✅ Senior Infrastructure & DevOps Engineer | 120+ Projects | 8+ Years of Experience
I’m Mohammed Faisal, a Senior Infrastructure & DevOps Engineer specializing in secure, scalable, highly available infrastructure.
I’ve delivered more than 120 infrastructure projects, managed environments containing thousands of servers and virtual machines, and supported over 50 clients across multiple industries.
I help businesses replace fragile, expensive, and overly complex infrastructure with environments that are reliable, documented, monitored, recoverable, and ready to scale.
⭐ What I Can Bring to Your Project ⭐
✅ Proxmox VE, Proxmox Backup Server, and Ceph expertise
✅ VMware and Hyper-V workload migrations
✅ Private and hybrid cloud architecture
✅ OpenStack and Apache CloudStack deployments
✅ Kubernetes and container infrastructure
✅ High availability and disaster-recovery solutions
✅ Terraform, Ansible, Packer, and GitOps automation
✅ AWS and Microsoft Azure infrastructure
✅ NetBox automated infrastructure documentation
✅ Zabbix, Grafana, and Prometheus monitoring
✅ Network segmentation, VLANs, VPNs, and firewalls
✅ WireGuard and zero-trust remote access
✅ Backup, replication, and recovery architecture
✅ Linux and Windows Server administration
✅ Infrastructure security and hardening
⭐ Projects I Specialize In ⭐
✅ VMware-to-Proxmox migrations with minimal downtime
✅ Multi-node Proxmox and Ceph clusters
✅ Private-cloud and hybrid-cloud platforms
✅ Multi-region infrastructure environments
✅ Proxmox Backup Server and off-site disaster recovery
✅ Automated Proxmox-to-NetBox asset discovery
✅ Infrastructure-as-Code deployment pipelines
✅ Automated VM discovery and Zabbix monitoring
✅ Grafana infrastructure dashboards
✅ Windows and Linux image automation using Packer
✅ Kubernetes deployment and operations
✅ Secure remote administration environments
✅ Business continuity and disaster-recovery planning
⭐ Why Clients Choose to Work With Me ⭐
✅ Business-Focused Solutions: I recommend technology based on your operational requirements, budget, risks, and growth plans—not unnecessary complexity.
✅ End-to-End Delivery: I can manage your project from assessment and architecture through implementation, testing, documentation, and ongoing support.
✅ Reliability and Security: Every environment is designed with monitoring, backups, access control, recovery, and security in mind.
✅ Clear Communication: You will receive regular progress updates, clear explanations, and complete visibility throughout the project.
✅ Documentation: I provide infrastructure diagrams, configuration records, procedures, and knowledge transfer so your team can confidently manage the environment.
✅ Problem Solving: Whether you are experiencing performance issues, migration challenges, outages, security risks, or rising infrastructure costs, I focus on identifying the root cause and implementing a practical solution.
⭐ My Typical Project Workflow ⭐
1. Infrastructure assessment
2. Architecture and migration planning
3. Risk and dependency identification
4. Implementation and testing
5. Monitoring and backup configuration
6. Security hardening
7. Documentation and infrastructure diagrams
8. Knowledge transfer and ongoing support
I work effectively with CTOs, founders, internal IT departments, MSPs, developers, and engineering teams. I can communicate detailed technical information while also explaining the business impact, risks, costs, and recommended strategy.
Technology Stack:
Proxmox | VMware | Hyper-V | Ceph | OpenStack | CloudStack | Kubernetes | Docker | AWS | Azure | Linux | Windows Server | Terraform | Ansible | Packer | GitLab CI/CD | NetBox | Zabbix | Grafana | Prometheus | Nginx | HAProxy | WireGuard | Cloudflare
If you are planning a migration, building a private cloud, reducing VMware or cloud costs, improving disaster recovery, automating infrastructure, or reviewing an existing environment, I can help.
