David Watkins

Experience

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  West Virginia University

  Jan 2010 - Mar 2011

  Student Technologist

  Maintained knowledge base software, helped in migration of knowledge base platforms, and developed and documented problematic enterprise network issue solutions.

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  Arkodia Technologies LLC

  Dec 2010 - Dec 2011

  Consultant

  Provided open source, cloud based alternatives to proprietary IT system solutions. Utilized Amazon EC2/S3 for cloud services, Alfresco for content management, and a variety of popular Linux/Unix based applications to provide a complete IT business solution.

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  Norfolk Southern

  Jan 2012 - Aug 2012

  Communications & Signals Co-Op

  Aided and assisted on the railroad-wide InterTest project, designed to reduce man hours by performing the requisite FRA verification through automation and local VHF networks. Assisted in the construction and configuration of local VHF network. Verified railway circuit modifications, installed relevant hardware at test site control points, and monitored test results in real time. Independently supervised and managed contractors during antenna mast installations at multiple planned PTC sites when possible.Aided the Harrisburg Division with validating wayside signal circuit schematics, and marking changes to reflect in-service wiring when necessary. Show less

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  NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Sept 2012 - Jun 2013

  Engineering Intern

  Researched and reported on emerging E911 technologies as applicable to NYC's ECTP (Emergency Communications Transformation Project). Researched standards bodies, applicable standards to specific devices selected by vendor (Northrop Grumman), and provided report document to IV&V team to assist in project oversight.

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  Norfolk Southern

  May 2013 - Aug 2013

  Communications & Signals Co-Op

  Lead a system-wide firmware upgrade initiative to reduce costly and redundant differential temperature alarm stops. Interfaced with vendors to establish and validate a software and procedural solution, distributed materials to local operating divisions, worked with division managers to attain personnel allocation throughout project, and trained and assisted regional employees throughout the upgrade. Provided weekly progress reports to upper management and a tentative completion schedule.Supervised and assisted in the maintenance and upgrade of the Alabama Division's WILDs (Wheel Impact Load Detectors), and assisted in problem resolution with vendors such as Progress Rail and Salient Systems (L.B. Foster).Assisted in RelayMaster training and software upgrade efforts at internal safety fairs. Show less

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  BOMBARDIER

  Jan 2014 - Apr 2015

  RF Engineer

  Completed RF and data network designs for metro mass-transit and automated people mover applications. Completed propagation model verification testing for Metro-North and Long Island Railroads. Generated contract required documentation deliverables and ensured linkage of proposed design to RFP requirements.

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  EQT Corporation

  Apr 2015 - Jun 2017

  Field Communications Engineer

  Managed SCADA communications networks for midstream and gathering operations for largest natural gas producer in the US. Converted legacy measurement and automation network to IP/Ethernet. Designed, built, and maintained ISM radio access and microwave backhaul networks spanning three states. Engineered low-cost telecom infrastructure solutions and managed capital construction/deployment projects from conceptualization and financial justification to commissioning and in-service maintenance.

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  Rice Midstream Partners

  Jun 2017 - Oct 2017

  SCADA Analyst

  Managed SCADA system for midstream and gathering operations. Designed data network for field telemetry, commissioned new gas facilities and automations, and ensured reporting compliance with governance requirements (FERC, SOX). Assisted field in troubleshooting. Managed asset transfer/network integration planning during EQT acquisition.

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  Verizon

  Oct 2017 - Jun 2023

  Set converged direction for IP Edge networks across Verizon. Produce detailed network designs given high level architectural guidance. Develop sunset strategy for legacy IP networks. Onboard nascent network applications (e.g. 5G, MEC) with directional designs. Overall technical lead of the regional transport team. Lead for 5G and iEN initiatives, managing high-impact capital projects. Developed L1/L2/L3 competency of teammates. Assisted leadership in organizational efficiencies and decision making. Transport lead for regional 5G deployment. Managed Intelligent Edge Network (iEN) hub site capital construction and improvement projects from conceptualization to activation. Mentored teammates in microwave xHaul best practices. Transport engineer responsible for designing, building and maintaining microwave networks in OH/PA/WV (OPW) region. Responsibilities grew to include deploying and commissioning owned FTTC Ethernet optical networks.

  • Principal Engineer - Network Design

    Feb 2021 - Jun 2023

  • Principal Engineer - Interconnect

    Dec 2019 - Feb 2021

  • Engineer IV - Interconnect

    Apr 2019 - Nov 2019

  • Engineer III - Interconnect

    Oct 2017 - Apr 2019
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  DriveNets

  Jun 2023 - Nov 2023

  Network Engineer - Infrastructure
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  Arista Networks

  Nov 2023 - Aug 2024

  Professional Services Engineer
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  World Wide Technology

  Sept 2024 - now

  Consulting Solutions Architect