OPNsense Experts in Germany
matched in minutes by AIHire experts who design, configure and maintain OPNsense firewalls, VPN access and segmented networks across cloud, office and industrial environments. FRATCH connects you with vetted, available freelancers through fast, precise AI matching.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used OPNsense
Andreas E.
Last position:
IT Compliance & Security at Bellaseno GmbH
Conducting a GAP analysis to assess existing security measures → identifying critical vulnerabilities
Developing an action plan that takes risk and cost-effectiveness into account
Introducing an IT maturity model based on BSI guidelines
Advising management on compliance, governance, and security strategy
Establishing internal processes for a sustainable security organization
Martin W.
Last position:
Security Auditor at MissionMe
- Environment: AWS, Ruby on Rails, GraphQL, React Native
- Penetration test for Backend, Android-App and iOS-App
Timon R.
Last position:
Database Developer – Research Project – Billing in Healthcare at MeQuEn GmbH
- Optimizing dynamically generated databases for logging
- Tools: MariaDB, C#, VisualStudio, VM, Docker, Windows, Linux
Kristof B.
Last position:
Strategic Consulting at German Grid-Battery Storage Provider
- Consulted on IT security and process optimization, focusing on NIS2 and risk requirements
- Troubleshot and optimized plant core networks using STP, certified hardware, and open-source components such as OPNsense
- Redesigned network segmentation for VLAN rollout in a hybrid multisite multicloud setup using Tailscale VPN
- Facilitated cross-departmental discussions to align technical and social requirements
- Optimized monitoring with Grafana, Telegraf, and SNMP configurations
- Prototyped network setup for a new plant, including VLAN separation with Tailscale VPN
- Automated various scenarios using Python and Bash scripting
Dirk P.
Last position:
Freelance Cyber Defense Lead & KRITIS/NIS2 Consultant | AI Security Architect at Self-Employed
Situation: Increasing demand for privacy-compliant AI solutions for clients in the KRITIS and mid-market sector that need to analyze sensitive media content (audio, video, documents) without sending data to public cloud LLMs.
Task: Design, deployment, and secure operation of a fully self-hosted AI infrastructure including a custom-built digital management platform for automated media analysis.
Action: Architected and implemented a multi-tier platform on hardened Proxmox infrastructure with frontend (Nuxt 3, Vue 3, TypeScript, Tailwind 4), backend (Laravel 13, PHP 8.4, Sanctum), data storage (PostgreSQL 16, MongoDB 7), caching/queuing (Redis 7, Laravel Queue), AI workers (Python 3.11, Whisper, DeepFace, Librosa), scheduling (Laravel Scheduler/Cron), and local LLMs (Gemma, DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, LLaMA, Phi) via OpenWebUI with segmented network access, API hardening, and audit logging following BSI recommendations.
Result: Fully GDPR-compliant, on-premises AI platform with zero data leakage to third parties.
Task: Overall responsibility as an external Head of Cyber Security / CISO-as-a-Service for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of ISMS according to ISO 27001, BSI IT-Grundschutz, and NIS2.
Action: Built and managed Cyber Defense Centers (CDC) with SOC operations, integrated SIEM solutions (Splunk, Graylog), established risk-based vulnerability management (Qualys, Nessus, OpenVAS), and conducted regular infrastructure, application, and physical penetration tests.
Result: Audit-ready ISMS for multiple clients and a 60% reduction in critical vulnerabilities within 90 days.
Task: Design and execution of NIS2 assessments and operational roll-out plans for KRITIS operators.
Action: Developed an online assessment tool for automated identification of individual weakness profiles, implemented ISMS optimizations, penetration testing, awareness programs, GRC suite deployment, and delivered C-level presentations.
Result: Accelerated the consulting process by 50% and successfully prepared multiple clients for NIS2 compliance.
Task: Incident commander for crisis response, forensics, and business recovery in ransomware attacks and APT campaigns.
Action: Coordinated with state and federal police (LKA, BKA), performed forensic analysis (OSForensics, Wireshark, Kali Linux), executed disaster recovery and BCM strategies, and developed BTC extortion response strategies.
Result: 100% recovery rate within defined RTO windows and sustainable post-incident security architectures.
Action: Planned, built, and operated a hardened multi-VM infrastructure (Proxmox, 15+ VMs) with web and mail servers, Graylog, OPNsense firewalls, CRM/ERP and LLM instances, network segmentation, DDoS mitigation, automated patch management, and backup strategies.
Result: >99.5% uptime over 20+ years and zero compromises.
Action: Designed coordinated phishing campaigns with five levels of difficulty, developed e-trainings and webinars in a PDCA cycle, and led red and blue teams.
