Firewall Experts in Cologne
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Cologne, who have recently used Firewall
Rafael De Mestre Gebauer
Last position:
Project Lead Automation at Textile industry
Analysis and optimization of end-to-end processes in different business areas such as sales, procurement, order processing and logistics. Redesign of the ERP. Identification of optimization potential, especially in areas with media breaks and manual tasks, as well as creation of a prioritized transformation roadmap with clear business cases and implementation recommendations. Management of automation initiatives. RPA at the production site in China. Evaluation and introduction of relevant AI use cases as well as building basic AI competence in the organization. Training internal employees of the project team and supporting them in the transformation process to develop a continuous improvement culture. Close collaboration with IT and external implementation partners, reporting to senior management.
Main tasks and achievements:
- Analysis of business processes and design of automated processes
- Training and support for employees in China and Germany
- 20% cost savings in logistics
- Regular status reports to management
Halil Oeztoprak
Last position:
Senior Cloud Operations & DevSecOps Engineer (Azure / Terraform / CI-CD) at KfW Bankengruppe
Regulated environment within a German banking group (approx. 8,500 employees, hybrid cloud strategy).
Responsible for operating, provisioning, and continuously securing business-critical platforms – including a GenAI chat application, a big data/AI platform, and data science workspaces based on Azure Virtual Desktops and VMs. Ownership of Azure DevOps projects for ShaiHulud and React2Shell, as well as BSI alerts – Security Operations improvements across the SDLC.
Deployment responsibility for the GenAI chat application, big data/AI platform (BDAI), and data science workspaces (AVD/VM-based) in the respective landing zones.
Deployment & release management: end-to-end responsibility for deploying portal and service applications across multiple Azure landing zones, including technical approvals, compliance with development team deployment guidelines, and ensuring ITIL-based change and release processes via ServiceNow.
Azure landing zones & network architecture: design, provisioning, and operation of Azure landing zones for 3-tier web applications with enhanced network segmentation, VNet peering, hub-and-spoke architectures, private endpoints, and firewall integration across separate subscriptions and tenants.
Azure DevOps governance & operations: ownership of the Azure DevOps organization, including projects, repositories, and CI/CD pipelines; implementation of governance requirements such as branch policies, approval gates, permission models, and audit-ready operating structures.
Infrastructure as Code (Terraform): design, implementation, and operation of a modular Terraform architecture for standardized cloud infrastructure deployment, including state management, provider versioning, reusability, and policy-as-code approaches.
CI/CD pipeline engineering: design, operation, and optimization of complex YAML-based CI/CD pipelines with multi-stage deployments, template standardization, self-hosted agents, integrated secret management, and automated quality and security checks.
Git migration & platform consolidation: planning and execution of repository and pipeline migration from Azure DevOps to GitLab CI/CD, including automated scripts, full Git history transfer, pipeline porting, and platform consolidation.
Container & platform operations (AKS): operation and security assessment of containerized workloads on Azure Kubernetes Service, centralization of on-premises container registries for ACR.
OpenShift (OCP) security reviews: security assessment of code baselines, build pipelines, and deployment processes for on-premises OpenShift clusters with critical applications, and derivation of specific hardening recommendations.
Shift-left security & DevSecOps transformation: introduction of a company-wide shift-left approach for early security integration in development and deployment processes, enabling developers to perform self-led security checks and sustainably reduce vulnerabilities before production (IDE integrations, pre-commit hooks, local scanners).
Software supply chain security: analysis and mitigation of supply chain risks in NPM- and Yarn-based applications through dependency audits, CI/CD pipeline hardening, token rotation, and restriction of risky build and lifecycle mechanisms.
Frontend & framework security (React / Next.js): security assessment and coordination of critical vulnerability remediation across platform applications and web frameworks, including coordination and complementary technical mitigations with all teams following BSI alerts.
Software composition analysis (SCA): introduction and operation of automated vulnerability scans for container images, pipelines/artifacts, and third-party dependencies, including SBOM exports within CI/CD pipelines.