Send me a brief description of your infrastructure and the challenge you are facing. I’ll help you identify the most practical, secure, and cost-effective way forward.
VMware Administration
Docker
Proxmox VE
AWS Application
Linux System Administration
System Administration
Zero Trust Architecture
VMware ESX Server
Microsoft Azure Administration
Windows Server
Azure DevOps
Terraform
Kubernetes
Ceph
Cloud Architecture
OpenStack
OpenShift
Sanjay K.
Gurugram, India
$30/hr
5.0
88 jobs
I am an experienced IT Infrastructure Engineer with 15+ years of hands-on expertise in designing, deploying, and managing enterprise IT environments. My specialization includes Windows Server, Active Directory, Hybrid AD with Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, Azure, AWS, and Virtualization. I help businesses modernize their IT infrastructure end-to-end — from on-premises servers and virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper-V) to hybrid cloud integrations, Azure AD/Entra ID deployments, and modern desktop architecture.
I focus on delivering secure, scalable, and resilient hybrid IT solutions that enhance productivity, security, and compliance while supporting business growth.
Technical Expertise
🗄️ Windows Server & Active Directory
✅ Install, configure, and manage Windows Server 2003–2025
✅ DFS, DNS, DHCP, RDS, IIS, RAID, NAS
✅ Group Policy Objects (GPOs), AD replication, backup & restore
✅ Active Directory migrations & consolidations (domains/forests)
✅ Identity Services: ADFS, Azure SSO, MFA, SAML, OAuth, OpenID
✅ AD Security Auditing: BloodHound/SharpHound, Kerberoasting, ZeroLogon
☁️ Microsoft 365 & Cloud Services
✅ Administration of Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams
✅ Domain & DNS setup: SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX
✅ Security & Compliance: Defender for Endpoint & O365, DLP, Conditional Access, Sensitivity Labels, Azure Security Policies
✅ Tenant-to-tenant migrations: BitTitan, CodeTwo, SkyKick
✅ Hybrid Deployments: Exchange + O365, ADFS, Azure AD/Entra ID Connect
✅ Modern Workplace Management: Intune, Autopilot, Co-management, Windows 10/11, Windows 365/Cloud PC
🏢 Virtualization & Cloud Platforms
✅ VMware: ESXi, vCenter, vMotion, DRS, HA, NSX, vSAN, vROps
✅ Hyper-V: deployment, migration, clustering, Azure Stack HCI
✅ Azure Virtual Machines | VM Scale Sets | Availability Sets & Zones | ARM Templates | NSGs | Azure Bastion | Load Balancer | Azure Monitor | Backup & Site Recovery | Automation & Auto-Scaling | Hybrid VM Integration | High Availability | Cost Optimization
✅ AWS: IAM, EC2, S3, CloudFormation, cloud migrations
🔒 Security & Vulnerability Management
✅ Penetration testing & vulnerability scanning (Nessus, Qualys, Kali Linux)
✅ Remediation of Windows & AD vulnerabilities (SMB, PrintNightmare, LDAP signing)
✅ Zero Trust Security implementation & Identity Governance
✅ Backup & disaster recovery (StorageCraft, NAS, SkyKick, Quest Recovery Manager, DRaaS)
⚡ Automation & RMM Tools
✅ PowerShell scripting & DSC automation
✅ Graph API & Microsoft 365 automation
✅ RMM tools: Intune, Datto RMM, ConnectWise, NinjaOne, ManageEngine
✅ Endpoint management, application deployment & compliance
📞 Collaboration & Messaging
✅ Teams Phone System & Direct Routing
✅ Exchange Hybrid Architecture & migrations
✅ PBX integration
🏆 Why Work With Me / Achievements / Key Results
🏅 Upwork Top-Rated Expert – recognized for delivering high-quality IT infrastructure and cloud solutions
🏅 Certified IT Infrastructure Expert – Microsoft, Azure, AWS, VMware, and Security certifications
🏅 23K+ hours worked – extensive hands-on experience with diverse enterprise projects
🏅 $400K+ earned – proven track record of client satisfaction and successful project delivery
🏅 Enterprise & Cloud Expertise – implemented hybrid AD, Azure, Microsoft 365, VMware, and AWS solutions for multiple organizations
💡 Online Consultation Available
⭐ Review your IT environment
⭐ Identify challenges & solutions
⭐ Create a custom step-by-step action plan
📅 Schedule your consultation directly on Upwork at your convenience.
