Andrew Simas
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
San Francisco, CA, United States
Toptal member since March 3, 2026
Andrew is a seasoned technology professional with a career spanning four decades, renowned for his versatile and comprehensive IT skills. Specializing in IT support and systems administration, he has successfully managed complex network infrastructure projects, including the design and implementation of the SFAI Fort Mason Campus network. Having worked in broadcasting and higher education, Andrew consistently finds innovative solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and user experience.
Portfolio
Experience
- Active Directory (AD) - 20 years
- VMware ESXi - 15 years
- Google Workspace - 10 years
- Zoom - 6 years
- Slack - 2 years
- Amazon WorkSpaces - 2 years
- Jamf Pro - 2 years
- Amazon EC2 - 2 years
Preferred Environment
Windows, MacOS, Linux
The most amazing...
...thing I've designed and implemented is the network infrastructure for the new Fort Mason Campus, enhancing connectivity and operational capabilities.
Work Experience
IT Support Specialist
Pac-12
- Delivered in-person and remote support for Mac and Windows users, maintained the laptop fleet's hardware for a hybrid workforce, deployed and managed Mac laptops using Jamf Pro, and implemented network printing at a new production facility.
- Provisioned user accounts and managed application access with OneLogin and Active Directory. Administered Amazon WorkSpaces and EC2 environments. Managed endpoint security with Sophos and ensured laptop backups using Druva Data Security Cloud.
- Identified and implemented solutions for improving user experience and support processes. Managed user support requests in Atlassian Jira Service Desk. Created and updated knowledge base documentation in Atlassian Confluence.
Systems Administrator
San Francisco Art Institute
- Worked with construction project managers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and the SFAI team to design and implement the network infrastructure of the new Fort Mason Campus.
- Migrated staff and faculty email from on-premise Microsoft Exchange to Google Workspace for Nonprofits.
- Implemented and managed Samanage (Solarwinds Service Desk), introducing SaaS technology into campus services. Deployed Zoom Business quickly to facilitate distance learning and meet administrative needs after COVID-19 campus closures.
Director of Information Technology
San Francisco Art Institute
- Drove technology innovation, transitioning dated infrastructure from manual and physical systems to cloud architecture, increasing efficiency, and resolving productivity issues for faculty and staff.
- Spearheaded major network upgrades to install EMT, CAT6, and fiber optic cabling to connect historic buildings throughout the 800 Chestnut Street main campus.
- Cultivated vendor relationships to improve hardware and software support contracts, software licensing, purchasing, and budgeting for administrative and academic technology areas.
Director of Network/Systems Administration
San Francisco Art Institute
- Delivered major upgrades to network and server infrastructure. Replaced bonded T1 with fiber optic managed Ethernet connection, dramatically increasing campus Internet bandwidth from 3Mbps to 500Mbps.
- Upgraded enterprise-level security, transitioning from on-premise Trend Micro to Malwarebytes Nebula. Created an IT intranet comprising comprehensive documentation for the network environment and IT procedures.
- Provided user support for staff and faculty on Windows and Mac workstations and laptops.
Experience
SFAI Fort Mason Campus Network Infrastructure Build
Email Migration
Workspace for Nonprofits. United the entire school community on a single platform for communications and productivity.
Skills
Tools
Google Workspace, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Amazon WorkSpaces, Jamf Pro, Zoom, Microsoft Exchange, Cisco Meraki
Platforms
OneLogin, Amazon EC2, Windows Server, Windows, MacOS, Linux
Languages
Python
Storage
SUSE
Other
Active Directory (AD), VMware ESXi, Endpoint Security, Cisco UCS, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), Veeam, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Networking, Network Engineering, Network Security, Network Switches, Network Troubleshooting, System Administration, Leadership, Team Collaboration, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Aironet, Cisco Mobility Express, Allworx
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