Mike Schafer
Hydes, MD 21082

410-698-7206

mike.d.schafer@gmail.com
 

11/2002-Present                    PC Technologies                               Hydes, MD

IT Specialist/Telecommunications Specialist/Owner

§    In this position, I am responsible for on-site troubleshooting and repair of various PC problems.  This includes printers, desktop computers, laptops, Windows and MAC operating systems.  I install, troubleshoot and repair mobile devices including iPhone, Blackberry, etc.  I provide on-site installation and maintenance of networking equipment, computers, printers, peripherals and AV systems.  I provide one on one tutoring for basic Windows OS and other third party software programs and applications including A/V software, financial software, CAD software, musician recording software, etc.  I act as a liaison between the customer and utility companies including Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, etc.  I follow up during and after utility services to ensure the matter has been resolved.  I have superb customer service with a 100% customer satisfaction (receive multiple callbacks and referrals from customers) due to the quality assurance program that I implement and maintain.  I have both residential and small business accounts and provide IT consulting for small business owners.  I sell, design and build high performance computers and provide website design consulting.  I also am a highly experienced telecommunications infrastructure consultant and engineer.  I design, engineer and implement the installation of copper and fiber optic cables and all telecommunications infrastructure.  I perform quality control of all telecommunications work that is completed according to TIA, NEC, NFPA, manufacturer and OSHA industry standards and codes.  My business requires constant customer service and interactions, while being able to explain technical terms (IT and telecommunications) to my customers in and easy to understand way.  I own and operate this business and manage all aspects of the business including marketing, accounting, budgeting, sales, consulting and all day to day functions.

 

05/2009-05/2015                               General Dynamics                                  Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD

Lead Field Engineer/Quality Assurance Representative with Secret Security Clearance

