candidates






SD-WAN Project – Candidate Rankings by Site


🌐 SD-WAN Deployment Project

Candidate Rankings by Site Location – November 2025

Project Overview

Client: Wipro Limited (via Transputec) | End Client: Brambles

Equipment: HPE Aruba Networking EC-S-P SD-WAN Gateway

Rate: $30-35/hour + OT + Travel reimbursement

⚠️ Critical Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

  • Daily Meeting Participation: Engineers MUST remain on calls throughout deployment – This is the #1 disqualifying requirement
  • All 3 Phases Required: Rack/Stack + Cutover + Hypercare (3-4 consecutive days)
  • Evening/Overnight Availability: Cutover windows typically 6 PM – Midnight or 10 PM – 6 AM
  • Lead Time: 1 week advance confirmation required (engineer details due Nov 17 for Nov 24 starts)

Ranking Criteria

Top Choice: Ideal candidate – strong experience, right location, excellent fit

Strong Candidate: Good experience and relevant skills

Ranking factors: Years of experience, rack/stack background, SD-WAN/network equipment familiarity, communication skills, location proximity, professional references, certifications

1
Joseph Clair
📍 Sacramento, CA (Local)

Current: IT Support Specialist II at Salvation Army (Nov 2022 – Present) |
Background: L2 Technician at Intel-Compucom, Customer Support Agent

✅ Key Strengths

Network Installation & Repair
Remote & On-Site Support
Network Troubleshooting
98% Customer Satisfaction
SSCP
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA A+
ITIL Certified
Microsoft Office
Active Directory

💡 Recommendation: TOP CHOICE – Local to Sacramento, strong network support background, multiple relevant certifications, proven customer service skills. Current role involves network systems installation and repair with high customer satisfaction ratings. Excellent communication skills demonstrated across multiple support roles.

2
Noor Masroor
📍 Elk Grove, CA (~20 miles from West Sacramento)

Current: ITAD Operator Level 4 at Sprout Woodland (Jul 2025-Present) |
Previous: IT Support Specialist at Prime IT Support (Nov 2024-Jun 2025)

✅ Key Strengths

Router/Modem Configuration
Network Device Installation
Cable Installation (Cat5/6/7, Fiber)
Active Directory
DNS/DHCP Troubleshooting
ServiceNow Ticketing
Pursuing CompTIA A+
Bilingual (Dari, Pashto)

⚠️ Considerations

Recent IT career transition – limited field experience duration
No certifications completed yet (A+ in progress)

💡 Recommendation: STRONG SECOND – Near perfect location, relevant hands-on experience with routers, network devices, and cabling. Good technical foundation with troubleshooting experience. Currently working in IT field. Would benefit from emphasizing project coordination and meeting participation capabilities during interview.

3
Isaiah Bolden
📍 Cordova/Sacramento Area

Current: U.S. Army Signal Operations Support Specialist (Sep 2023 – Present) |
Education: Cybersecurity B.S. in progress at UMGC

✅ Key Strengths

Active Secret Security Clearance
Military Training & Discipline
LAN/WAN Setup
Router & Switch Configuration
Network Troubleshooting
Hardware Installation
Signal Equipment Maintenance
Active Directory
Excellent References

⚠️ Considerations

Only 2 years experience (meets minimum but junior)
Currently active military – need to verify availability
Limited civilian enterprise experience

💡 Recommendation: SOLID BACKUP – Excellent location, military discipline is ideal for following procedures and meeting participation. Secret clearance demonstrates trustworthiness. Junior level but military training provides strong foundation. Need to confirm 4-day availability and that Army duties won’t conflict. Would excel at structured deployment procedures.

1
Shaun Chisolm
📍 Los Angeles Area (~35 miles from Ontario)

Experience: 8+ years network infrastructure | IT Technician at FOCUS Point/Tech Service Today (Mar 2012 – Apr 2020), Network Infrastructure Tech/Foreman at Black Box

✅ Key Strengths

Rack & Stack Equipment
Switch/Router/AP Installation
Cable Termination (Fiber, Cat5/6)
Team Leadership & Foreman Experience
Network Configuration
Network Troubleshooting
Infrastructure Build & Migration
System Testing
Site Plan Interpretation
LAUSD Project Experience

💡 Recommendation: TOP CHOICE – Extensive hands-on experience with the exact type of work required. Has led teams of 6 technicians on infrastructure deployments, perfect for daily coordination calls. Strong rack/stack background, cable management, and network equipment installation. Foreman experience demonstrates leadership and communication skills. Ideal candidate profile for this project.

