Valentin Oprea - Network Architect

Q: Where is Valentin based?

Valentin is based in Eschborn, Germany .

Q: What languages does Valentin speak?

Valentin speaks the following languages: Romanian (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Valentin have?

Valentin has at least 15 years of experience. During this time, Valentin has worked in at least 6 different roles and for 6 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months . Note that Valentin may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Valentin's latest experience?

Valentin's most recent position is Network Architect at IT Service Provider - Public Sector .

Q: What companies has Valentin worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Valentin has worked for IT Service Provider - Public Sector and Network Operator .

Q: Which industries is Valentin most experienced in?

Valentin is most experienced in industries like Telecommunication , Information Technology , and Government and Administration .

Q: Which business areas is Valentin most experienced in?

Valentin is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology , Operations , and Quality Assurance . Valentin also has some experience in Customer Service and Project Management .

Q: Which industries has Valentin worked in recently?

Valentin has recently worked in industries like Information Technology , Government and Administration , and Telecommunication .

Q: Which business areas has Valentin worked in recently?

Valentin has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology , Operations , and Customer Service .

Recommended expert

Eschborn, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025

2 years

Network Architect

IT Service Provider - Public Sector

Designed a network management strategy focused on NetDevOps principles and model-driven telemetry using YANG data models
Conducted NETCONF/YANG workshops for L2VPN/L3VPN services over SRv6
Automated configuration deployment in the testing environment with Ansible
Developed end-to-end service measurement concepts with IPSLA and the Telegraf-Prometheus-Grafana stack
Created the dual-stack architecture design (router + switch + firewall) including a detailed test plan; planned, executed, and documented acceptance tests for the management network
Performed BSI IT baseline protection checks according to the IT-Grundschutz catalog (needs assessment, modeling, risk analysis, deriving measures)
Protocols: SRv6, IPv6, MPLS, BGP, ISIS, OSPF, NETCONF/YANG, model-driven telemetry, IPSLA
Systems: Cisco Crosswork Network Controller, SolarWinds Orion, Grafana, InfluxDB, Telegraf, Ansible, Git
Components: Cisco NCS router series, Cisco Catalyst switch series, Cisco Firepower firewall series

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023

2 years

Network Specialist

Network Operator

Achieved over €400k annual operational cost savings by automating testing and migration tasks using Python and Ansible
Implemented an operations process for capacity management through quantile-based network metric analysis, clear work breakdown, and tracking of individual work packages
Led technical rollout projects and network transformation initiatives from planning to execution
Collaborated with engineering teams and vendors for complex network troubleshooting and problem-solving
Protocols: MPLS, BGP, RSVP, L2VPN, L3VPN, ISIS, OSPF, IPSEC, IPv6, EIGRP, PPPoE
Systems: Cisco Prime, StableNet, Cisco Splunk, Command FNT, Python, Ansible, Git
Components: Nokia 7x50 series, Juniper PTX series, Cisco ISR router series, Cisco ME and 29xx series switches

Jan 2021 - Dec 2024

4 years

SD-WAN Specialist / Network Architect

IT Service Provider - Public Sector

Engineering network architecture tasks focused on SD-WAN extensions like ZTP on-premises servers and CloudConnect solutions
Configured and operated Cisco SD-WAN components (vManage, vEdge, vSmart, vBond)
Developed comprehensive operating concepts and detailed runbooks
Designed and executed acceptance tests for SD-WAN controller software
Automated operational tasks using Python scripts
Protocols: ISIS, MPLS, L3VPN, BGP, OMP
Systems: Red Hat Linux, Windows Server 2019, OpenText NNMi, Python, Ansible
Components: vManage, vBond, vSmart, Cisco ASR router series, Cisco Nexus switch series

Jan 2020 - Dec 2022

3 years

Network Specialist

Network Operator

Developed and implemented an IP core network QoS concept including a detailed test plan; planned, implemented, and conducted training for the internal operations team
Migrated from Orckit to Huawei systems in the MPLS metro network with a zero-downtime approach
Provided 2nd/3rd-level support for customer connections and general network troubleshooting
Protocols: MPLS, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, IPv6, QoS, PPPoE
Systems: Zabbix, ISARFLOW
Components: Huawei NE series, Juniper MX series