§    In this position, I was the Lead Field Engineer for APG (Aberdeen and Edgewood area), Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir.  I was contracted by Information Systems Engineering Command-Fort Detrick Engineering Directorate (ISEC-FDED) for MCA, BCA, Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and MILCON projects to provide a quality control effort for the Information Systems Infrastructure and am a subject matter expert (SME) in the telecommunications field.  I attended project engineering meetings to review issues and determine resolutions of IT infrastructure installations and was responsible for providing technical advice and guidance to the installation of all fiber optic and copper cabling. I coordinated directly, face to face, electronically and telephonically with associated communications agencies and activities both inside and outside of the immediate organization including CECOM, AMC, DPW and the local NEC daily.  I provided detailed expert telecommunications support and services relating to the installation of voice and data circuits, telecommunication equipment, networking equipment, terminal equipment and various other telecommunication services.  I interpreted established higher command general policies and apply guidance to projects being implemented for the purpose of developing, reviewing, evaluating and/or assisting in approving contract actions.  I work with the U.S. Army Core of Engineers (USACE), Network Enterprise Center (NEC), Department of Public Works (DPW) and Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Joint Program Executive Office of Chemical Biological Defense (JPEO), Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD), Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), Army Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance Reconnaissance (C4ISR), Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program (I3MP), Information Dominance Center, Automotive Test Evaluation Facility (ATEF),  Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) and many other U.S. Army projects.  I inspected and supervised installation, testing and commissioning of fiber optic cable, voice and data networks both classified and un-classified.  This also included outside plant (OSP) cabling and fiber optic cabling, maintenance hole installations and duct bank installations. I performed daily inspections of inside and outside plant cable.  I maintained quality assurance evaluation (QAE) and quality control (QC) reports, checklists, logs, safety reports and ensure the installation, repair and maintenance of the telecommunications network infrastructure standards were maintained in accordance with TIA/EIA, NFPA 70, BICSI, I3A, PDS, UFC, OSHA, manufacturer, DA, Army and DOD standards codes, practices, policies and procedures to review, interpret and assist in developing communications policies and procedures.  I examined the quality control methods being used to determine if the contractor is properly controlling installation procedures and assist the contractor in understanding and implementing the contract requirements. I determine if changes need to be made to the contractor’s QC system and witness and review all OTDR, power meter and CAT6 testing to meet compliance with TIA and government standards.  I reviewed and analyzed bulletins, specifications and construction drawings for deficiencies in electrical code (NEC), BICSI, TIA standards and the Installation Information Infrastructure Architecture (I3A) criteria.  I reviewed technical reports from manufacturer to assure equipment is being installed to specs and develop checklists to verify installations meet TIA and I3A requirements.  I assisted in editing/writing the I3A requirements and providing input into our QC checklists and weekly reports and I am very skilled in written and verbal communication to articulate positions and technical concepts to other individuals. I have supervised and inspected the IT/telecommunications infrastructure of the new U.S. Army Communications Electronic Command (CECOM) state of the art facilities at APG, MD.  I was also responsible for my teams’ daily work quality, organization, productivity, guidance, counseling (if required) and paperwork at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade.  I also was the on-site IT technician for my teams laptops and setting up their workstations at new job sites.  This included performing detailed inspections and reports to make sure the work has been completed in accordance with Industry Standards and Army Regulations, Policies, and guidelines; reviewing fiber optic and copper cable test results; witness some network acceptance testing for newly installed equipment.  I was also responsible for performing Quality Assurance (QA) on some network contract personnel performing network switch installation contracts and assist in reviewing and designing VoIP systems layouts in the TRs.  I also reviewed as-builts, proposed drawings and spec changes, architectural design reviews drawings and design build drawings.  I provided detailed telecommunications infrastructure design information to engineers and project management when project issues arise.  I was an active participant in all conferences and meetings involving problems or issues of considerable importance in the telecommunications field.  I have knowledge of telecommunications concepts, principles, practices, procedures and techniques applicable to APG and DoD areas.  I also have knowledge of the telecommunications systems network policies, regulations, operating environment to provide more than adequate technical solutions and recommendations at APG. I am familiar with the way traffic flows through the telecommunications network and voice messaging systems, performance characteristics and capabilities of the system components, thus aiding in the determination of systematic space requirements, wire closet configuration/layout and levels of equipment needs.  I have a thorough knowledge and am a subject matter expert of telecommunication systems, voice messaging systems, wireless communications, secure systems and facsimiles at APG, Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir.  Typically, during constructions projects, there are conflicting requirements and problems that are poorly defined.  I assisted the USACE in developing and implementing new methods or techniques that satisfy policy and operational requirements.  I provided recommendations to ensure the telecommunications installation and swiftly and accurately resolved to prevent future interruptions in service.  I coordinated between a multi-disciplined team in resolving telecommunication issues and developing proposals to improve the infrastructure installation. I am OSHA Confined Space Certified and able to inspect any maintenance hole for the Department of Defense across the country.  As the lead engineer, I was responsible for training and making sure the overall objectives were being met, in conjunction with consultations with employees and making sure their work is being carried out and overall effectiveness is being achieved.  My responsibilities included quality assurance evaluation and quality control reports on end user buildings assuring that all cabling, cable trays, fire stopping, pull strings, bushings and labels are properly installed and future access is made available.  I conducted quality control inspections on maintenance holes, hand holes and underground cabling to ensure that it is properly installed to grade, the grounding system is properly installed and tested, racks and hooks are installed, ducts are properly installed and sealed, copper and fiber optic cabling is properly installed, splicing of copper and fiber properly terminated, sealed and secured.  I also inspected the duct banks connecting each maintenance hole and hand hole to ensure the proper conduit support spacing is being maintained, ducts are being installed to construction design, mandrel testing, tracer wires are installed, duct wide sweep bends and maintained and proper installation of backfill and concrete is met.  In telecommunications room (TR) inspections, I made sure all OSP cables and entrance conduits are properly installed and grounded, all copper and fiber optic color codes are being followed, grounding busbars, fire protection, electrical panels, HVAC, water lines, and safety cages are installed per government project guidelines and standards.  I inspected telecommunications and networking rack and cabinet installations to ensure proper installation, grounding and labeling.  I also inspected the cable TV (CATV) system for cable damage and to ensure it is properly installed, labeled and tested.  I reviewed contractor test plans and procedures, witness systems acceptance testing of outside plant (OSP) and inside plant copper and fiber optic cabling to include riser cables.  I ensured the equipment being used it calibrated and being operated by a qualified technician. 