2
Jeremy Wright
📍 Los Angeles, CA (~40 miles from Ontario)

Experience: 15+ years field service | Field Service Engineer at Keefe Group/TKC (Sep 2023-Oct 2025), Scantron Tech (Aug 2022-Sep 2023), MTI Technologies (Feb 2021-Jun 2022)

✅ Key Strengths

Network Systems Installation
Switches & Routers Configuration
15+ Years Field Experience
Fiber Optic Certified
Testing & Cabling
Hardware Installation
ServiceNow
CCNA
Microsoft 365
Leadership Experience

💡 Recommendation: EXCELLENT CHOICE – Extensive field service engineering background with 15+ years. Currently employed in similar role (traveling to customer sites for installations). Fiber certified, CCNA certified, and ServiceNow proficient. Has worked in high-security environments (jails/prisons). Very experienced with customer-facing technical work and troubleshooting. Slightly further from site but worth the drive for this experience level.

3
James Cullen
📍 Jurupa Valley, CA (~15 miles from Ontario)

Current: Network Communications Technician at Salem Health (Jun 2023 – Present) |
Background: Desktop Technician, Geek Squad Advanced Repair Agent

✅ Key Strengths

Network Configuration
Cisco/Juniper/Aruba Switches
SD-WAN Listed
VoIP Systems
Cisco Unified Communications
Network Troubleshooting
Hospital IT Experience (24/7)
Data Center Work
Excellent Location (15 mi)

⚠️ Considerations

Currently employed in Oregon – would need to travel or relocate temporarily
Would need to confirm availability for 4 consecutive days

💡 Recommendation: STRONG CANDIDATE – Excellent technical background with Cisco, Aruba, and Juniper network equipment. Has SD-WAN explicitly listed in skills. Hospital IT experience means comfortable with high-stakes, 24/7 environments and urgent response requirements. Geographic location is very close to site. Main concern is confirming he can travel from Oregon or if he’s returning to California. Worth a phone call to discuss.

4
Efrain Uraje
📍 Perris, CA (~30 miles from Ontario)

Current: Low Voltage Technician at E4 Systems (Jan 2022 – Present) |
Background: 20+ years low voltage work, IES Communications (2020-2022), C&R Systems (2000-2019)

✅ Key Strengths

SD-WAN (Explicitly Listed)
20+ Years Experience
Network Configuration
Network Troubleshooting
Network Setup
Cabling
Blueprint Reading
Commercial & Residential
Security Systems

⚠️ Considerations

More low-voltage/security focused than pure network infrastructure
Less data center/enterprise experience than top candidates
Would need to verify specific SD-WAN hands-on experience

💡 Recommendation: SOLID BACKUP – Very experienced with 20+ years in the field. Has SD-WAN explicitly listed, which is a strong indicator. Good location near Ontario. Main question is depth of network equipment vs. low voltage security systems. Would be excellent for physical installation (rack/stack, cabling) but need to verify comfort level with network device configuration. Worth interviewing to assess SD-WAN experience depth.

5
Kaleb Lewis
📍 Ontario, CA (EXACT LOCATION – Perfect!)

Current: Computer & Equipment Installer at StateTek (Aug 2025 – Present) |
Recent Graduate: Platt College IT Program (May 2024 – Jul 2025)

✅ Key Strengths

PERFECT LOCATION (Ontario)
Currently Installing Equipment
Recent IT Training
Networking Knowledge
Operating Systems
Cloud Platforms
Help Desk Experience
Young & Eager

⚠️ Considerations

Very junior – only 5 months in current role
Fresh graduate – limited real-world experience
No certifications mentioned
Limited rack/stack or network equipment experience
May require more supervision and guidance

💡 Recommendation: ENTRY-LEVEL BACKUP – Location is absolutely perfect (lives in Ontario). Currently working as equipment installer, which is somewhat relevant. Recent IT graduate with foundational knowledge. Could work well as a backup option or if paired with a more experienced engineer as a helper. Main risk is lack of experience and maturity for independent field work. Would need strong guidance from remote team. Consider for Phase 1 (Rack/Stack) only if desperate for local resource.