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020

1 year

Cisco SD-WAN Network Setup + Test Automation

Personal Development Project

Built a Cisco SD-WAN network in a virtualized test environment
Integrated a vEdge from the Amazon AWS cloud
Set up a Linux platform for test automation with pyATS
Deployed the firewall security infrastructure with FortiGate
Developed automated test procedures for network validation
Protocols: MPLS, L3VPN, BGP, ISIS, IPv6, OMP
Systems: pyATS, FortiManager
Components: Cisco SD-WAN Controller, Cisco vEdge, Fortinet FortiGate 40E firewall

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020

2 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Network optimization in the backbone network with focus on latency, throughput and routing performance during the Connect fixed network test 2019
Capacity planning for central core network nodes to support operational and strategic decisions
Identification and analysis of design flaws in the core network, including ACL design and CoPP strategies to pass security audits and penetration testing
Development of an IPv6 connectivity concept for servers, including a detailed test plan and successful implementation in the live network
Protocols: BGP, ISIS, L3VPN, OSPF, MPLS, IPv6
Systems: Cacti, Nagios, Grafana
Components: Juniper MX router series, Juniper QFX switch series, A10 Thunder series

Jan 2015 - Dec 2019

5 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Acceptance and validation of various software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Development and acceptance of technical solutions for BNG platforms (Broadband Network Gateway) to deliver broadband services
Creation of documentation for operations, support and rollout
Planning and conducting customer workshops for solution alignment, handover and training
Test automation of a proprietary network element driver (XML → CLI translation) using Visual Basic and Python
Development and execution of complex network tests using Spirent TestCenter
Development of a CoPP template for BNGs that leaves no security gaps during penetration tests
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Spirent TestCenter
Components: Huawei ME60 BNG series, Cisco 19xx router series, Nokia 7x50 router series

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

2 years

Senior IP Engineer

Ericsson Romania

Key role in building the operational part of the Network Operations Center (NOC)
Acceptance and validation of various software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Comprehensive troubleshooting and fault resolution in IP/MPLS metro and core networks
Analysis of complex faults and lasting problem resolution
Participation in 24/7 on-call duty
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Nagios, Cacti
Components: Huawei NE40E router series, Cisco 7200/7600/10000/12000 router series, Nokia 7x50 router series

Jan 2011 - Dec 2014

4 years

IP Engineer

Huawei Romania

Development and execution of firewall test cases in a complex NGN voice environment
Development of firewall security rules for hardening as part of penetration tests
Support for various IP projects at Telefónica O2, Deutsche Telekom and Telenor TGS
Verification, optimization and implementation of technical solutions in complex WAN environments
Commissioning of routers and switches in production-critical network areas
Acceptance of different software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Huawei N2000
Components: Huawei CX600 switch series, Huawei Eudemon X3/X8 firewall series, Huawei NE40E-X3/X8 router series, Huawei ME60-X8/X16 BNG series

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Telecommunication, Information Technology, and Government and Administration.

Telecommunication

Information Technology

Government and Administration

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Information Technology, Operations, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, and Project Management.

Information Technology

Operations

Quality Assurance

Customer Service

Project Management

Summary

Less than 1% of all Cisco-certified network engineers worldwide reach CCIE status. As a CCIE-certified network architect, I bring over 15 years of expertise in the telecommunications industry. In this time, I have learned that successful network transformation projects basically need four phases: optimal architecture, thorough testing, helpful documentation, and stable operations.

What sets me apart? I combine deep technical know-how with business-minded thinking. From developing the architecture design to creating detailed test concepts and to validation and operations, I make sure that mission-critical infrastructures meet the highest standards of high availability and multi-tenancy.

My approach: In reality, things rarely go as planned. Tests fail, migrations show unexpected effects, vendor documentation is incomplete. That's where my strength lies: systematic troubleshooting and pragmatic problem-solving. I'm not afraid to dive deep into complex issues – whether packet capture analysis, protocol debugging, or direct collaboration with vendor TACs. This ability to bridge the technical and organizational levels has proven especially valuable in large-scale projects.

