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Systems Engineering

Virtualized Engineering Infrastructure for Scalable Workflows

Designed and implemented a virtualized engineering infrastructure to replace a monolithic setup, enabling scalable CAD workflows, structured data management, and reliable system operation under real-world constraints.

System Scope

Virtualized architectureWindows + Linux workloadsPDM-ready environmentMulti-layer backup strategy

Year

2025

Role

Engineer / System Architect

Client / Context

Internal infrastructure

Duration

Initial implementation and ongoing development

Context

Project Context

The existing setup relied on a single-system environment with limited scalability, poor resource utilization, and no structured foundation for PDM, service separation, backups, or future growth.

Conditions

Technical Constraints

  • Limited budget and reliance on open-source solutions
  • Single-person implementation and maintenance
  • Need for both Linux and Windows environments
  • Requirement for future scalability

Architecture

System Design

The system was re-architected around Proxmox, separating workloads into dedicated virtual machines and containers across Windows and Linux environments to improve recoverability, maintainability, and controlled growth.

Architecture

System Layout

System Architecture

User Flow

Users / Engineers
↓
Remote Access Layer
ZeroTier / VPN
↓
Workstations
Local / Remote Engineering Clients
↓
Engineering Services
Windows Server VM
SolidWorks PDM / SQL
Ubuntu Server VM
Docker / Internal Services

Infrastructure Flow

Proxmox Host
Windows VM
PDM / SQL
Ubuntu VM
Containers / Docker
Monitoring VM
Zabbix
Future Services
PLM / Automation
↓
Primary NAS
Storage / Video / Shared Data
↓
Backup NAS 1
Backup NAS 2
Administrative Images / Documentation
Deployable images, instructions, recovery structure

Design Intent

The infrastructure separates user access, application services, and storage layers to improve maintainability, enable future scaling, and reduce dependency on a single monolithic system.

Implementation

Implementation Workflow

  1. 01

    Evaluate infrastructure requirements and system constraints.

  2. 02

    Select Proxmox as hypervisor based on flexibility and cost.

  3. 03

    Configure virtual machines for Windows and Linux environments.

  4. 04

    Deploy containerized services for monitoring and internal tools.

  5. 05

    Integrate NAS systems for storage and backup.

  6. 06

    Define backup strategy and redundancy layers.

  7. 07

    Establish documentation and deployment procedures.

Execution

Tools

ProxmoxUbuntu ServerWindows ServerDockerZabbixNAS systemsSolidWorks PDM

Engineering Value

Technical Highlights

  • Transitioned from a monolithic setup to a virtualized multi-service architecture.
  • Enabled coexistence of Linux and Windows environments for engineering workflows.
  • Structured the system to remain maintainable by a single engineer while supporting future team growth.
  • Integrated multi-layer backup strategy across multiple NAS systems.
  • Replaced fragmented tooling with a more unified engineering infrastructure.
  • Prioritized flexibility and recoverability over a simpler monolithic setup to avoid vendor lock-in and support future scaling.

Outputs

Deliverables

  • Fully virtualized infrastructure
  • PDM-ready server environment
  • Backup and redundancy system
  • Deployment documentation and system structure

Result

Outcome

The resulting infrastructure enabled SolidWorks PDM, structured backup systems, internal services, and a more controlled data environment, replacing fragmented tooling with a unified and scalable system.

Reflection

Lessons Learned

  • Infrastructure should be designed for scalability from the start.
  • Separation of services improves reliability and maintainability.
  • Open-source solutions can provide enterprise-level capability when structured correctly.

Next Step

Need to structure or implement a similar system?

This project reflects an engineering approach centered on structure, execution, and long-term usability. If you are working through a similar infrastructure, workflow, or systems challenge, get in touch.

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