1
Gary Iturrondo ⭐
📍 Saugus, MA (~20 miles from Norwood)

Current: Field Project Coordinator/Project Manager at ATI-Boston (Apr 2025-Present) |
Background: Field Operations Supervisor/Tech IV at Ledcor (Sep 2021-Apr 2025), NOC Engineer/Weekend Lead at Integration Partners (2011-2021)

✅ Key Strengths

SD-WAN EXPERIENCE (Explicitly Listed!)
30+ YEARS TELECOM EXPERIENCE
MACD Rack/Stack: Cisco, Infinera, Ciena
Project Management Background
Team Leadership (10 engineers)
Circuit Testing (OTDR, BERT)
Low Voltage Cabling
OSHA 10
CompTIA A+
PMP
Bilingual (Spanish)

⚠️ Considerations

Very senior – may expect higher rate than $30-35/hr
Currently in PM role – need to sell hands-on work
May be overqualified

💡 Recommendation: 🏆 ABSOLUTE TOP CHOICE – PRIORITY #1 CALL – This is the ideal candidate profile. SD-WAN experience explicitly listed, 30+ years in telecommunications, extensive rack/stack MACD experience with major vendors (Cisco, Infinera, Ciena), circuit testing with proper tools (OTDR/BERT), and project management background makes him PERFECT for daily coordination calls. Currently in PM role at ATI-Boston. Need to: 1) Emphasize the 70+ site pipeline and career opportunity, 2) Be prepared to negotiate on rate given experience level, 3) Sell this as project management + hands-on hybrid role. His PM background is a huge asset for Wipro’s daily meeting requirements. CALL IMMEDIATELY.

2
Bruce Thompson ⭐
📍 Boston, MA (~15 miles from Norwood)

Recent: Senior Advanced Network Tech Support at AT&T (2020-2025 – JUST LEFT!) |
Background: 30+ years telecommunications, Wi-Fi Field Engineer at Wayport (2004-2008), WorldCom Field Engineer

✅ Key Strengths

🎯 ARUBA EXPERIENCE! (Aruba Central/Airwave)
30+ YEARS TELECOM/IT
AT&T Senior Network Engineer (Just left!)
Cisco Meraki Training
Wi-Fi Deployment & Configuration
Structured Cabling & Fiber
CWNA Certification
Enterprise Client Experience
LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi Architecture
Network Security

⚠️ Considerations

Very senior – likely expects higher compensation
Just left AT&T – may be seeking senior/engineering role vs. field tech
Resume shows more architecture/engineering than basic smart hands

💡 Recommendation: 🏆 PERFECT FIT – CALL SECOND – His ARUBA EXPERIENCE (Aruba Central/Airwave) is IDEAL for this HPE Aruba SD-WAN deployment! 30+ years at AT&T as senior network engineer, CWNA certified, extensive Wi-Fi and structured cabling background. Just left AT&T so likely available. The Aruba expertise is the key differentiator – he’ll be incredibly valuable for the deployment. May expect higher rate due to senior level, but his Aruba experience could be worth negotiating. Emphasize: 1) Aruba equipment match, 2) 70+ site pipeline, 3) Blend of hands-on and coordination work. Excellent location in Boston. STRONG TOP TIER CANDIDATE.

3
Leo Junior Mars
📍 Boston, MA Area

Contact information available on resume
Current: Field RF Engineer at Ericsson (Sep 2019 – Present) |
Background: 20 years wireless telecom, multi-carrier experience (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon)

✅ Key Strengths

Integration & Commissioning
Equipment Installation
Multi-Carrier Experience
Field Engineering
Call Testing
E911 Testing
Cabinet Expansions
20 Years Experience

⚠️ Considerations

Very RF/wireless cell site focused – not data center networking
Currently employed – availability questionable for 4-day commitment
Experience is cell tower equipment vs. enterprise network equipment
May not have rack/stack experience in traditional sense

💡 Recommendation: BACKUP ONLY – While he has 20 years of field engineering experience, it’s heavily focused on RF/cellular/wireless cell sites rather than enterprise data center equipment. His experience with Ericsson equipment, cabinet expansions, and field commissioning could translate, but the equipment types are quite different. Currently employed at Ericsson which raises availability concerns. Use as third backup if Gary and Bruce don’t work out. During interview, would need to assess: 1) Understanding of enterprise networking vs. cellular, 2) Comfort with Cisco/Aruba vs. Ericsson RF equipment, 3) Availability for 4 consecutive days away from current role.