Result: Phishing click rate reduced from 35% to under 5% within three campaign cycles.
Marcus W.
Last position:
Administrator, DevOps at KZVB
- Planned and implemented new network infrastructure (VLAN, LACP, DMZ, structured cabling)
- Migrated from VMware to KVM using Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager (OLVM), including CPU pinning
- Hardened the entire environment using SELinux (KVM hosts, container hosts, database servers)
- Configured and operated the virtualization platform with OLVM and Ansible-based provisioning
- Containerized and redeployed critical services: WordPress, Jenkins, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Subversion with Apache + AD integration
- Developed Ansible playbooks for automated deployment and configuration management
- Integrated Foreman for repository and security management in the DMZ
- Produced technical documentation in Markdown; organized in Bookstack
- Coordinated with external vendors (e.g. HPE) for hardware installation and setup
- Delivered all contributions documented and reproducible in Markdown
David B.
Last position:
Acting Partner at Bliestal Consulting UG
- Redesigning cablewise infrastructure with CAT 8.1 keystones, measuring the speed and quality of the new installation with Pockethernet, documentation at a local saddlery
- CAT 8.1 installation and building a data center, site linking, VPN and VLAN configuration for a local car dealership, implementation of IT-Security standards like virus protection (G Data) and firewalling (OPNSense)
- Relocation of a tax office with redesign of the IT infrastructure, virus protection (G Data) and backup solutions (QNAP)
- Planning, conception and implementation of an inhouse data center, BSI-compliant for commercial laundry (including Proxmox-based virtualization of existing infrastructures, QNAP, G Data, OPNSense, APC)
- Implementation and conception of security solutions in the SME sector
- Collaboration on the IT-security concept for the Bremen network of authorities (in the dLAN network)
- Creation of IT-security concept VOIS (modules MESO, KFZ/iKFZ) including audit preparation for KBA
- Expansion of the IT-security concept for the online service for electronic residence registration (eWA) to include use as an eFA (one-for-all) service (nationwide)
- Expansion of the IT-security concept to include modules wos & wvp
- Concept development for the implementation of DIN SPEC 27076 at MSEs and SMEs
- Creation and evaluation of emergency concepts
- Creation and evaluation of response actions and BCM plans
- Assessment of existing business continuity management (ISO 22301)
- Development of BCM strategy options
- Conducting awareness training
Christian G.
Last position:
Product Owner – Redesign of an iOS and Android SaaS application platform at iApps Technologies GmbH
- Led the redesign of an iOS and Android B2B SaaS solution.
- Developed the product vision and strategy and designed the platform architecture.
- Worked closely with cross-functional teams to create a user-centered, forward-looking product.
- Identified market trends and analyzed feedback from stakeholders and customers.
- Developed a well-thought-out feature set.
- Led the product design and development process.
- Created Balsamiq wireframes.
- Conducted comprehensive market and competitor analysis.
- Defined the product roadmap and feature scope, managed and prioritized the backlog.
- Crafted and wrote epics and user stories.
- Briefed UI designers and reviewed and approved Figma layouts.
Albrecht N.
Last position:
Senior Project Manager IT at HAYS Technology Solutions GmbH
- 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
Thorsten L.
Last position:
IT Architect, System Engineer, VS-NFD Consultant at Helsing GmbH
- Design and development of an internal collaboration platform that enables VS-NFD-compliant communication and data storage
- Design and development of an internal development platform (Kubernetes, Git CI/CD, Jira, etc.) as well as use and administration of virtualization solutions
- Design and development of an internal AI system with custom training and automated processes
- Migration of a HyperV cluster to Proxmox for the automatic control of Kubernetes clusters and savings in licensing costs
Gilbert L.
Last position:
Cyber Security Expert at TüV Süd AG (via Sthree GmbH)
- Security analysis of alerts
- Further development of the security operations center
- Development of processes and workflows in the security environment
- Implementation of SOC solutions
- Forensic expertise
- Conducting hunts
- Vulnerability scans and proof of concepts
- Risk assessments and risk analyses
- Maintenance and further development of the Tenable.sc ScanCenter environment
Martin F.
