Firewall Experts in Hamburg

• Disciplinary and professional leadership of the IT and service team
• Definition and documentation of the Current Mode of Operation (CMO) in Confluence: application landscape, infrastructure, networks, backup & storage
• Development of the Future Mode of Operation (FMO) including process analysis & stakeholder interviews with all departments using BPMN and flowcharts
• Optimization of license management: reduction of ongoing software costs by approx. 17% p.a.
• Introduction and establishment of Jira as the central tool for project and service management
• Introduction and rollout of the HR software MindKey to digitize HR processes
• Introduction of a VoIP solution with Microsoft Teams incl. PSTN connection to replace classic telephony
• Introduction of the production and planning software OptiControl to digitize operational processes
• Rollout of Intune as a Mobile Device Management solution for Windows, iOS and Android
• Build-up of Power BI dashboards for machine park monitoring and financial reporting
• Planning and execution of the IT consolidation of two locations for 170 users
• Introduction of automated penetration testing with Pentera
• Coaching and mentoring the team in agile methods & project management
• Operational support in day-to-day business: administration, incident & change management
• Management of external service providers and assurance of the quality of outsourced IT services
• Responsibility for the IT budget incl. planning and controlling
• Direct reporting line to management with regular management reports on IT KPIs, budget and project status

I implemented a Zero-Trust architecture for robust, military-grade maritime container mini data centers based on VMware & Tanzu to support containerized GIS workloads for ground forces. The main focus was on securing communications, workload protection, and data access in contested electronic battle environments affected by jamming, interception, signal manipulation, and constantly changing operational conditions. I designed and architected use cases so that every element of workload, identity, and system could continue to operate independently and securely even in degraded or disrupted scenarios. In parallel, I defined the enterprise and solution security architecture with LeanIX, Bizzdesign, and HOPEX as enterprise architecture, repository, and governance platforms to maintain architecture inventory, relationships, traceability, target pictures, and security governance in complex environments. For the architectural designs, I used Sparx Enterprise Architect to describe formal architecture views, interfaces, trust boundaries, and system architecture in both IT and OT environments. IriusRisk was used for threat modeling of the solution to identify architecture-driven risks, derive security requirements, and detect countermeasures and design gaps directly from the solution models. Risk and compliance management was supported with Archer. Architecture decisions, control gaps, and operational risks were translated into controlled governance and auditable compliance measures. For documentation, collaboration, and visual design, I used Confluence to maintain Architecture Decision Records, Security Blueprints, and workflows. I used Lucidchart and draw.io to create design artifacts tailored to stakeholders. I also defined OT security concepts with support from electrical and mechanical engineers in the areas of oil, vehicle onboard systems, rail, power plants, pharma, gas turbines, and nuclear technology. I created the end-to-end OT security strategy, starting with global policy, developed into standards and procedures, and finally aligned with Bell-LaPadula, Purdue Model, SABSA, TOGAF ADM, CENELEC 50701, IEC 62443, and NIST standards. In addition, I worked with engineering team leads to identify critical KBP assets and place them under protective measures that segmented SCADA, PLC, and HMI assets. I drove collaboration between Security, IT, and OT teams to create standardized workflows and use cases for the OT security solution catalog, while integrating Defense-in-Depth and Zero-Trust principles into operational environments. A key part of my work was integrating multidisciplinary engineering, security, and operations stakeholders into a unified security blueprinting strategy and ensuring that architecture, threat modeling, governance, and documentation were technically strong and operationally practical.

• Software packaging and distribution with SCCM/MECM
• Application responsibility and support (50–100 applications)
• Documentation via ticket system
• User management via AD console
• Software updates and distribution
• Maintenance and updating of software packages
• Customizing scripts with PowerShell
• Rolling out and implementing new software
• Supporting IT security and compliance

Tools and software: Confluence, M365, Active Directory, Intune, Endpoint Management, SCCM/MECM, PowerShell, VMware Hardware: Lenovo, Cherry, Plantronics, Jabra + peripherals

• Enterprise and IT strategy
• Digital transformation
• Process and portfolio management
• Interim IT management

• Monitoring the health and performance of internal IT systems (servers, networks, endpoints)
• Performing routine checks on Active Directory, SCCM, antivirus, and MDM platforms
• Diagnosing and resolving hardware/software issues on Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms
• Conducting quality checks when implementing new technologies
• Creating accurate documentation of incidents, changes, and service requests
• Tracking and managing IT equipment inventory

• Responsible for configuring, maintaining, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the IT infrastructure, including Extreme Networks, SD-WAN, and Fortinet security solutions, at all international company locations in Europe and North America
• Developed a comprehensive strategic roadmap to optimize network architecture, including VLANs, NAC, QoS, firewall configurations, VPNs, DPI, NGFW, threat intelligence, and SSL/TLS inspection
• Implemented the OneIT strategy by introducing new technologies such as Cisco DNA Center, ExtremeCloud IQ, FortiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer, boosting staff expertise and IT system efficiency
• Integrated IT and OT systems to optimize network and security architecture and improve operational efficiency

• Consulting on a wide range of open science hardware projects in the fields of electronics, mechatronics, and optoelectronics
• Comprehensive system analysis and DFM optimization of a novel open hardware miniaturized two-photon microscope
• Exchange with scientists from renowned academic institutions to align the customer’s work in the best possible way
• Production coordination with local and international partners for PCB assembly, CNC machining, and optics
• Process analysis for product design, production planning/execution, product lifecycle, and product data management
• Coaching employees from all departments on the requirements that complex technical products place on business processes
• Development of a comprehensive PLM & PDM concept tailored to the needs of development and manufacturing
• Initiating intensive and direct cross-departmental exchange to identify improvement potential
• Planning shopfloor layout improvements with the production team and supporting the implementation process
• Quick onboarding of two new English-speaking colleagues in technical product management and development
• Ad-hoc and in-depth training of employees in the use of software tools such as KiCad or Autodesk Inventor
• Consulting on long-term development into a scalable, even stronger partner for the open science hardware community

• Configuration of Dell switches, routers, and access points.
• Error analysis and resolution.
• Environment: Extreme, Cisco and Dell switches and routers, Extreme A3 NAC, Extreme CloudIQ.

• Client support, 2nd, 3rd level, server administration
• Project and process coordination
• Support of MS365 services
• Linux administration
• Provider management

• Support and maintenance of IT workstations
• Operating, administering, and installing physical and virtual servers
• Administering proxy, firewall, and antivirus solutions
• Administering network and infrastructure including data backup
• Assisting in planning replacements and renewals of IT systems
• Assisting in planning, coordinating, and implementing IT security measures
• Microsoft server operating systems Windows Server 2016/2019
• Central services: AD, GPO, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, SCCM