🚨 URGENT: Address Discrepancy

Issue: SOW lists “Logan, KY 84321” but ZIP code 84321 is Logan, Utah

Status: Email sent to Pradeep for confirmation – awaiting response

Action: DO NOT RECRUIT until location is confirmed (Utah vs. Kentucky)

Next Steps:

  • Confirm with Pradeep at Friday meeting (Nov 14)
  • If Utah: Recruit local Salt Lake City area technicians
  • If Kentucky: Recruit Louisville area technicians
  • Lead time required: 1 week (Nov 17 deadline for Nov 25 start)

1
Ray Lockhart III ⭐
📍 Bellwood, IL (Adjacent to Melrose Park!)

Current: IT Infrastructure Support Engineer at Ryder (Sep 2024-Present) |
Recent: Remote Integration Engineer/Tier 2 at Ulta Beauty (May 2024-Present), Installation Engineer at Comcast (Sep 2023-May 2024)

✅ Key Strengths

🎯 SD-WAN EXPERIENCE (Meraki, Aruba/Cato)
Network Device Installation & Configuration
Switches, Routers, Firewalls
ServiceNow
Perfect Location (Adjacent!)
VLAN Configuration
Remote Technical Support
Microsoft Teams
Active Directory
Zebra Printers
Training & Mentorship

💡 Recommendation: 🏆 TOP CHOICE – IDEAL CANDIDATE – Perfect location (Bellwood is literally adjacent to Melrose Park), recent hands-on SD-WAN experience with Meraki and Aruba/Cato hardware, currently working on Ryder enterprise IT infrastructure. His Remote Integration Engineer role at Ulta shows he’s comfortable with remote coordination and guiding technicians through installations – PERFECT for Wipro’s daily meeting requirement. Experience with switches, routers, SD-WAN gateways, and VLANs. ServiceNow proficiency. Has trained 8+ new hires, demonstrating communication skills. Currently employed but recent job changes suggest he may be open to opportunities. Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems AND Engineering from Wartburg College. CALL IMMEDIATELY – best fit for this site.

2
Shashank VS
📍 Chicago, IL

Experience: 5 years Network Engineer | Master’s in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University |
Recent Roles: Stratus Technology (2023-Present), Cummins Group (2022-2023), Alliant Energy (2019-2021)

✅ Key Strengths

CCNA Certified
5 Years Network Engineering
Cisco Nexus (9k, 7k, 5k, 2k) NX-OS
SD-WAN (Versa, Cisco Meraki)
Palo Alto Firewalls
Python Scripting/Automation
OSPF, EIGRP, BGP
Aruba Wireless
SolarWinds, Wireshark
AWS/Azure Cloud Networking
Master’s Degree

⚠️ Considerations

Currently employed – need to verify 4-day availability
Senior engineer level – may expect higher compensation than $30-35/hr
More engineering/architecture than field installation experience

💡 Recommendation: EXCELLENT STRONG SECOND – CCNA certified network engineer with specifically relevant SD-WAN experience (Versa, Meraki). Has worked with Cisco Nexus switches (9k, 7k, 5k) which shows data center rack/stack comfort level. Palo Alto firewall and Aruba wireless experience. Python automation skills. Master’s degree. Currently employed which is a slight concern for availability, but his SD-WAN and Nexus experience make him highly qualified. The combination of enterprise network engineering + SD-WAN deployment + Aruba knowledge is very valuable. Would be excellent for the technical aspects and remote team coordination. Worth interviewing to assess: 1) Availability for 4 consecutive days, 2) Comfort with hands-on field work vs. pure engineering, 3) Rate expectations.