Last position:
IT Security Consultant at Freelance
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using OPNsense
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
20 years
Position duration
2.5 years
Positions per freelancer
15
Top business areas
Information Technology, Operations, Project Management
Top industries
Information Technology, Professional Services, Automotive
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Audit, Customer Service
Bachelor's degree or higher
56%
Master's degree or higher
33%
Doctorate
11%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, Spanish
Speak two or more languages
100%
Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using OPNsense
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 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
OPNsense experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Information Technology (100%)
- Professional Services (67%)
- Automotive (50%)
- Manufacturing (50%)
- Media and Entertainment (42%)
- Government and Administration (42%)
- Transportation (33%)
- Real Estate (33%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
What OPNsense is
OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform based on FreeBSD. It provides a web interface for controlling network security, traffic policies, virtual private networks and gateway services. Companies use it to protect offices, data centres, cloud connections and distributed sites without depending on a proprietary appliance.
Core capabilities
OPNsense combines firewalling with routing, network address translation, DNS services, DHCP, high availability and detailed traffic reporting. Professionals can build rules for users, devices, applications and network zones, then manage secure access between trusted and untrusted environments. Its modular design supports both small installations and complex multi-site networks.
Ecosystem and tooling
The platform integrates with VLANs, IPv4 and IPv6 networks, IPsec, OpenVPN and WireGuard. Specialists also work with LDAP, RADIUS, Active Directory, dynamic DNS, reverse proxies and monitoring systems. They may extend OPNsense through plugins such as Zenarmor, intrusion detection tools and reporting components, while using APIs, configuration backups and version-controlled documentation to keep operations consistent.
Where companies use it
- Protect branch offices, headquarters and remote sites
- Connect teams through site-to-site or remote-access VPNs
- Separate production, guest, IoT and administrative networks
- Publish selected services through controlled reverse-proxy access
- Replace or supplement a hardware firewall with flexible infrastructure
In Germany, OPNsense appears in manufacturing, professional services, education, healthcare and hosting environments. Remote work is often practical for configuration and review, while site visits can matter when specialists must inspect cabling, appliances or existing network dependencies.
When to hire a specialist
Companies bring in freelance expertise during firewall migrations, office moves, network redesigns and security reviews. Support is also valuable when VPN access is unreliable, rules have become difficult to audit, or a high-availability setup needs careful testing. A strong professional clarifies requirements, maps traffic flows and creates a rollback plan before changing production access.
- Migrate rules and services from an existing firewall
- Design VLANs, gateways and resilient failover
- Troubleshoot routing, DNS, VPN or performance issues
- Document policies for internal teams and external audits
What strong experts deliver
Good OPNsense specialists understand security principles as well as practical network operations. They use least-privilege rules, meaningful naming, restricted management access and regular configuration backups. They test changes from real user and service paths, explain trade-offs clearly and leave behind documentation that another professional can maintain. German and English communication may both be relevant when local teams work with international suppliers or remote specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Key details about OPNsense, drawn from the questions we get asked most.
Companies use OPNsense as a firewall, router and secure gateway for offices, data centres, branch sites and hybrid networks. It can manage VPNs, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, traffic rules, gateway failover and controlled access to internal services.
OPNsense and pfSense are both FreeBSD-based firewall platforms with similar core functions. Their interfaces, release practices, plugin ecosystems and support models differ, so the better choice depends on operational preferences, existing configurations and the skills available to maintain the system.
A strong OPNsense expert usually understands TCP/IP, VLAN design, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, routing and firewall policy. Experience with IPsec, WireGuard, OpenVPN, LDAP or RADIUS, virtualization, monitoring and cloud networking is also useful for connected environments.
The right level depends on the risk and scope of the network rather than on the product alone. A simple site may need focused configuration support, while migrations, high availability, industrial segmentation or complex VPN access call for a professional who can plan, test and document the full change.
Yes, many OPNsense tasks can be completed remotely through secure access, configuration exports, monitoring data and structured change reviews. On-site work is more appropriate when the project involves physical appliances, cabling, undocumented network links or a live cutover that requires local coordination in Germany.
Before changing OPNsense, the professional should review the network diagram, current rules, routing paths, VPN dependencies, backups and management access. They should define the maintenance window, test the intended traffic flows and prepare a clear rollback procedure.
Quality OPNsense work is secure, understandable and verifiable, not simply functional after a single change. Ask for documented rules, segmented zones, tested failover, monitored services, backup procedures and an explanation of why each access path is allowed.
OPNsense can replace or complement a commercial firewall when its hardware, performance, support and security requirements are properly assessed. A specialist should compare feature needs, licensing expectations, high-availability options, threat protection and the team’s ability to operate the platform over time.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects is 114 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 910 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects, 56% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 33% hold at least a Master's degree, and 11% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects have 20 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.5 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects are German (100%), English (100%), and Spanish (33%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Professional Services (67%), and Automotive (50%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used OPNsense in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Operations (100%), and Project Management (92%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used OPNsense
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 Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