Whether you need full project delivery or expert guidance, I ensure your IT infrastructure is secure, efficient, and optimized for growth.
VMware Administration
Office 365
Security Management
Business with 1000+ Employees
Microsoft SharePoint
Active Directory Federation Services
Group Policy
Microsoft Active Directory
Microsoft Azure Administration
Windows Server
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
High Availability and Disaster Recovery
AWS Server Migration
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft SCCM
Manikandan P.
Bangalore, India
$40/hr
4.8
128 jobs
I am an ex-Microsoft employee with extensive experience using Microsoft products. I am certified in Microsoft Office 365, GCP, AWS, and Azure. In the areas of Hyper and Azure, I have been recognised as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional.
I cover the architecture, security, administration, and migration of all three major clouds: Azure, AWS, and GCP.
Contact me for a consultation, and let's transform your IT dreams into reality. Your upcoming projects deserve nothing but the best. Don't hesitate to reach out to me anytime!
* Top-rated Azure, VMware, DevOps Engineer in Upwork
* 15+ years as an IT Professional
* 10+ years as Cloud Expert, Paas and SaaS Architect
* Consistently in the top 20 Freelancers in UpWork and other freelance sites
* Executed around 100+ Projects, 65+ Migrations, 20+ Clients
In addition to expertise in cloud infrastructure, the field includes proficiency with Windows Server (2003-2016), Microsoft Active Directory, Hyper-V Private Cloud, IIS, System Center, and SQL.
Microsoft CAF | Migration & Integration | Azure Governance Framework | Cloud Accelerator (CA), Cloud Infrastructure Setup | OnPrem to Cloud migration | Cloud Performance Tuning | Optimization Cloud Cost Optimization | Infrastructure As Code Infrastructure | Azure, AWS, GCP, | DevOps | Virtualization ( Vmware | Citrix | Windows, Microsoft Hyper-V ) | Hub-and-Spoke network | Azure policies, Key Vaults, RBAC, ASR, | ExpressRoute, Azure Monitoring, Security Centre, Application Gateway, Azure App Services | DevOps CI/CD Setup | Azure AKS | VDI | Veeam Backups | Hybrid Environment Architecture | Windows Infrastructure Design | Security Azure Recovery Services | Azure Backup Vault | OS (Server windows 2003,08,12,16) | Hyper-V 2008 r2, 2012,2016| SCVMM | Windows RDS2012 and 2016 | Citrix XenApp
I have certificates:
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Cloud Platform
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Productivity
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Windows 10
• Microsoft Specialist: Configuring Windows Devices
• Microsoft Specialist: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: Azure Solutions Architect
• Microsoft Specialist: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform
• Microsoft Specialist: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Office 365
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Private Cloud
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Messaging
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: SQL Server 2012/2014
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Expert: Server Infrastructure
• Microsoft® Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications
• Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network
• Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
• Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010
VMware Administration
VMWare
Microsoft Azure
Cloud Computing
VMware ESX Server
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Cloud Migration
Backup & Migration
Veeam
Azure App Service
Amazon
Google Cloud Platform
AI Consulting
AI Governance
Office 365
Seweryn K.
Opole, Poland
$85/hr
5.0
146 jobs
With over 15 years of extensive experience in the IT infrastructure domain, I am a Top Rated Plus Freelancer on Upwork, celebrated for delivering excellence across more than 100 projects globally. My expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including cloud platforms such as Azure, GCP, and AWS, as well as mastery in Office 365 and Google Workspace, ensuring enhanced collaboration and operational efficiency.