3
Eric Emrich
📍 Chicago Area

Recent: Senior Wireless Network Engineer at Heartland Computers (Nov 2021-Jul 2024), Teksynap (Feb 2018-Oct 2021), Bylight Professionals (Feb 2015-Feb 2018)

✅ Key Strengths

CWNA Certified
Ekahau ECSE Certified
Senior Wireless Network Engineer
Aruba Wireless Experience
Airmagnet Surveys & Installation
Team Lead Experience
Network Infrastructure Installation
Access Point Installation
Switch/Router Configuration
Government & Healthcare Experience

⚠️ Considerations

More wireless-focused than general network equipment
Last role ended July 2024 – need to verify current availability
Very senior – may expect higher rate

💡 Recommendation: STRONG CANDIDATE – Extensive wireless network engineering background with Aruba experience (perfect for HPE Aruba deployment). CWNA and Ekahau certified. Has led installation teams, which demonstrates leadership and communication skills important for daily coordination calls. Experience with network infrastructure, switches, and routers. Team lead role shows he can work independently and guide others. The wireless focus is slightly different from SD-WAN routing equipment, but his Aruba background and infrastructure installation experience are valuable. Not currently employed (last role ended July 2024), which could mean immediate availability. Worth interviewing to assess overall network equipment comfort beyond just wireless APs.

4
Ayesha Fathima
📍 Chicago Area (773)

Experience: 10 years Senior Network Engineer |
Recent Roles: AMD (Mar 2024-Present), Cigna HealthCare (Mar 2022-Feb 2024), Alliant Energy (Oct 2019-Dec 2021)

✅ Key Strengths

CCNA Certified
10 Years Senior Network Engineer
Cisco Nexus (9k, 7k, 5k, 2k)
SD-WAN (Cisco Viptela, Meraki, DMVPN)
Aruba Wireless
Palo Alto Firewalls
F5 Load Balancers
OSPF, EIGRP, BGP
5G Network Experience
Data Center Architecture
VPC, VXLAN, VTEPS

⚠️ Considerations

VERY OVERQUALIFIED – Senior Network Engineer with 10 years
Currently employed at AMD – unlikely available
Will expect significantly higher compensation ($80-100k+ salary range)
This is a step down from her current role level
May be bored with hands-on installation vs. architecture/design

💡 Recommendation: OVERQUALIFIED BUT TECHNICALLY PERFECT – This candidate has an absolutely ideal technical profile – CCNA, Cisco Nexus data center experience, SD-WAN (Viptela, Meraki), Aruba wireless, Palo Alto firewalls, and 10 years as a senior network engineer. She’s worked for major enterprises (AMD, Cigna, Alliant Energy) doing exactly the kind of equipment this project involves. HOWEVER, she is massively overqualified for a $30-35/hr field tech role. This is a senior network engineer/architect who should be making $80-100k+ annually. Currently employed at AMD. Unlikely to be interested in hands-on installation work vs. design/architecture. Only reach out if: 1) Desperate and can’t find anyone else, 2) Willing to significantly increase rate, 3) Can position as “technical lead” role. Otherwise, this is not a good match due to overqualification and current employment.

5
Deepu Thomas Mathew
📍 Skokie, IL (~15 miles from Melrose Park)

Current: Regional IT Technician at Pomeroy Technologies (Jan 2025-Present) |
Education: MBA in IT Management from Western Governors University, BS in Computer Engineering Tech from DeVry

✅ Key Strengths

Regional IT Technician (Current)
Network Troubleshooting
Cable Run & Testing
Server Installation
Router/Switch/Hub/Patch Panel
ServiceNow Ticketing
PC/POS Setup
VPN Networking
MBA
CompTIA A+ (In Progress)

⚠️ Considerations

Currently employed – need to verify availability
More generalist IT support than specialized network installation
Limited enterprise data center experience
No certifications completed yet (A+ in progress)

💡 Recommendation: SOLID BACKUP – Currently working as Regional IT Technician supporting major companies (Target, Aldi, AutoNation), which shows he’s comfortable with enterprise environments and field work. Good educational background with MBA and BS in Computer Engineering Technology. Has done server installation, router/switch work, cable runs, and network troubleshooting. ServiceNow experience. Main concerns are: 1) Current employment may limit 4-day availability, 2) More general IT support than specialized network deployment, 3) Need to verify depth of rack/stack experience. Good backup candidate if top choices don’t work out. Interview to assess hands-on installation experience vs. end-user support work.

