Joe Held – Systems Engineer

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PROFILE

Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer with a strong foundation in infrastructure integration, secure system deployment, and enterprise-scale solutions. Holds an active DoD TS/SCI clearance, AVIXA CTS-I certification, and a US Coast Guard Master Captain’s License. Experienced leading the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of systems across secure government, defense, corporate, and higher education environments.

Blends expertise in network architecture, AV-over-IP, cybersecurity, virtualization, CAD-based infrastructure design, and control systems programming. Proven ability to bridge AV/IT domains to deliver scalable, resilient, and high-availability systems. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Enterprise Services Integration
Secure Networks & VLAN Architecture
Windows Server & M365 Administration
Infrastructure & Control Automation

Technical Documentation
Virtualization & Cloud Migration
CAD Drafting & 3D Modeling
Systems Architecture & Planning
Cross-Team Collaboration

CERTIFICATIONS

AVIXA - CTS-I, CTS
CompTIA - A+, Network+, Security+
Extron - Control Specialist, AV Associate
Crestron - DMC-E-4K, DMC-D-4K, IVC-E, DCT-C, TCT-C, Flex, P301
AMX - Programmer, Technician (Enova)

Dante - Level 1, 2, 3
QSC - Q-SYS Level 1, 2
Biamp - Tesira
US Coast Guard - Captain's License, 100 Ton Master
OSHA - 30-Hour Construction Safety, Foreman

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Systems Engineer / AV Programmer – Vision Technologies, Baltimore, MD (Mar 2024 – Present)

Programmed and deployed complex Crestron and AMX systems in secure and classified network environments for clients such as DHS, FDA, FCC, DoD, and USSS.
Optimized AV-over-IP networks and control systems, ensuring minimal downtime and compliance with information assurance policies.
Collaborated with IT and engineering teams to develop documentation, deployment guides, and support tools for scalable infrastructure rollouts.

Systems Integration Engineer – Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Ft. Meade, MD (Dec 2022 – Mar 2024)

Led system integration efforts for enterprise-scale conference and communications systems across classified networks using Crestron NVX and IP-based switching.
Served as SME for AV and IP-based infrastructure, supporting operational continuity across DISA facilities.
Developed and maintained networked system diagrams, software configurations, and device programming for secure and redundant operations.
Developed and maintained embedded control code for user interface logic within proprietary automation platforms for secure classified systems.

Project Engineer, AV & Infrastructure – Visual Sound Inc (Mar 2022 – Jan 2023)

Designed and commissioned AV/IT systems for enterprise, education, and government clients with a focus on signal integrity, network segmentation, and IT compliance.
Performed systems validation, BOM review, and technical oversight from presales to post-deployment.

Project Manager, Systems Deployment – Design & Integration (Sep 2019 – Mar 2022)

Managed high-complexity systems integration projects from design through turnover, including stakeholder coordination, subcontractor supervision, and QA.
Led cross-discipline teams on projects valued up to $5M across federal, higher education, and commercial sectors.
Authored internal training programs to onboard and upskill junior engineers.

Systems Engineer, Media & IT – University of Baltimore (Dec 2017 – Sep 2019)

Designed and maintained multi-use AV/IT spaces integrating networked media, conferencing, and control systems.
Delivered broadcast-quality media and collaboration solutions for university departments.

IT Systems Administrator – Ayers Saint Gross (Apr 2014 – Sep 2017)

Managed hybrid infrastructure and spearheaded the firm’s first cloud migration from on-prem Exchange to Microsoft 365.
Hardened backup systems to resist ransomware threats and decreased recovery time from days to minutes.
Served as lead admin for CAD, BIM, and creative software deployment across a distributed enterprise.

TECHNOLOGY STACK

Networking - VLANS, DHCP, static IP schemes, Managed switches (Cisco, Netgear, Extreme)
Cloud & Virtualization - AWS, Azure, M365, Hyper-V, VMWare
Programming & Scripting - SIMPL, SIMPL#, NetLinx, Lua, Python, Java, PowerShell

Servers & Systems - Windows Server, Linux (RHEL), Active Directory, M365, SCCM
CAD & Documentation - AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, Bluebeam, signal flow and rack elevation drawings, 3D solid modeling

EDUCATION

University of Maryland, College Park, MD — Bachelor of Science, Computer Science (Aug 2019 – Present)

CCBC, Catonsville, MD — AAS, CADD for Architecture and Engineering (Aug 2010 – Jun 2013)

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Active DoD TS/SCI Clearance

AVAILABILITY

Open to local on-prem, hybrid, or fully remote roles. US citizen eligible for work on secure government and defense-related projects. Relocation or contract-based employment negotiable.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Tri-class Secure VTC SCIFs (Various Sites)
Client: United States Department of Homeland Security
Scale: Large ($1M – $5M)
Led programming and infrastructure integration for secure environments with strict IA compliance. Enabled seamless operations across multiple classification levels.

Enterprise Infrastructure Refresh
Client: US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
Scale: Enterprise ($5M+)
Migrated legacy AV and control systems to IP-based architecture using Crestron NVX, enhancing security, scalability, and remote support capabilities.

Recording Studios and Suite
Client: Baltimore School for the Arts
Scale: Small ($0 - $500k)
Engineered cost-effective multi-use studio with live streaming, recording, and audio/video engineering and editing capabilities. Integrated control and networked audio systems.

USMC Commandant Briefing Room, The Pentagon
Client: United States Marine Corps
Scale: Mid-Size ($500k – $1M)
Commissioned secure communications and display systems for high-level government use with zero-failure tolerance.

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