Nigel Rooney

Specialist in Microsoft infrastructures, Microsoft Azure, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Virtualization and VDI solutions
Available from Jan 1, 2026
N
Hoek van Holland, The Netherlands
https://linkedin.com/in/nigel-rooney-it

Profile

I'm an experienced Platform Engineer with over 16 years of experience designing, building, and automating Microsoft and Azure environments. Over the years, I've helped organizations transition to the cloud — from strategy to implementation — based on Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework. I focus on clear architecture, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and CI/CD to realize secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Additionally, I enjoy experimenting with React, TypeScript, AI, and Node.js to improve processes and quickly validate new ideas.

Skills

Cloud & Platform - Azure Landing Zones, Azure AD, Microsoft 365, Hybrid Environments, On-premise to Azure Migrations, Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework
DevOps & Automation - Terraform, Terragrunt, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, CI/CD, YAML Pipelines, GitOps, Scripting with PowerShell, Bash, Python (basic)
Security & Governance - Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, Key Vault, Conditional Access, RBAC
Monitoring & Observability - Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Splunk, Prometheus, Grafana
Virtualization & VDI - VMware, Hyper-V, Microsoft AVD, Citrix XenDesktop/XenApp, Cisco UCS, Networking & firewalls
Development - React, TypeScript, Node.js, Express, REST APIs, Full-Stack App Development
Backup & Recovery - Veeam, Avamar, Azure Backup, DFS-replication

Work Experience

VARO Energy

Platform Engineer

VARO Energy

Jan 2019 — Present

  • Designed and deployed Azure environments with Terraform, Terragrunt and GitHub Actions, aligned with Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework, resulting in more consistent and scalable deployments.

  • Set up Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines for multiple production systems, leading to faster releases and less downtime due to manual errors.

  • Supported cloud migration projects from on-prem to Azure with a strong focus on security, governance, and cost control.

  • Worked closely with app and dev teams to design Azure architectures and optimize performance.

  • Integrated Azure Arc and Azure Monitor for unified hybrid management and better observability.

  • Designed and implemented a high-availability VMware Horizon VDI environment for 1,500+ users across multiple locations, with emphasis on performance, scalability, and continuity.

  • Collaborated with DevOps teams to streamline workflows and improve automation efficiency.

Rotterdam World Gateway

System Engineer

Rotterdam World Gateway

Jan 2017 — Jan 2019

  • Provided third-line support and managed VMware, Microsoft, and backup environments.

  • Automated upgrades and maintenance tasks with PowerShell and XL Release, cutting manual effort by around 40%.

  • Migrated Dell EMC VNX storage to Pure Storage FlashArray in a dual data center setup.

  • Upgraded VMware vCenter and vSphere for improved reliability and performance.

  • Integrated on-prem AD with Azure AD and helped roll out Microsoft Teams after migrating from Skype for Business.

  • Set up a redundant ADFS environment in Azure with load balancing for high availability.

UNO

System Engineer

UNO

Jan 2009 — Jan 2017

  • Delivered infrastructure projects for over 100 business clients across different sectors.

  • Managed migrations to Exchange, Office 365, and Azure with minimal downtime.

  • Implemented vSphere and Hyper-V clusters with HA and DRS configurations.

  • Built and managed remote desktop environments using Microsoft RDS, Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop, and VMware Horizon.

  • Automated server and application deployments using PowerShell and App-V.

  • Designed and implemented backup solutions using Veeam, Azure Backup, and Symantec Backup Exec.

Uniware

Intern (IT Support)

Uniware

Jan 2008 — Jan 2009

Provided support for Windows and Linux systems used by clients in the flower and plant sector.

Certifications

splunkSplunk Fundamentals I, II
Splunk
Oct 2018
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage
VMware
Oct 2017
Microsoft70-347 – Enabling Office 365 Services
Microsoft
Dec 2016
Microsoft70-346 – Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
Microsoft
Oct 2016
Cisco100-101 ICND1 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 1
Cisco
Dec 2015
Microsoft70-417 – Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
Microsoft
Jul 2013
Microsoft70-323 – Administering Office 365
Microsoft
Jan 2013
Microsoft70-662 – TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring
Microsoft
Dec 2011
Microsoft70-642 – Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Microsoft
Aug 2010
Microsoft70-640 – Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Microsoft
Feb 2010
Microsoft70-680 – TS: Windows 7, Configuring
Microsoft
Feb 2010

Languages

Dutch
Native
English
Full Professional

References

VARO EnergyBrian Garton
Platform Engineering Team Lead
VARO Energy
VARO EnergyOzcan Yildiz
Infrastructure Team Lead Benelux
VARO Energy
Rotterdam World GatewayPaul Saraber
Manager IT Infra
Rotterdam World Gateway
UNOMark-Peter van Rijn
Operational Director
UNO