RAFAEL MALDONADO RIVERA

Expert in enterprise infrastructure, virtualization, network & cybersecurity hardening, and AI-assisted development. Ensuring 99%+ uptime and driving efficiency gains through process automation. 

Senior IT Specialist with 18+ years of experience managing complex Information Systems. Proven track record of ensuring 99%+ system uptime and reducing manual workloads by 30% through PowerShell/Python automation. Expert in virtualization (Hyper-V/VMware/Proxmox), network hardening, and AI-assisted development. Adept at aligning technical infrastructure with institutional goals through strategic cybersecurity compliance, federal accreditation support (ACCSC), and enterprise VoIP/CRM integrations. 

Systems & Networking

• Microsoft Azure, Exchange Server & Active Directory administration; Proxmox High-Availability cluster implementation & Microsoft Hyper-V management.

• UniFi & MikroTik network systems design and deployment; Enterprise WiFi/Wired networking & advanced routing/firewall configuration; Captive Portal deployment.

Hardware & Support

• PC/Workstation & Notebook assembly, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting & technical support.

• Multi-platform Help Desk Support: Mobile devices (Android, iOS), Laptops & Desktops.

Software & Scripting

• Advanced automation scripting: PowerShell, Python, Bash and CMD.

• Enterprise communications integration: 3CX VoIP & Sakari SMS Services with HubSpot CRM.

Automation & Development

• Process automation and workflow optimization through custom scripting solutions.

• AI-assisted code development, optimization, and troubleshooting.

• IT infrastructure automation and orchestration.

Security & Compliance

• Cybersecurity posture assessment and network hardening.

• Network security configuration, monitoring, and firewall management.

• Security policy implementation and compliance support for federal accreditation audits.

Senior IT Specialist | Liceo de Arte y Tecnología – San Juan, PR | 2008 – Present (18 years)

• Managed the complete lifecycle of institutional IT infrastructure, maintaining 99%+ system uptime while providing Tier 2/3 Help Desk Support for 100+ faculty, staff, and students across educational facilities.

• Architected and deployed enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WiFi design, router/switch configuration, VLAN segmentation, and firewall rule management for multi-VLAN educational environments.

• Automated critical IT processes through custom PowerShell, Python, and Bash scripting, reducing manual workload by 30% and improving operational efficiency across systems administration.

• Integrated AI-assisted development tools for code optimization and troubleshooting, enhancing code quality and accelerating problem resolution for infrastructure automation projects.

• Strengthened cybersecurity posture through systematic security assessments, policy implementation, and network hardening, supporting successful federal accreditation audits.

• Administered enterprise cloud and on-premises systems: Microsoft Azure, Exchange Server, Active Directory, Proxmox virtualization clusters, and enterprise NAS storage solutions.

• Led technology integration projects including 3CX VoIP deployment, Sakari SMS services, and HubSpot CRM integration, improving institutional communication efficiency.

• Provided comprehensive technical support for computer labs, server racks, mobile devices (iOS/Android), and endpoint systems while maintaining detailed documentation.

Accounting Clerk | Evertec / Banco Popular – Cupey, PR | 2001 – 2006

• Managed high-volume cash process and consolidation; reported counterfeit notes to the U.S. Secret Service.

High Tech Production Operator | Hewlett Packard – Aguadilla, PR | 1999 – 2001

• Quality Coordinator for high-volume production lines; implemented workflow optimizations for high-yield efficiency.

> Ongoing professional development in Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, Advanced Scripting, and Network Security.

Current Training | Codecademy | In-Progress

• Full-Stack Engineer Career Path

• AI Engineer Career Path

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico | San Juan, PR

• Coursework in Computer Engineering (70 Credits Accumulated)

Certifications

• CompTIA A+ Certified (Lifetime License)

• MikroTik Certified Network Associate [MTCNA] (Pending Renewal)

• MikroTik Certified Routing Engineer [MTCRE] (Pending Renewal)

Platforms

• Windows Server | Active Directory | Azure (IaaS/SaaS) | Exchange | Linux | VMware | Hyper-V | Proxmox | VDI | Containers | Clusters | 3CX | HubSpot | Sakari SMS

Networks

• MikroTik | UniFi | VLAN | Firewall | VPN | Network Security | MS Defender EDR | Veeam BDR | Audits | Compliance | Policies | Captive Portal

Automation

• PowerShell | Python | Bash | CMD | Visual Basic | C++ | IaC | Process Automation | Workflow Optimization | AI-Assisted Solutions Development