Cisco Meraki Experts in Germany

• Codebase Evaluation & Problem Design: Designed and stress-tested complex software engineering problems against large open-source Python codebases (including pandas), requiring deep context acquisition and architectural understanding to produce well-scoped, realistic problem statements aligned to strict correctness guidelines.
• Agent Failure Analysis: Assessed LLM coding agent solutions for correctness and completeness, identifying meaningful failures across edge case handling, dtype behaviour, and multi-column NaN propagation logic; documented findings with precision for downstream evaluation use.
• Programmatic Test Suite Development: Authored comprehensive pytest suites to programmatically verify agent-generated solutions against defined requirements, with deliberate coverage of boundary conditions and failure modes not caught by naive implementations.
• Containerised Environment Engineering: Built and debugged Docker environments for reproducible agent execution, including git-based repository provisioning, dependency pinning with npm ci, and multi-stage Dockerfile authoring across Linux-based containers.

• Manage the development release and update process for a digitized nationwide trade register project "AuRegis".

• Support software in Kubernetes/OpenShift environments, configure management with Kustomize, and implement CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins/GitLab, SonarQube, ArgoCD, and Azure.

• Oversee system release of microservice architecture.

• Build the CI/CD stack from scratch with GitLab CI, integrating integration tests, dependency checks, and security measures.

• Automate deployment onto OpenShift using Kustomize.

• Set up infrastructure components for development, code review, and code quality analysis including SonarQube.

• Integrate GitOps tools such as Kustomize and ArgoCD, using both Azure and private cloud for sensitive data handling.

• Develop Python scripts in Jenkins for cryptostore configuration and system packaging of products and microservices into deployable units.

• Automate delivery to customers and deployment on test systems.

• Create Kustomize manifests for microservices and develop the related automation, treating documentation as code for clarity and reproducibility.

• Serve as technical advisor for the project's first go-live and oversee further deployments as technical rollout manager.

• Support of firewalls (Securepoint)
• Operation and maintenance of the client-server infrastructure (Windows)
• Operation and patching of IoT devices in the hazard management system (cameras, Web IOS, IP serial converters)
• Support with the integration of security technology into existing IT infrastructures
• Planning and execution of network segmentation and separation
• Transfer and implementation of solutions to other plants
• Tools used: Wireshark, Network Service Manager, PRTG, Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, HP Service Manager, FNT/Command Manager Console, ServiceNow, Confluence, Active Directory, Wingard, Securepoint FW

Conducting a gap analysis to assess existing security measures → identifying critical vulnerabilities

Developing a catalog of measures considering risk and cost-effectiveness

Implementing an IT maturity model according to BSI guidelines

Advising management on compliance, governance, and security strategy

Establishing internal processes for a sustainable security organization

• User account management and creation in Active Directory
• Group management and modification in Active Directory
• Permission management on file servers
• Exchange/Outlook support
• VPN setup
• System and product support: Windows 10, Windows 11, Office 2019, Office 365, Active Directory, TeamViewer, RSA VPN, Microsoft Teams, RSA Security Console, Deep Discovery Mail Inspector, ServiceNow, Macmon

• Leasing, lifecycle and process management for Apple iPhones, maintenance and expansion of the MDM system, coordination of leasing, device integration into DEP and MDM, followed by a rollout and hardware swap process, plus a BYOD and Android option
• Migration of the IT ticket system from ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus to Atlassian Jira Service Management: project management, definition of ticket types, seamless execution according to a detailed timeline, user communication, decommissioning of the old system
• Project lead: SAP interface in workforce management to automate reading of working hours
• Sub-project lead for inventory software EZO AssetSonar: demand management, software selection, procurement

• Linux server migrations: planning and execution of the migration with SLES Linux deployment of VMs in VMware 8.0
• Guiding colleagues on configuring Linux VMs with vSphere Auto Deploy
• Application operations: ensuring smooth operation of applications on migrated servers
• Operations manuals: revising existing manuals, updating and creating new ones as needed
• Reviewing service offers: adjusting and optimizing service offerings of external providers
• Logistics software, Red Hat Linux, Ansible, Confluence / Jira

Professional focus: Fortinet rollout / site standardization / cloud / ISP migration

• Network analysis, design and optimization, change
• ISP changes
• Commissioning of service providers and decentralized IT support teams
• Setting up a central management platform
• Routing optimization for dynamic routing
• Optimizing and creating firewall rules
• AWS connection / design
• MS Azure connection / design

Technologies / tools: Fortigate, Palo Alto, WAN, SDN WAN, VPN, BGP, OSFP, Fortimanager, Panorama, Meraki, Alcatel, AWS, MS Azure, Network Architecture

• Provided expert level consulting for lifecycle, upgrades and refresh activities
• Used Remedy for effort recording and billing to customers
• Used ServiceNow for service management and workflow
• Used Jira for project management with agile/Scrum methods
• Used Confluence for documentation
• Worked with customer-specific software tools
• Worked with customer-provided and secured hardware suitable for IT security operations infrastructure setup for customers
• Built firewall rule sets and handed over to service owner and delivery teams
• Environment: Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, CSM, Cisco AnyConnect, Cisco ISE, Check Point VSX and gateways