Throughout my career, I have excelled in roles such as CTO and Senior Infrastructure Engineer, showcasing a harmonious blend of strategic leadership and deep technical expertise. My portfolio includes sophisticated projects in Windows Server management, virtualization with VMware ESXi and Hyper-V, and implementing comprehensive backup solutions with Veeam Backup & Replication.
I specialize in executing seamless migrations to cloud services, optimizing IT ecosystems for peak performance, and developing robust disaster recovery plans that guarantee business continuity. My commitment to operational excellence and compliance is evident in my successful leadership of SOC2 and HIPAA compliance initiatives.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Computer Science and fluent English proficiency, I am prepared to confront and solve complex IT challenges, providing scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. I am dedicated to leveraging my extensive experience to contribute to the success of your next project, driving growth and technological advancement within your organization.
VMware Administration
VMWare
System Administration
Windows Server
Google Cloud Platform
Microsoft Windows PowerShell
Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Veeam
VMware ESX Server
ConnectWise Automate
Amazon ECS
Pawel W.
Orlando, Florida
$100/hr
4.5
26 jobs
Senior L3/L4 Infrastructure Engineer with 28+ years of hands-on experience supporting complex enterprise, MSP, healthcare, and hybrid environments.
I specialize in Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, SQL Server, VMware, Hyper-V, backup and disaster recovery, networking, SCCM/MECM, and advanced infrastructure troubleshooting.
My work focuses on solving problems that require more than standard administrative work. I help clients investigate complex production incidents, identify root causes, stabilize infrastructure, improve performance and reliability, and complete migrations, upgrades, and recovery projects with minimal business disruption.
I have extensive experience working across multiple technology layers, including:
• Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, IIS
• Microsoft Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, hybrid infrastructure, Azure Virtual Desktop
• Microsoft SQL Server administration, performance troubleshooting, migrations, backup/recovery, Always On and HA/DR
• VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, vSAN, Hyper-V and high-availability virtualization environments
• Veeam, Acronis, MSP360, Datto and enterprise backup/disaster recovery
• SCCM/MECM, patching, software deployment and complex endpoint-management issues
• Storage, SAN/NAS, networking, VPNs, firewalls and infrastructure connectivity
• Infrastructure migrations, upgrades, disaster recovery planning and technical documentation
I regularly serve as a senior escalation resource for issues spanning servers, databases, virtualization, storage, networking, cloud services, security, and backup systems. I am comfortable taking ownership of difficult incidents from initial investigation through remediation, validation, root-cause analysis, and documentation.
I also work directly with MSPs and enterprise clients that need additional senior engineering capacity for L3/L4 escalations, project work, migrations, infrastructure assessments, or temporary technical support.
I am based in the United States and available for remote hourly, project-based, 1099, and C2C engagements.
If you are dealing with a complex infrastructure issue, planning a migration or upgrade, or need an experienced senior engineer who can work independently across multiple technologies, I would be happy to discuss your environment and the best approach.
I have extensive experience working across multiple technology layers, including:
• Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, IIS
• Microsoft Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, hybrid infrastructure, Azure Virtual Desktop
• Microsoft SQL Server administration, performance troubleshooting, migrations, backup/recovery, Always On and HA/DR
• VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, vSAN, Hyper-V and high-availability virtualization environments
• Veeam, Acronis, MSP360, Datto and enterprise backup/disaster recovery
• SCCM/MECM, patching, software deployment and complex endpoint-management issues
• Storage, SAN/NAS, networking, VPNs, firewalls and infrastructure connectivity
• Infrastructure migrations, upgrades, disaster recovery planning and technical documentation
I regularly work as a senior escalation resource for issues that span servers, databases, virtualization, storage, networking, cloud services, security, and backup systems. I am comfortable taking ownership of difficult incidents from initial investigation through remediation, validation, root-cause analysis, and documentation.
