VPN Experts in Munich

In my role as Senior Cloud DevOps Architect for BP, an oil and gas company, I had the mission to migrate the Electric Vehicle Charging platform of the EV Division from on-premises and Azure to AWS cloud, resulting in a hybrid multi-cloud, multi-tenant SaaS solution.

Deployment with Kubernetes for the application layer meant provisioning Kubernetes clusters managed by EKS and AKS, with a focus on integrating them into a multi-tenant environment. This integration was achieved by using Kubernetes namespaces and access controls to ensure data isolation and privacy enforcement.

In the database layer, we chose an RDS instance with PostgreSQL to support the backend infrastructure of our applications. Tenants shared the same RDS instance, but each had a dedicated schema.

To ingest near real-time data from physical charge points (CPOs), as IoT devices, via the OCPI protocol, we ran into significant delays with batch processing. As a result, we built a real-time streaming data pipeline using Apache Kafka, while prioritizing an event-driven architecture.

Led collaboration across multiple internal teams, external vendors, cloud providers, and on-site partners to integrate over five systems into a unified solution.

Achievements:

• Successfully designed and implemented hybrid multi-cloud solutions, integrating multiple cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) with on-premises infrastructure, using Site-to-Site VPNs, Firewalls, and Load Balancing.
• Led the migration of on-premises infrastructure to multi-cloud, multi-tenant infrastructure, resulting in 30% faster processing times.
• Migrated workloads from VMware and Hyper-V environments to cloud-based VMs, leveraging cloud-native services to optimize performance, cost efficiency, and scalability.
• Designed a multi-tenant Kubernetes platform leveraging the Kubernetes ecosystem, using Karpenter for dynamic EC2 node provisioning, KEDA for event-driven pod autoscaling (e.g., Kafka message lag), and Rancher for centralized monitoring of multiple clusters (EKS, AKS, or on-prem K8s), replacing Microsoft-centric Azure Arc management service.
• Designed and implemented Python-based FastAPI microservices as part of the EV core-backend on AWS EKS application layer, powering data ingestion and customer analytics pipelines.
• Developed asynchronous, event-driven APIs (Python-FastAPI) for real-time integration with CPOs, supporting OCPI 2.3 and OICP protocols.
• Designed and implemented a secure, production-grade Azure Databricks platform using Terraform, ensuring scalability and cost efficiency.
• Migrated on-premises ERP to a hybrid Dynamics 365 architecture with ERP hosted locally and CRM running in Azure, integrated via Azure Arc.
• Automated CI/CD pipelines for Databricks notebooks and jobs using GitHub Actions & Databricks CLI, reducing deployment time. Reduced infrastructure provisioning time by 70% by automating cloud resource deployment with GitOps.
• Ensured compliance with internal audit and data governance standards (GDPR) through OAuth2/OIDC-based authentication and fine-grained role-based access controls.
• Developed a Zero Trust security model, enforcing least-privilege access and microsegmentation, enhancing security posture and compliance with GDPR and NIST.
• Built interactive analytics dashboards in Amazon QuickSight, integrating data from S3 and Redshift to deliver real-time business insights and visualizations with embedded access for multi-tenant users.
• Led cloud security assessments and full-lifecycle cybersecurity integration during M&A, covering AWS, Azure, IAM (Entra ID), and data protection, while aligning security posture with NIST, ISO 27001, and GDPR across hybrid and cloud-native environments.
• Reduced cloud costs by 64% for a client's dev environment by implementing automated start/stop schedules for EC2 and RDS instances via AWS CDK with EventBridge Scheduler or AWS Systems Manager.

Tech stack:

• Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, AWS CDK, Ansible.
• Containers: Kubernetes on EKS, AKS, Docker.
• Streaming Data Processing: Kafka to Confluent Cloud, after AWS MSK.
• Frontend: TypeScript, React, NextJS, Hooks, Styled Components.
• Backend: Python with FastAPI, also Node.js with NestJS.
• Database: Aurora on PostgreSQL with TypeORM, RDS on SQL Server, Azure Databricks full setup and administration, ETL Pipelines.
• CI/CD and GitOps: GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, ArgoCD.
• Monitoring and Observability: Prometheus and Grafana.
• Virtualization: Hyper-V, VMware Cloud on AWS, Azure Migrate.
• ERP Systems: Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central on Azure, integrated with Azure Arc.
• Networking: Site-to-Site VPNs, AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, Firewalls (AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall).
• Security: IAM, NIST Framework, Zero Trust Security, AWS WAF, AWS Shield, GuardDuty.