 

06/2007-05/2009                    STG / Army Research Laboratory (ARL)         Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD

Senior Plant Cable Technician with Secret Security Clearance

§    In this position I was responsible for support, installation and troubleshooting of the communications and network infrastructure, installation, troubleshooting and testing of outside plant, aerial and indoor CAT6 copper and fiber optics (single mode, laser speed and multi-mode).  I was responsible for termination and testing of ST, SC, LC and Biconic fiber optic connectors and converting old Power Point network diagrams for the outside plant infrastructure and indoor fiber and copper schematics to Visio.  I designed MDF and equipment rooms for new and renovated buildings and created Visio drawings of building floor plans for new and renovated buildings, closet and infrastructure layouts.  I also performed cable repairs, fiber optic splicing, OTDR, power meter and CAT6 tests using Fluke and EXFO testing equipment while working in classified areas of APG.    I also provided some Cisco switch administration, installation and troubleshooting.  I also trained new employees and performed quality control on work as it was completed.  I was responsible for designing, engineering, and implementing the installation of copper and fiber optic cables to upgrade the older communications cables at ARL, while ensuring that the policies and regulations set forth by our organization and ARL were complied with including pole line cabling, underground plant cabling and aerial cabling.  This includes tasks ranging from performing detailed site surveys to taking measurements and determining in design layouts to testing and installation of the copper and fiber optic cables.  I performed QA on Operation & Maintenance (O&M) contractor on technical, timeliness, and accuracy of the work performed.  I assisted the local networking team in troubleshooting sonnet ring equipment.  .  I have a thorough knowledge and am a subject matter expert of telecommunication systems, voice messaging systems, wireless communications, secure systems and facsimiles of the Army Research Laboratory.  This job required a lot of customer service skills and also a close working relationship with the local IT team to resolve technical issues.

 

05/2004-06/2007                             MedStar Health                            White Marsh, MD

Telecommunications Analyst

§    In this position I was responsible for installation, MACs and maintenance of telecommunications hardware and software (Siemens, Inter-tel, Spectralink, ROLM, AT+T, Avaya, etc.) PBX and phone mail troubleshooting and installation at all MedStar Health sites in Maryland.  I escorted the local telephone company (Verizon) and telephone system vendors.  I was responsible for leading small telecommunications projects, including establishing connectivity for new requirements and customer requests and carrying out the full range of project management functions from planning through evaluation, implementation, quality assurance, quality control and reporting of accomplishments to management.  These projects typically involved coordinating the work of telecommunications specialists, network specialists, technical specialists from other disciplines, customer representatives and contractors.  I performed installation and troubleshooting of mobile devices and Comcast internet connections at remote sites.  All work/projects for this position were assigned in hospitals and corporate environments.  I performed termination of 110, 66, BIX, CAT 5e, CAT 6, co-ax connections, multimode fiber and single mode fiber.  I was also responsible for troubleshooting and diagnostics of network connections and Cisco network equipment.  I assisted in telecommunications infrastructure design and also trained new employees and performed quality control of work as it was completed by the contractor.  I was responsible for troubleshooting and installation of Cisco VoIP systems and Polycom video conference systems and witnessing systems acceptance testing (SAT).  I provided management of small projects, issuing vendor requests, organize work order assignments and installation and troubleshooting of PCs related to PBX system.  I have experience with T1, BRI, PRI, ISDN and VOIP.  My duties included providing technical knowledge on telecommunication systems and infrastructure for various telecommunication contracts and customers; meeting with customers to gather and analyze their requirements; attending site surveys of a customer’s location to obtain specific work details; preparing cost estimate based on customer requirements; and make decisions or recommendations on what products would be best for the customer based on their requirements.  Experience with traffic flows through the telecommunications network and voice messaging systems, performance characteristics and capabilities of the system components, thus aiding in the determination of systematic space requirements, wire closet configuration/layout and levels of equipment needs.  This job required a lot of daily customer service skills with healthcare professionals, construction workers, telecom team and also a close working relationship with the local IT team to resolve technical issues.   I used my knowledge of budget and financing and my knowledge of alternative technical data to assist in managing telecommunications projects and requirements.  I use my specialized knowledge of telecommunications operating techniques, digital and analog communication requirements, local and wide area networking and procedures used by industry organizations to plan and coordinate requirements for telecommunications equipment, systems and services.  I have a thorough knowledge and am a subject matter expert of telecommunication systems, networks, voice messaging systems, wireless communications and facsimiles in the MedStar Health system.  I assisted with the troubleshooting of the piloted PACS network at Good Samaritan Hospital working closely with the PACS Administrator and the vendor.  I also assisted with the network installation and troubleshooting for the McKesson/Azyxxi system and zebra label printers.  I also worked on the lab network, specifically at Good Samaritan Hospital for new installation requirements and troubleshooting of existing connections.