• Conceptual consulting for securing business processes
• Consulting on planning and implementation of IT and IT security projects
• Security and policy checks, process optimizations, emergency planning
• Project management and interim management in IT infrastructure and information security

Overview of relevant projects:

• 2025: Consulting on a DLP concept for Digid GmbH.
• 2025: Consulting a client after a cybersecurity attack that compromised the IT infrastructure and where the attacker obtained M365 tenant admin rights. Investigated the IT infrastructure and restored it. Developed recommendations to improve IT security.
• 2025: Continued the projects listed below for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Norddeutsche Landesbank.
• 2024: Created a DNS concept including advice on DNS strategy and technology, DNS design, DNS security, load balancing, reverse lookup zones, and automation. Created a DHCP concept including advice on DHCP design, a central DHCP management system and automation. Advised on operating the mentioned products, the operational processes, and updated IT documentation and IT service descriptions for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
• 2024: As-is analysis and assessment of the network and security infrastructure established by providers in terms of overall architecture including design and components. Designed solution proposals to improve current operations for performance and security maximization as well as complexity reduction. Presented the results to C-level, their causes and possible solutions including required decision templates. Developed a SASE concept based on a zero-trust architecture for Norddeutsche Landesbank.
• 2024: Continued the projects listed below for Atlas GmbH and Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG.
• 2023: Consulting on resolving findings from an IT security assessment of the IT infrastructure, conducting proofs of concept for DDoS protection and digital experience monitoring (DEM) with Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA & ZDX), creating a new security architecture based on zero trust, redesigning a Cisco ISE implementation, and designing a DNS security solution to protect guests and financial advisors for Atlas GmbH / Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG.
• 2023: Continued the projects listed below for Digid GmbH, Vaillant Group GmbH (until 09/2023), Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (until 05/2023), and Union Investment IT-Services GmbH (until 07/2023).
• 2022: Created and reviewed whitepapers for infrastructure and security architectures, and planned new network infrastructures for the German Aerospace Center.
• 2022: Developed a concept for the technical and procedural modernization of a disaster recovery plan for United Nations Volunteers.
• 2022: Developed a concept for migrating measurement data to a cloud environment, introduced network access control, and conducted an awareness training for Digid GmbH.
• 2022: Developed a network segmentation concept for DZ Hyp AG.
• 2022: Developed a network segmentation concept for the Federal Employment Agency.
• 2021: Developed a new load balancer architecture concept for Bundeswehr Fuhrparkservices GmbH.
• 2021: Conducted a vulnerability scan and penetration test of a web frontend including analysis and recommendations for remediation considering risk and likelihood for the client ifi GmbH.
• 2021: Consulting, design, and subproject management for implementing a network access control solution (certificate authentication and MAC address bypass) and macro segmentation (area and zone concept based on dynamic device assignment) in office and production IT for Vaillant Group GmbH.
• 2021: Upgraded and optimized LAN and WLAN infrastructure for United Nations Volunteers.
• 2021: Developed a target concept for modernizing the IT security infrastructure including the DMZ (Cisco switches, firewalls, WSA, ESA, SMA), internet connections, admin and management networks, and the wireless LAN, including overseeing implementation for the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources.
• 2021: Created a micro-segmentation concept based on Cisco DNA, SGT, and zero trust for Union Investment IT-Services GmbH.
• 2021: Reviewed and updated ISMS level 3 policies and created procedure instructions for Software AG.
• 2021: Project lead for the global tech refresh project Meraki WLAN 2.0, coordinated the outsourcing of LAN/WLAN infrastructure to a managed service provider, and created a WLAN concept for automated guided vehicles for Heraeus Infosystems GmbH.
• 2021: Project management and technical support for the 'Transition of SIEM/SOC Services' project migrating a client to a shared environment, and took on the interim role of Head of Security Operations at Datagroup SE.
• 2021: Conducted a workshop for the future implementation of mobile device management for Allgeier Experts Go GmbH.
• 2021: Subproject management for implementing a firewall rule management tool and recertifying NAC endpoints based on 802.1x and MAB for Union Investment IT-Services GmbH.
• 2020: Developed a network segmentation concept for two data centers based on Cisco and VMware for Aareon AG.
• Recorded and analyzed the current network architecture including project initiation.
• Designed a micro-segmentation concept in the data center and access network.
• 2020: Infrastructure and security architecture audit for Stuttgarter Versicherung AG.
• Analyzed the IT infrastructure and security architecture regarding network and security component configurations. Also reviewed contracts, process documents, and manuals for completeness. Developed recommendations to improve the stability and operation of the infrastructure. Created a network segmentation concept and led the project to implement the measures from the audit.
• 2020: Consulting on setting up an ISMS-light for Josera foodforplanet GmbH & Co. KG.
• 2020: Security architecture consulting for Datagroup SE.
• Developed a future IT infrastructure and IT security architecture.
• Documented the current IT architecture of all 23 entities.
• Made recommendations to optimize the IT infrastructure and drafted a comparison of a traditional perimeter security concept versus a zero trust model.
• Created a security zone concept.
• Designed an IT infrastructure architecture in coordination with all entities.
• 2018 - 2019: Stream lead in the cybersecurity program at Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
• Responsible for designing and implementing 9 projects in IT security infrastructure and user access management, as well as managing project managers and experts.
• Project area: Network segmentation and access control.
• Project area: Security architecture.
• Project area: Privileged, identity & access management.
• Project area: Simplify user authentication (MFA).
• Project area: Mobile & endpoint security.
• Project area: OT security.
• Project area: E-enabled aircraft.
• 2018: Security architecture consulting for Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
• Project management for the development, evaluation, and management of the company-wide information security architecture.
• Developed a security strategy and a roadmap to align the security architecture with the zero trust model.
• Evaluated market security solutions, services, and tools.
• Defined requirements for RFPs and assessed proposals.
• Developed, maintained, and monitored security architecture artifacts.
• Conducted security assessments of existing and new IT systems and security services.
• 2018: ISMS consulting for GLS IT Services GmbH.
• Advised on implementing and initially operating an ISMS based on ISO27001.
• Audited the IT environments of GLS country subsidiaries.
• Analyzed and assessed IT security risks and derived necessary measures.
• Developed solution proposals in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Managed the project and handed over the ISMS to operations.
• 2016 - 2018: Security pre-sales consultant for Cisco Systems GmbH.
• Provided nationwide strategic and conceptual consulting to major enterprise and financial and insurance clients on Cisco and Meraki security products and services such as Firepower, WSA, ESA, Stealthwatch, and ISE.
• 2017 - 2018: Designed and implemented an ISMS for Verivox GmbH.
• Conducted various BIAs and gap analyses.
• Developed security policies based on ISO 2700x.
• Served as interim information security officer.
• 2017: Developed an emergency concept for VPV Lebensversicherungs-AG.
• Reviewed and updated the IT emergency manual.
• 2016: Consulting and project management for designing cloud & hosting services for Vodafone Group Services GmbH.
• Analyzed and optimized the sell-build-run process.
• Created detailed level designs for cloud products.