I also work directly with MSPs and enterprise clients that need additional senior engineering capacity for L3/L4 escalations, project work, migrations, infrastructure assessments, or temporary technical support.
I am based in the United States and available for remote hourly, project-based, 1099, and C2C engagements.
If you are dealing with a complex infrastructure issue, planning a migration or upgrade, or need an experienced senior engineer who can work independently across multiple technologies, I would be happy to discuss your environment and the best approach.
VMWare
Microsoft Windows PowerShell
Microsoft SharePoint Designer
Microsoft SQL Server Administration
Storage Array
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Virtual Server
Windows Server
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Microsoft SharePoint Administration
Microsoft Active Directory
AWS Systems Manager
Microsoft Azure Administration
Windows Administration
Veeam
Ganesh S.
Kollam, India
$15/hr
4.7
90 jobs
As a highly experienced IT professional with over 12 years of expertise in Tier 2 Helpdesk Support and Tier 3 Server Administration, I am committed to delivering exceptional technical support tailored to businesses of all sizes. My services cover a wide range of tasks focused on maintaining the stability, security, and efficiency of your IT environment.
You can expect reliable, responsive, and knowledgeable support across areas such as Office 365 administration, user onboarding/offboarding, email troubleshooting, server maintenance, backup management, and more. I take pride in resolving issues quickly, documenting clearly, and ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.
With a strong dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of both user-level and infrastructure-level support, I aim to be a trusted IT partner for your organization. I’m ready and willing to assist with any technical challenges you face and look forward to responding to your queries.
Microsoft Exchange Server
System Administration
Windows Server
Microsoft Active Directory
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Desktop Support
Windows 10 Administration
Veeam
Windows Administration
Backup Administration
Remoting
Technical Support
Virus Removal
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How to hire Top VMware vSphere specialists
How to hire VMware vSphere specialists
VMware vSphere specialists can help you set up your own software-defined data center (SDDC), which you can use to power your apps and devices from the cloud.
So how do you hire VMware vSphere specialists? What follows are some tips for finding top VMware vSphere specialists on Upwork.
How to shortlist VMware vSphere professionals
As you’re browsing available VMware vSphere consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
Industry fit. You want a VMware vSphere specialist who understands the technologies needed to bring your SDDC to life.
Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., securing an enterprise hybrid cloud network).
Feedback Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular VMware vSphere specialist.
How to write an effective VMware vSphere job post
With a clear picture of your ideal VMware vSphere specialist in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective VMware vSphere job post should include:
Scope of work: From cloud storage solutions to server migrations, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
Background: If you prefer experience with certain technologies or virtualization tools, mention this here.
Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
VMware vSphere is a suite of virtualization technologies designed to work together to provide a complete solution for server virtualization. It provides a common operating environment for running and managing applications in the cloud.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in VMware vSphere professionals:
VMware vSphere
System administration
Server virtualization
VMware vSphere is a suite of virtualization technologies designed to work together to provide a complete solution for server virtualization. It provides a common operating environment for running and managing applications in the cloud.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in VMware vSphere professionals:
VMware vSphere
System administration
Server virtualization
Why hire VMware vSphere specialists?
The trick to finding top VMware vSphere specialists is to identify your needs. Is your goal to find someone to help you migrate part of your physical server infrastructure to the cloud? Do you require experience with certain cloud computing technologies such as AWS (Amazon Web Services)? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
The trick to finding top VMware vSphere specialists is to identify your needs. Is your goal to find someone to help you migrate part of your physical server infrastructure to the cloud? Do you require experience with certain cloud computing technologies such as AWS (Amazon Web Services)? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a VMware vSphere specialist?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
An experienced VMware vSphere specialist may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their VMware vSphere services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
An experienced VMware vSphere specialist may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their VMware vSphere services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.