SAST/DAST integration: design and piloting of static and dynamic application security tests in close collaboration with security architecture and development teams, for continuous improvement of code and runtime security, and establishing operational acceptance tests.
Artifact & registry consolidation: analysis and consolidation of all package and container repositories for service applications and AKS workloads, aiming for a centralized, secured registry strategy with centralized vulnerability scanning and governance.
Dependency-Track & SBOM strategy: advising the compliance board on introducing a central SBOM and vulnerability management platform to increase enterprise-wide dependency transparency and accelerate CVE response capability.
CI/CD pipeline hardening: security analysis and cleanup of the existing pipeline landscape by removing unused pipelines, improving secrets hygiene, implementing least-privilege principles, and isolating build agent environments.
Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) optimization: analysis and tuning of existing Azure WAF rules (OWASP Top 10 Core Rule Set, DSR/SDC, custom rules) to defend against known vulnerabilities and exploit patterns, including reducing false positives and improving threat detection.
Documentation & stakeholder communication: creating and maintaining technical documentation, runbooks, and architecture overviews in Jira and Confluence, as well as active knowledge transfer between operations, development, security, and compliance stakeholders.
Ralph Konitzer
Last position:
Product Owner / Business Owner at AXIS Management Consulting GmbH
- Full product responsibility from a business perspective: requirement analysis, UX design, product strategy, and go-to-market implemented without an internal dev team using fully AI-supported development (Claude Code / Anthropic)
- Technical differentiation: KRITIS-compliant air-gapped deployment (Windows/NSIS), GDT interface for PVS integration, DATEV-LODAS export for payroll
- Managed pilot operation with initial external client (Dormagen medical practice): structured requirement gathering, test support, error analysis, and release management
- Developed rollout and sales strategy for market entry in the segment of private practices and small medical centers
- Human-in-the-Loop development principle: business decision → AI implementation → manual review → approval → release – each sprint documented in Jira (TIME project), every change traceable via co-authored commits
- Product outcome: Tauri/Rust desktop app with GDT watcher, multi-tier model (Starter/Professional/Enterprise), cloud mirror on Hetzner/Traefik, complete ISMS framework based on ISO 27001 and BSI basic protection as product foundation
- Direct method validation for the test manager role: hands-on experience with quality assurance of AI-generated products from a user perspective, review gate discipline, release approval under GDPR and the EU AI Act
Jens Hagemeyer-Lee
Last position:
#52 Test Manager in Safety-Critical Infrastructure at Telecommunications Company
- Network elements, network, operational and operator-related systems
- Supporting around 20 different products (managed agile)
- Requirements analysis and management (functional and non-functional)
- Test concept and planning (scope, test phases, effort, schedule, resources, organization, etc.)
