Built to Streamline

Himal
Bissessar

Network Infrastructure & Automation Engineering

10 years of progressive experience bridging enterprise network infrastructure and intelligent automation. Proven track record designing and deploying multi-vendor solutions — Juniper, FortiGate — and building internal tooling that turns operational complexity into repeatable, scalable workflows.

Johannesburg, South Africa Currently: Saicom Voice Services Available for new opportunities
10+
Years Experience
15+
Vendors Deployed
Experience
Production Experience Working Knowledge Project Exposure
Automation Engineer
Saicom Voice Services (Pty) Ltd
Jun 2025 — Present Current

Designing and deploying automation workflows that replace manual provisioning processes across Saicom's network infrastructure. Building internal tooling for integrating Twyn CRM, NetBox APIs, and other third-party platforms into a cohesive full-stack environment (React + FastAPI + PostgreSQL + Docker).

Python FastAPI Docker REST APIs n8n React PostgreSQL GitHub / GitLab
Senior Provisioning Engineer
Saicom Voice Services (Pty) Ltd
Feb 2022 — May 2025

Led design and deployment of SD-WAN solutions across VeloCloud, FortiGate and ViBE platforms for enterprise clients. Built a Python-based network configuration generator with NetBox API integration, reducing provisioning time significantly. Owned high and low-level design documentation and client-facing architecture presentations.

SD-WAN FortiGate Juniper MX/EX/SRX BGP / MPLS Python Automation NetBox API HLD / LLD IPAM
Provisioning Engineer
Saicom Voice Services (Pty) Ltd
Feb 2021 — Nov 2021

Provisioned and configured Juniper, FortiGate and SBC (Oracle ACME) equipment for enterprise deployments. Developed configuration templates to standardise delivery and reduce human error across the provisioning team.

Juniper FortiGate VDOM VPN Config Templates Oracle ACME SBC
2nd Line Network Support Engineer
Saicom Voice Services (Pty) Ltd
Jul 2019 — Jan 2021

Escalation point for complex network incidents across a multi-vendor service provider environment. Handled BGP routing, MPLS circuits, and firewall filtering across CPE and core infrastructure.

BGP MPLS Incident Management Firewall Filtering Azure Networking
Network Engineer
Perfectworx Consulting (Pty) Ltd
Feb 2018 — Jul 2019

Full lifecycle deployment of multi-vendor CPE and core network solutions including Juniper, Cisco, FortiGate, Checkpoint, and Aritar SD-WAN. Delivered client-facing architecture presentations and authored comprehensive network documentation and support procedures.

Juniper MX/EX/SRX FortiGate OSPF Network Design Cisco Meraki Checkpoint Juniper Space Aritar SD-WAN
First Line Support — Network Engineer
Vodacom Business Africa
Mar 2017 — Feb 2018

Remote troubleshooting on Cisco infrastructure within Vodacom's managed services network. Handled VRF routing, QoS, BGP, and utilisation analysis for enterprise clients.

Cisco BGP VRF QoS
Junior Network Engineer
Skywire Technologies
Dec 2015 — Feb 2017

Configured and monitored MikroTik, Cambium and Radwin wireless infrastructure. Managed VLAN/IP addressing, PRTG monitoring, and first-line client support.

MikroTik VLAN PRTG Monitoring Wireless
Character
🧭 Systems Thinker ⚡ Quick Learner 🔭 Tech Explorer 🔄 Adaptable 🤝 Collaborative 📐 Detail-Oriented

I approach problems by understanding the full system first — how each piece talks to the next — before reaching for a solution. Whether it's a network topology or an automation pipeline, I care about making things work reliably and simply.

Certifications
🏛️
CCNP / CCNA — Routing & Switching
Cisco · Foundational knowledge actively applied
📡
MTCWE / MTCNA
MikroTik · Wireless & Network Associate
🖧
MTA 98-366 — Networking Fundamentals
Microsoft

Certifications lapsed — knowledge and hands-on application remains current through 10 years of production experience.

Education
Full Stack Web Development & Software Engineering
Hyperion Development
In progress — JavaScript, Java, React, Docker, SQL/NoSQL
NSC — National Senior Certificate
Rand Park High School
Completed 2014 · Incl. IT, Mathematics, Physical Science
🔭 Always Exploring Tech

Curious by nature. I don't just configure networks — I build the tools that configure them. Currently exploring AI-integrated automation, LLM-driven infrastructure tooling, and full-stack internal platforms.