6
Abiy K Agebo
📍 Lisle, IL (Chicago area)

Background: Technician III (Telecom) at EthioTeleCom (Jan 2013-Feb 2021) |
Experience: VSAT System Installation, HUB Operations, Network Configuration

✅ Key Strengths

Rack & Stack HPE Aruba SD-WAN (Listed!)
8 Years Telecom Experience
VSAT System Installation
Network Configuration
HUB Operations (NOC)
Daily Team Coordination
Infrastructure Deployment
SkyEdge Certified
Hughes Network Certified
Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

⚠️ Considerations

Experience ended Feb 2021 – 3+ year gap (What’s been doing since?)
VSAT/satellite focus – different from enterprise SD-WAN
International experience (Ethiopia) – US enterprise work culture may differ
Need to verify current work authorization status

💡 Recommendation: INTERESTING BACKUP – Resume explicitly mentions “Rack and stack HPE Aruba SD-WAN equipment” which suggests he’s been researching this exact project type. 8 years of telecommunications experience with VSAT installations, network configuration, and HUB/NOC operations. The satellite communication background shows technical capability but is different from enterprise data center work. Main concerns: 1) 3+ year employment gap since Feb 2021 needs explanation, 2) VSAT satellite experience vs. enterprise SD-WAN equipment are quite different, 3) Cultural transition from international telecom to US enterprise field work. Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering is a plus. Worth a phone screen to: 1) Understand employment gap, 2) Assess why he specifically mentioned HPE Aruba SD-WAN, 3) Verify US work authorization, 4) Gauge communication skills for daily meetings.

7
Hector Ratliff
📍 Berwyn, IL (Adjacent to Melrose Park!)

Education: Currently attending Triton College for Computer Science |
Certifications: CCNA (2025), Fortinet Certified Associate in Cybersecurity (2025)

✅ Key Strengths

CCNA Certified (2025)
Perfect Location (Berwyn – Adjacent!)
Network Troubleshooting
Cisco IOS
Router & Switch Configuration
VLAN Configuration
TCP/IP, OSPF, EIGRP
Active Directory
SolarWinds NPM
Wireshark

⚠️ Considerations

Recent certification – limited real-world experience
Resume shows more theory/lab work than field installation
Student status – may have class schedule conflicts
No clear work history in network field roles

💡 Recommendation: JUNIOR CANDIDATE – Perfect location (Berwyn is adjacent to Melrose Park) and fresh CCNA certification show initiative and theoretical knowledge. Knows Cisco IOS, routing protocols, and network fundamentals. However, the resume doesn’t show clear field installation experience or current employment in networking. Appears to be a recent graduate/student. This could work as a backup or assistant role, but would require more guidance from remote team. Best used if: 1) Paired with a more experienced engineer, 2) Positioned for Phase 1 (Rack/Stack) only, 3) Desperate for local resource. Interview to assess: 1) Any hands-on installation experience not on resume, 2) Availability for 4 consecutive days, 3) Comfort level following technical procedures remotely.

8
Muhammad Hamza Khan
📍 Skokie, IL

Current: IT Field Technician at Creative Technology Solutions (Feb 2025-Present) |
IT Support Specialist roles at National Able (Oct 2024-Jan 2025), Oakton Community College (Feb-Sep 2024)

✅ Key Strengths

Device Imaging & Deployment
Network Equipment (Cisco Meraki, Aruba)
Active Directory/Azure AD
ServiceNow/ManageEngine
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Security+

⚠️ Considerations

Currently employed – availability concern
More desktop/device deployment than network infrastructure
Limited rack/stack experience mentioned

💡 Recommendation: ENTRY-LEVEL BACKUP – Currently working as IT field technician with exposure to Cisco Meraki and Aruba equipment. Has relevant certifications (Network+, A+, Security+). More focused on desktop support and device imaging than network infrastructure installation. Good backup for support role but would need strong remote team guidance. Currently employed which may limit 4-day availability.

