross-site access while centralizing patch and software management.

February 2023 - Present

System Administrator

Sepehr Electronic Payment

- VMware Virtualization

Engineered a dual-zone VMware vSphere environment supporting 400+ virtual machines, strictly isolating the banking payment network (PCI-like zone) from the internal organizational network. Implemented cluster-level HA and vMotion to guarantee continuous operation for payment processing VMs, directly supporting 99.95% uptime requirements for financial transactions.

- Active Directory

Architected a secure Active Directory infrastructure managing identities for 1,000 users across both corporate and payment processing units. Enforced logical separation by implementing distinct Organizational Units (OUs) and Group Policies for payment operators versus internal staff, while integrating AD authentication with critical banking applications. Eliminated credential sharing and enforced least-privilege access for payment workflows.

- Microsoft Exchange

Deployed a resilient Microsoft Exchange solution for 1,000 mailboxes, dedicated to internal organizational communication while ensuring no integration with the isolated payment network. Implemented mailbox database replication for automatic failover, guaranteeing the delivery of critical system alerts without single point of failure.

- Veeam Backup & Replication

Designed a tiered Veeam backup strategy for 400+ VMs across two distinct zones, with aggressive 6-hour RPO for critical payment VMs versus daily backups for internal corporate VMs. Implemented automated restore testing for payment domain controllers and transaction servers, ensuring recoverability and consistency of the banking payment zone. Eliminated backup gaps for financial data while meeting both operational and audit requirements.

January 2022 - December 2023

System Administrator

Farmand Food Industries

- Active Directory

Led a full Active Directory migration from legacy 2012 to 2019 across the organization, redesigning the logical structure to support 700+ users. Extended authentication infrastructure by deploying additional domain controllers to remote branch offices (factory sites), eliminating cross-site authentication latency and providing local failover capability. Directly supported business continuity by ensuring each branch could operate independently during WAN outages.

- Microsoft Exchange

Hardened the Exchange infrastructure by adding a second mailbox server and implementing Database Availability Groups (DAG) for automatic database failover across 500+ mailboxes. Designed a tiered archiving policy with online archiving for recent mail (6 months) and PST-based long-term retention for legal/compliance requirements. Deployed an SMTP relay gateway to handle application-generated emails (ERP, production alerts, scanner outputs), offloading the primary hub transport servers and securing internal-to-external mail flow.

- OS Deployment & Imaging

Designed and deployed Windows Deployment Services (WDS) to standardize OS provisioning across all factory locations. Created custom Windows reference images pre-loaded with line-of-business applications, required drivers for all hardware models, and organizational security baselines. Reduced helpdesk PC setup time from 4 hours to 45 minutes, enabling same-day workstation replacement and eliminating manual configuration errors across all branches.

- Patch Management

Implemented a tiered WSUS architecture with a central upstream server at headquarters and replica WSUS servers deployed to each branch office. Enabled local patch downloads for 700+ endpoints, reducing internet bandwidth consumption by 60% while ensuring timely security updates. Achieved 95% patch compliance within 7 days of Microsoft release.

June 2020 - April 2022

Helpdesk

Shariati Hospital

- OS Installation

Installed and configured Windows on new and existing systems, including drivers, basic software, and initial settings for medical and administrative staff.

- Manage Client Computers

Provided daily support for client computers across hospital departments, troubleshooting hardware/software issues and replacing faulty parts.

- Patch Management

Maintained WSUS server to automate Windows security updates, preventing unnecessary internet bandwidth consumption across the hospital.

- OS Deployment

Used WDS for remote Windows installation on multiple systems simultaneously, eliminating the need for USB drives or DVDs for new equipment or major repairs.

June 2019 - February 2021

Teaching

Microsoft MCSA Trainer

Tehran Institute of Technology (MFT)

- Comptia Network+

- MCSA

Microsoft MCSA & Exchange Trainer

Asre Rayan Shabakeh

- MCSA

- Microsoft Exchange

Microsoft MCSA Trainer

Eiffel Training Center

- MCSA


Education

University of Applied Science and Technology

Bachelor of Information Technology
January 2020 - January 2022

University of Applied Science and Technology

Associate of Computer Networks
January 2018 - January 2020

Skills

  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Microsoft Exchange Server
  • VMware vSphere
  • Linux Operating System
  • Veeam Backup & Replication
  • Kerio Control
  • ManageEngine Sofwares
  • SAN Storage

Projects

  • Designing & Deploying Microsoft Active Directory for Farmand Food Industries
  • Designing & Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server for Farmand Food Industries
  • Designing & Upgrade Microsoft Active Directory for a Government-affiliated Defense Industry
  • Redesign Microsoft Active Directory for Tehran Provincial Government
  • Designing & Deploying Backup Solution for Tehran Provincial Government
  • Designing & Deploying VMware vSphere for Tehran Provincial Government
  • Deploy Nextcloud for Tehran Provincial Government