Skills

Core Competencies

Network Architecture And Design
Ip/mpls/srv6 Network Design, Sd-wan Solutions, Carrier-grade And Enterprise Infrastructures
Network Automation
Python, Ansible, Gitlab Ci/cd, Netconf/yang, Network Source Of Truth
Monitoring & Analytics
Telegraf, Influxdb, Prometheus, Grafana, Network Telemetry, Model-driven Telemetry
Project Management
Technical Project Leadership, Budget Planning, International Team Management, Netdevops

Knowledge Of Tools, Protocols, And Network Components

Routing & Switching Platforms: Cisco Ios-xr/xe, Juniper Junos, Nokia Sr Os, Huawei Vrp, Fortios
Cloud Platforms: Amazon Aws, Microsoft Azure
Protocols & Technologies: Mpls/ldp, Srv6/sr-mpls, Bgp/ospf/is-is, L2vpn/l3vpn, Evpn, Qos
Automation & Management: Netconf/yang, Python, Ansible, Gitlab Ci/cd, Pyats, Tig Stack, Visual Basic
Network Components: Cisco Ncs540, Cisco Asr9000, Cisco C8000 Series, Cisco Isr 4000, Cisco Nexus 9k, Cisco Firepower Fw, Nokia 7750/7250/7210, Huawei Ne20/ne8000, Huawei Me60-x8, Huawei Ne40e, Huawei Cx600-x8, Huawei Eudemon Fw, Juniper Mx Series, Juniper Qfx5100, Fortigate F40 Fw, Cisco Sd-wan Controller, Spirent Testcenter

Soft Skills

Leadership & Communication: Technical Leadership, Mentoring, Presentations, Stakeholder Management, International Teams
Project Management & Organization: Project Planning, Budget Planning, Time Management, Change Management, Agile Methods
Personality & Work Style: Quick Understanding, Stress Resistance, Self-initiative, Flexibility, Customer Focus

Languages

Romanian

Native

German

Advanced

English

Advanced

Education

Oct 2010 - Jun 2012

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Master of Engineering · Operation and administration of networks and network services · Bucharest, Romania

Oct 2006 - Jun 2010

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Bachelor of Engineering · Networks and telecommunications software · Bucharest, Romania

Certifications & licenses

CCIE Routing & Switching #64718

Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core

Juniper Jir Certification

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 9

Experience in Telecommunication 13 y

Avg length 2 y 8 m

Longest experience 4 y 11 m

Expertise

Recent roles Network Architect, Network Specialist, SD-WAN Specialist / Network Architect

Main industries Telecommunication, Information Technology, Government and Administration

Main business areas Information Technology, Operations, Quality Assurance

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Certifications earned 3

Profile

Created

August 2025

Last Update

April 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Valentin based?

Valentin is based in Eschborn, Germany.

What languages does Valentin speak?

Valentin speaks the following languages: Romanian (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Valentin have?

Valentin has at least 15 years of experience. During this time, Valentin has worked in at least 6 different roles and for 6 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months. Note that Valentin may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Valentin be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Valentin would be well-suited for roles such as: Network Architect, Network Specialist, SD-WAN Specialist / Network Architect.

What is Valentin's latest experience?

Valentin's most recent position is Network Architect at IT Service Provider - Public Sector.

What companies has Valentin worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Valentin has worked for IT Service Provider - Public Sector and Network Operator.

Which industries is Valentin most experienced in?

Valentin is most experienced in industries like Telecommunication, Information Technology, and Government and Administration.

Which business areas is Valentin most experienced in?

Valentin is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Operations, and Quality Assurance. Valentin also has some experience in Customer Service and Project Management.

Which industries has Valentin worked in recently?

Valentin has recently worked in industries like Information Technology, Government and Administration, and Telecommunication.

Which business areas has Valentin worked in recently?

Valentin has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Operations, and Customer Service.

What is Valentin's education?

Valentin holds a Master in Operation and administration of networks and network services from Politehnica University of Bucharest and a Bachelor in Networks and telecommunications software from Politehnica University of Bucharest.

Does Valentin have any certificates?

Valentin has 3 certificates. These include: CCIE Routing & Switching #64718, Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core, and Juniper Jir Certification.

What is the availability of Valentin?

Valentin will be available from December 2026.

What is the rate of Valentin?

Valentin's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.