Balawal Raja

Systems Engineer

Experienced IT Systems Engineer with a strong background in healthcare and cybersecurity environments. Proven expertise across endpoint management, identity and access management, network infrastructure, and automation, with hands-on focus on DevOps and cloud technologies.

Balawal Raja - Systems Engineer

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Professional Experience

My journey in Systems Engineering and IT Infrastructure

Systems Engineer

Currently Working

ZAVA Online Doctor

Manage and optimize IT infrastructure in a fast-paced healthcare environment: endpoint and network operations, security and compliance, identity, and automation across Jamf Pro, Jamf Protect, Meraki, and integrated cloud tooling.

Security & Compliance
  • Implemented Jamf Protect to achieve CIS Level 1 compliance on macOS endpoints
  • Supported and aligned controls with ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and SOC 2 (US) frameworks
  • Performed patch management, system audits, and contributed to broader cybersecurity compliance initiatives
  • Contributed to disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including documentation and testing
Infrastructure & Endpoint Management
  • Administer Cisco Meraki infrastructure (LAN/WAN, VLANs, WiFi, VPN) ensuring secure and reliable operations
  • Lead endpoint lifecycle management using Jamf, including provisioning, configuration, and compliance enforcement
  • Led upgrade of 250+ endpoints, replacing SentinelOne to improve performance and standardise endpoint security
Automation & Efficiency
  • Designed and implemented automation using webhooks, AWS API Gateway, Lambda (Python), and SSM Parameter Store to eliminate repetitive tasks
  • Reduced manual workload, improving team efficiency and lowering operational costs
  • Developed additional automation using Bash and Python for onboarding, provisioning, and policy enforcement
Identity & Access Management / Tools
  • Managed identity and access systems including Okta, OneLogin, Google Workspace, Office 365, and Duo
  • Maintained secure integrations with Slack and Qualys to support monitoring and vulnerability management
Support & Collaboration
  • Delivered 2nd/3rd line support, handling escalations and complex technical issues
  • Mentored junior team members and provided technical guidance
  • Collaborated with engineering teams via Jira to resolve incidents, bugs, and infrastructure issues
Jamf Pro & Jamf Protect CIS & Compliance Meraki Okta & Identity AWS Lambda & API Gateway Python & Bash Jira ISO 27001 & Cyber Essentials

IT Support Engineer (2nd/3rd Line)

ZAVA Online Doctor

Delivered advanced support across endpoints, networks, and SaaS platforms in a hybrid environment. Managed user lifecycle and access across multiple identity platforms and led a 250+ endpoint upgrade initiative to improve performance and security tooling.

2nd/3rd Line Support Endpoint Upgrades Identity Platforms Patch Management Compliance Support

Technical Engineer (German Speaking)

McAfee

Provided enterprise-level cybersecurity support to EMEA clients, diagnosing and resolving advanced endpoint and security product issues while collaborating with internal teams on complex escalations.

Enterprise Security Support Endpoint Troubleshooting Incident Escalation EMEA Customer Support German Language Support

Trainee Cloud Support Engineer

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Completed intensive training in AWS services, Linux administration, Bash scripting, and SQL through hands-on labs and deployment scenarios, including collaborative technical presentations.

AWS Services Linux Administration Bash Scripting SQL Cloud Support

Core Skills & Interests

Technologies I work with regularly and areas I enjoy exploring

Core Skills

IT Infrastructure & Systems Administration (macOS, Windows) Identity & Access Management (Okta, OneLogin, Google Workspace, Office 365, DUO) Endpoint Management (Jamf Pro, Jamf Protect) Networking (Cisco Meraki, LAN/WAN, VLANs, VPNs) Cybersecurity & Compliance (Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001 practices, CIS benchmarks) Security Tooling (SentinelOne, CrowdStrike) Scripting & Automation (Python, Bash) API & Integrations (REST APIs, GraphQL, Webhooks) IT Service Management (Jira, Atlassian suite) Cloud & Virtualisation (AWS Lambda, EC2, SES, CloudWatch, Step Functions)

Interests

  • Homelab projects for infrastructure and security testing
  • AI technologies, including RAG-based chatbots and automation systems
  • Technology experimentation and practical tooling research
  • Football
  • Languages: English, German, Urdu

Additional Training

Continuous learning and skill development

AWS re/Start Program

Completed AWS re/Start program focusing on AWS Cloud, Linux administration, MySQL queries, and Python & Bash scripting. Engaged in collaborative group presentations, gaining foundational skills for a career in cloud engineering.

AWS Cloud Linux Administration MySQL Python Bash Scripting

Certifications

Professional credentials and achievements