- Aligning approach with clients and service providers
- Managing and assisting in creation of test cases for system, integration and end-to-end tests
- Guiding and supporting test execution
- Defect management and planning bug fixes with external providers
- Preparing and facilitating workshops
- Regular reporting and creating automated test reports
- Further development of agile testing methodology and configuration of supporting tools
- Conceptual support in developing a quality seal for rating product and service quality of internal and external providers
- Requirements engineering based on ISO/IEC 25010, Scrum, SaFE
- BMC Remedy, Atlassian Confluence, Atlassian Jira (including plugins Xray, Structure), Microsoft Office (incl. Visio), Obsidian, doxis document management system, Gitlab, Obsidian
Andreas Wißkirchen
Last position:
Freelancer at Infrafibre Networks GmbH
- Assessing the current status (planning stage / rollout status) of the so-called inter-polygon routes
- Creating an end-to-end project plan for the individual routes, considering active and passive components and tasks
- Monitoring and controlling the implementation of the plan
- Optimizing the chosen network architecture
- Creating network and splice diagrams
Pierre Gronau
Last position:
Ansible Automation, Windows Third Level Support at DB InfraGO AG
- PRISMA project
- Ansible automation
- Windows third level support for Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2013, Windows 2016, Windows 2019
Banjika Ngo
Last position:
Freelance | AWS Authorized Instructor at Go Courses
- Delivered AWS-authorized content through AAI program
- Facilitated group and 1-on-1 mentorship sessions
- Coached non-technical learners into cloud career paths
- Created learning materials aligned with AWS Skill Builder and AWS Academy labs
Abdelhak Mahou
Last position:
Network Architect at Bechtle Managed Services GmbH
- 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
Saood Yousaf
Last position:
Senior Application Owner at an international energy company
Further development of the application landscape for planning, forecasting and pricing
Communication with internal stakeholders to homogenize the application landscape across all entities
Optimization of vendor management
API and batch processing
Creation of operational concepts
Ensuring compliance with regulations and operational processes
Participation in solution design as well as implementation and further development of new applications and services
ServiceNow
Virtual Machines (Windows / Linux)
M365 Products
Azure DevOps
Web Applications
Phil Eicke
Last position:
Principal Cybersecurity Consultant at SC&E Advisory GmbH
- Development of compliance products
- Senior Cybersecurity Consultant: NIS2: impact assessment, obligations, action planning, roadmaps
- NIS2 · DORA · CRA
- Design of ISO 27001 ISMS implementation project on a fixed-price basis
- Governance consultancy in M&A situations
Jana Bergmann-Franke
Last position:
Freelance Marketing Consultation at Lobster Data GmbH
- Conceptualization and project management of Lobster's first customer conference "Lobster Data Hero Summit".
- Leading into a unique event experience with +1,000 attendees, +45 speakers and 4 stages in only 14 weeks.
Miroslav Pavlovic
Last position:
Managing Consultant at ICTT Digital Networks
TSI customer project data center migration (since 2024-07-01)
Inventory of active IT/OT components
Creation and management of the migration concept
Planning and execution of migration tests
Carrying out the IoT migration (network, VPN gateway, firewall adjustments)
Service migrations (mobile services)
Re-design of outdated technologies/services
Integration into operations
Logistics bus project at Daimler Truck and Mercedes Benz (2024-01-01 – 2024-06-30)
Development manager/technical consultant for the logistics bus
Coaching customers/TSI development teams and product owners
Creation/review of architecture designs and documentation
Project planning/customer meetings
Support for migrations from Java/WebSphere/JBoss to Kubernetes
Service design for performance visibility (2022-06-01 – 2023-10-31)
Performance visibility service development, network monitoring service for Telekom internal customers
Planning/integration/expansion of PV monitoring in cloud environments (AWS, Microsoft Azure)
Design/planning/implementation of performance visibility services based on NetScout/Kadiska software in customer environments
Agile project management/execution of PoCs (proof of concepts)
Design/architecture/concept creation
Diagnosis of network issues
Packet capturing/debugging
Preparation of customer and training documentation
Sirak Debrezion
Last position:
Cyber Security Support Engineer at Log(N) Pacific
- Implementing secure cloud configurations with Azure Private Link, Network Security Groups, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Azure Regulatory Compliance for NIST 800-53, PCI DSS, and HIPAA/HITRUST, resulting in an 88% reduction in security incidents over the same period.
- Troubleshooting and supporting Microsoft Azure services, including Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM), Virtual Machines, Azure Monitor, and Azure Active Directory.
- Developing KQL queries to support the Log Analytics workspace and Microsoft Sentinel, resulting in 1 new SIEM dashboard and 4 workbooks.