9
James Walsh
📍 Darien, IL

Current: Computer Analyst at Trinity Health (Jun 1996-Present – 29 years!) |
Background: Long-term healthcare IT support role

✅ Key Strengths

29 Years IT Experience
Network Support
Network Configuration
ServiceNow
Active Directory
EMR Systems
SD-WAN Listed
Microsoft Windows Server

⚠️ Considerations

29 years in same role – very comfortable/entrenched position
More help desk/desktop support than field installation
Hospital IT environment – unlikely to leave for 4-day contract
Resume shows support role, not installation/deployment

💡 Recommendation: NOT RECOMMENDED – While he has 29 years of IT experience and SD-WAN is listed in skills, this appears to be a long-term desktop support/computer analyst role in a hospital, not field installation work. After 29 years in the same position, highly unlikely to be interested in 4-day contract field work. Resume doesn’t demonstrate rack/stack or network equipment deployment experience. Pass on this candidate unless desperate and unable to find field-focused technicians.

10
Additional Candidates
Various Chicago Area Locations

Additional candidates reviewed but not recommended for this role due to: very junior level (students/recent grads), non-IT backgrounds (electrician, traffic control), or currently employed in stable positions unlikely to be available for 4-day contracts.
💡 Note: Candidates not listed above include: Daniel Hall (limited experience), Vance Toledo (CCNA student), Nick Schrieffer (student/entry-level), James Davis (help desk focus), Adil Khan (entry-level), Mailous Moore (electrician – not IT), Levert Manley (traffic control – limited IT), and others who don’t meet the project’s experience requirements.

Immediate Calls Required (Priority Order)

🎯 TOP PRIORITY CALLS – TODAY

  1. Gary Iturrondo (Norwood, MA): (781) 727-4788 – SD-WAN experience, 30+ years, perfect fit
  2. Bruce Thompson (Norwood, MA): 774-270-1459 – ARUBA EXPERIENCE, just left AT&T
  3. Ray Lockhart (Melrose Park, IL): (708) 299-6032 – SD-WAN, perfect location, ideal candidate
  4. Shaun Chisolm (Ontario, CA): 213-886-3555 – 8+ years infrastructure, rack/stack experience
  5. Joseph Clair (West Sacramento, CA): 916-647-7383 – Local, network systems, multiple certs

⚠️ CRITICAL ISSUES TO RESOLVE

  • Logan, UT Address: Confirm Utah vs. Kentucky with Pradeep (email sent, follow up at Friday meeting)
  • Waterford, NY Thanksgiving: Waiting for reschedule confirmation from Pradeep
  • November Dates Lock-In: All dates are “proposed” – need final confirmation

📅 Key Deadlines

  • November 14 (Friday): Follow-up meeting with Pradeep/Rishi/Ashwini
  • November 17: Engineer details DUE to Wipro (1 week before Nov 24 start)
  • November 24: First two sites begin (West Sacramento & Ontario)

Site Staffing Status

Site Dates Top Candidate Status
West Sacramento, CA Nov 24-27 Joseph Clair URGENT – Call Today
Ontario, CA Nov 24-27 Shaun Chisolm URGENT – Call Today
Norwood, MA Nov 25-28 Gary Iturrondo URGENT – Call Today
Logan, UT Nov 25-28 TBD ON HOLD – Address Issue
Melrose Park, IL Nov 26-29 Ray Lockhart III URGENT – Call Today

🚨 Critical Screening Questions for ALL Candidates

  1. Daily Meeting Participation: “You’ll need to be on coordination calls with the remote engineering team throughout all phases. Are you comfortable staying on calls while working?” (This is NON-NEGOTIABLE)
  2. 4-Day Commitment: “This requires 3 consecutive days on-site (rack/stack, overnight cutover, full-day hypercare), plus decommissioning. Can you commit to all phases?”
  3. Evening/Overnight: “The cutover window is typically 6 PM – Midnight or 10 PM – 6 AM. Is this acceptable?”
  4. Equipment: “Do you have: laptop with Teams/Zoom/Putty, 4G hotspot, console cables, basic hand tools?”
  5. Rate: “$30-35/hour base + OT over 40 hrs/week + travel reimbursement. Is this acceptable?”
  6. Lead Time: “Engineer details are due November 17 for November 24 start. Can you confirm availability by then?”
  7. Future Sites: “This is 70+ sites through March 2026. Top performers get priority for future sites. Are you interested in ongoing work?”