 

12/2003-05/2004                           L.H. Cranston                                  Timonium, MD

Service Department Electrical Mechanic

§    In this position I worked on commercial and residential electrical and low voltage systems including indoor and outdoor high voltage work, pole work and underground utility work.  I handled multitude of service calls throughout Maryland and various other neighboring states.

 

04/1997-12/2003                    ElectraTech Services, Inc.              Forest Hill, MD

Supervisor/Project Manager

§    In this position I was responsible for installation and troubleshooting of single mode and multimode fiber optics, UTP cable, ARMM cable, coax cable and shielded twisted pair cabling to include termination of ST and SC fiber optic connectors, CAT5 cabling, fire alarm system cabling, coax network cabling, hospital patient monitoring networks and telemetry networks.  I was also responsible for the installation/troubleshooting of computer networks, small business telephone systems and networked time clock systems.  I worked as a contractor for GE Marquette, Phillips, Verizon, Comcast, MedStar Health, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, etc.  Most of the work was in very sensitive areas in hospitals, schools and military sites.  I was responsible for installing outside plant cable by means of direct buried and manhole installations and also worked as an infrastructure design aid, project manager, estimator and salesman.  I managed a group of 5 employees and also was responsible for training new employees and performing quality control/quality assurance on work as it was completed.  This job required a lot of customer service skills and also a close working relationship my team to make sure work was completed to the satisfaction of our customers and meet my critique.  I implemented efficiency and organizational improvements as part of the quality assurance standards set by the company.  I used my knowledge of budget and financing and my knowledge of alternative technical data to assist in managing telecommunications projects and requirements.   I use my specialized knowledge of telecommunications operating techniques, digital and analog communication requirements, local and wide area networking and procedures used by industry organizations to plan and coordinate requirements for telecommunications equipment, systems and services.  I have a thorough knowledge of telecommunication systems, secure systems and facsimiles in hospital and government systems. 

 

Skills

§        Active Secret Security Clearance

§        Excellent organizational, customer service, telecommunications and IT troubleshooting / technical skills

§        Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, Lotus Notes, DOS, firewall software, anti-virus software, etc.

§        PC repair technician (hardware and software), high performance computer system builder, virus removal, etc. with 15 years of experience

§        IT consultant for small business infrastructure, networking and IT systems with 15 years of experience

§        Mobile device repair technician (iPhone, Blackberry, Android, etc.)

§        Small business and residential LAN networking / wireless networking with 10 years of experience

§        Telecommunications  technician (troubleshooting, installation, testing, etc.) with 15 years of experience

§        Project management skills with 8 years of experience

§        Fiber optic termination and testing with 15 years of experience

§        Cisco network administration / installation / troubleshooting with 2 years of experience

§        Employee management skills with over 7 years of experience

§        Telecommunications quality control representative / telecommunications engineer / telecommunications consultant with 15 years of experience

§        Ability to interpret, revise and design telecommunication and general construction drawings

§        Extensive knowledge of TIA/EIA, NFPA 70, BICSI, I3A, PDS, UFC and other field related codes

§        Experience with residential and industrial electrical, HVAC, plumbing and general construction

§        7 years of sales experience in various fields including automobile, retail,  IT and telecommunications

 

Education/Awards

§        1992 -1996              Calvert Hall College High School

§        1996 -1998              Essex Community College

§        2002                            Siecor CAT5 Training

§        2002                            Siecor Fiber Optic Training

§        2006                            Hilti Firestop Certification

§        2006                            BICSI Information Transport Systems Installer 1 Certification

§        2007                            Corning Cable Systems LANscape Solutions LinkUp Program

§        2008                            STG “Outstanding Job Award”

§        2009                            Confined Spaces Training

§        2009                            Safety Construction Class

§        2011                            USACE Project Delivery Award

§        2011                            DoD Information Assurance Awareness

§        2012                            OSHA Confined Spaces Training