• Created as-is network documentation for a Bechtle customer
• Analyzed existing configurations and adjusted them
• Advised on Fortinet and Check Point products
• Troubleshot complex routing, switching and application issues
• Tools: MS Azure, FortiManager, Cisco Nexus & Catalyst, Cisco WLAN Controller, Citrix Netscaler SD-WAN, MS Visio, Checkpoint VSX, Wireshark

• Planning, documentation, installation, and configuration for customer projects
• Fortinet Firewall, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager
• Cisco FMC (Firewall Management Control)
• WLAN survey and report creation with the Ekahau tool
• Cisco Meraki
• Alcatel Switches
• Cisco Switches, Cisco Nexus Switches
• Project management with customers, SLA contracts

• SD-WAN solution by Aruba – Swiss energy company (330 sites): design and implementation of an SD-WAN branch solution with Aruba 9004 gateways, encrypted overlay, policy-based routing, WAN load balancing, and centralized management via Aruba Central.
• LAN/WLAN & security – schools in Germany (9 sites): deployment of Aruba switches & AP-505, FortiGate 80F firewalls; setup of Checkmk monitoring, incident and change management, and secure admin access (BeyondTrust).
• Multi-site security – energy billing company (20 sites): deployment of a complete Fortinet solution (FortiGate HA cluster, FortiSwitch PoE, FortiAP), IPsec remote-access VPN via FortiClient, centralized management via FortiCloud, IntraID authentication, operations and incident management.
• Data center migration – German client: migration of data center switches (Mellanox), firewall cluster, and OfficeConnect switches to a new data center; securing configurations, implementing HA designs, testing, monitoring, and coordinated change and incident processes. Setup of two new 6300 M VSX clustered switches.
• Data center security – university hospital: implementation of a high-availability FortiGate 400F firewall cluster across three data centers; security policy design, operational support, and change/incident management.
• Enterprise campus & network access control – manufacturing company in Germany: introduction of Aruba ClearPass NAC, setup of a VSX-based switching architecture, secure WLAN access with MPSK, and integration into existing networks.
• EU client (Germany & Poland) – Sophos firewalls: operations, incident and change management of Sophos firewalls including IPsec VPN; troubleshooting and ongoing optimization of security configurations.
• Network modernization – pharmacy client in Germany: design and rollout of core and access switching (Mellanox, Aruba Instant On), migration from Sophos to Fortinet firewalls, network segmentation, and security hardening.

• Implementation of Cisco Catalyst Center wireless network for a federal ministry in Berlin with focus on wireless topics
• Troubleshooting of day 0, day 1 and ongoing templates for zero-touch provisioning of switches and access points
• Client authentication and authorization troubleshooting using Cisco ISE
• Wireless guest access via Cisco ISE captive portals
• Ekahau site surveys and WLAN survey reports
• Cisco DNA Center, Cisco WLC and Cisco ISE
• LAN and WLAN network design and planning based on existing HLD and LLD documents
• C9300L and C9500 series switches, CW9166i access points