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using Firewall
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
20 years (Germany: 22 years)
Position duration
2.3 years
Positions per freelancer
16 (Germany: 14)
Top business areas
Information Technology, Operations, Project Management
Top industries
Information Technology, Telecommunication, Manufacturing
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Business Intelligence
Bachelor's degree or higher
67% (Germany: 74%)
Master's degree or higher
44% (Germany: 40%)
Doctorate
11% (Germany: 6%)
Certifications per freelancer
8 (Germany: 5)
Most common languages
German, English, Spanish
Speak two or more languages
92% (Germany: 98%)
Based on our profile pool as of 30 Aug 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Cologne are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Cologne using Firewall
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 30 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the technology
What it covers
Firewall work protects networks by allowing trusted traffic and blocking risky connections. It includes policy design, rule cleanup, logging, and traffic control across office networks, data centers, remote access, and cloud edges. Strong specialists keep access tight without breaking daily work.
Common stacks
- Next-generation firewall policy and application control
- VPN setup, remote access, and site-to-site tunnels
- NAT, routing, and network segmentation
- Vendor work with Fortinet FortiGate, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, pfSense, and Cisco ASA
When companies need help
Teams bring in freelance firewall experts during migrations, audits, incident response, and change-heavy rollouts. They are also useful when rule sets have grown messy, traffic needs better segmentation, or an older perimeter must be replaced without downtime. In Cologne, this often fits hybrid work where local coordination and remote implementation both matter.
What strong specialists do
Good professionals read packet flows, trace logs, and translate business access needs into safe rules. They spot shadow rules, duplicate openings, and weak exceptions, then document changes clearly for operations and security teams. They should be comfortable with troubleshooting, hardening, and handover work.
Typical deliverables
A firewall project usually ends with a cleaned policy base, tested access paths, and clear documentation. Common outputs include rule reviews, migration plans, backup and rollback steps, and monitoring improvements. For ongoing environments, specialists also keep exceptions under control and support change requests.
Skills that add value
A strong firewall specialist often understands routing, DNS, certificates, identity, and cloud networking. Familiarity with Zero Trust, IPsec, SSL VPN, and security monitoring helps when firewalls sit between users, applications, and external partners. In Cologne-based teams, solid English and German communication can make reviews and handovers easier.
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most about Firewall — answered in short.
A strong Firewall specialist helps design, review, and maintain the rules that control network access. That can include perimeter protection, VPN access, traffic segmentation, logging, and cleanup of old exceptions that create risk.
Firewall work focuses on controlling network traffic and access paths, while a proxy sits between users and services and a WAF protects web applications from specific attacks. Many environments use all three, but they solve different problems and need different review methods.
Firewall projects often involve Fortinet FortiGate, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, Cisco ASA, and pfSense. The exact stack depends on the network size, the cloud setup, and whether the team needs classic perimeter control or next-generation features.
A strong Firewall professional usually understands routing, NAT, VPNs, DNS, certificates, and basic identity and access concepts. Skills in cloud networking and log analysis are also useful when rules span on-premises systems and public cloud services.
A Firewall migration needs someone who has already handled rule translation, testing, rollback planning, and cutover support in a live environment. The more complex the environment, the more important it is that the specialist has worked with the same vendor family and with change windows under pressure.
Most Firewall tasks can be done remotely if the specialist has secure access, clear documentation, and a local contact for testing. On-site work in Cologne is useful when hardware needs racking, there is a sensitive change window, or the network team wants live coordination during a cutover.
Look for clear thinking, clean documentation, and a methodical way of explaining rule changes. A good Firewall specialist can describe why a rule exists, what traffic it affects, how it was tested, and how it can be rolled back.
A Firewall freelancer should know the vendor, the current rule base, the network diagram, and the change process before starting. Access details, approval paths, and the planned maintenance window matter as much as the technical work itself.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects is 110 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 880 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects, 67% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 44% hold at least a Master's degree, and 11% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects have 20 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.3 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects are German (100%), English (92%), and Spanish (23%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects are Information Technology (92%), Telecommunication (54%), and Manufacturing (46%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used Firewall in their recent projects are Information Technology (92%), Operations (85%), and Project Management (85%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Firewall
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin 
Hamburg 
Munich 
Frankfurt 
Stuttgart 
Dusseldorf 
Dortmund 
Nuremberg Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