• Set up Azure Kubernetes clusters (AKS) with network policies, security groups, and RBAC
• Developed Terraform-based infrastructure as code for secure, reproducible deployments in the BMW Azure cloud
• Hardened CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, SonarQube, Fortify SSC, and Contrast AST
• Integrated SAP BTP/Kyma and ServiceNow GRC

• Development and maintenance of IT architectures with embedded Linux systems.
• Designing, implementing, and optimizing backend applications and script-based solutions.
• Analyzing and resolving issues, including troubleshooting and user support.
• Developing and implementing security concepts for cloud solutions.
• Administering networks (DHCP, DNS, NTP, VPN).
• Technologies: Linux, PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, Kubernetes, GitLab CI.
• Methods: Kanban.

• Plan & Prepare (Site Design & Readiness): Inventory & Design: Dell PowerEdge R-Series, Aruba switches (L2/L3), notebooks/peripherals; serials/asset tags, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, VLAN-/DHCP-/DNS plan

• Runbooks/MOPs: site rollout runbook, backout strategy (<15–30 min), risk register, communication matrix; approvals via CAB/change

• Images/Packages: Golden Image (Win10/11), driver packs, BIOS/UEFI baseline; O365/Teams/OneDrive KFM; BitLocker policies; MECM/SCCM, Intune/Autopilot, MDT/WinPE

• Logistics: shipping/customs clearance, RMA/DOA, on-site spares; tools (barcode scanner, label printer), "Go-Bag" (cables, SFPs, console cables)

• Deliver (on-site implementation): End devices: swap & migration (USMT/OneDrive KFM), peripherals (ATB/BT printers, scanners, boarding gate hardware); domain join, compliance checks, O365 activation, printers/queues, network drives

• Acceptance: functional tests for DCS/CUTE/CUPPS/CUSS stations, ticketing/check-in workflows, boarding gates

• Server (R-Series): rack & stack, cabling (PDU redundancy, fiber/copper), labeling/naming; firmware/RAID (PERC), Lifecycle Controller, iDRAC network; Windows Server 2022/2025 + CIS/BSI hardening; agents (backup/AV/EDR/monitoring), time service/NTP auth, Syslog/SNMPv3

• Network (Aruba): VLANs, LACP trunks, MSTP root; PortFast + BPDU Guard at the edge; QoS (EF/AF); dual stack (v4/v6), DHCP relay. NAC/802.1X with ClearPass/Radius/TACACS+, roles + MAB fallback; guest isolation, ACLs (Guest→Mgmt deny). Telemetry: sFlow, SNMPv3, Syslog→SIEM; LLDP→inventory/CMDB

• Airport specifics: CUTE/CUPPS/CUSS terminals; DCS/Amadeus/SITA connectivity; FIDS (read-only); bag tag/boarding pass printing; changes in off-peak/night windows

• Stabilize (hypercare): first-day support, KPI tracking (login times, ticket volume, error classes), QoS fine-tuning

• Troubleshooting: Wireshark/iperf, event logs, switch counters, sFlow flows; fast incident handling as SPOC

• Knowledge transfer: short training sessions for station teams, mini-runbooks (fault/recovery)

• Close (documentation & handover): docs & CMDB: final configs (switch/server), topology/patch plans, IP tables, serial/asset lists, before/after photos

• Acceptance & sign-off: UAT protocols, functional evidence (use cases), return/reuse of old hardware

• Lessons learned: risks, standard packages, driver freeze, "known issues"

• Interfaces/communication: station IT, airport IT, SOC/NOC, ground ops/ramp/check-in, provider (SITA/Amadeus). ITSM: ServiceNow (Inc/Req/Change/KB), handover to BAU

• Cisco SDA LAN network
• Transition and transformation

• Initial technical analysis of the requirements for the two applications

• Creating a system concept for the interim solution and for the final solution

• Creating the product vision, customer journey, and story map for the interim solution in close cooperation with subject matter experts

• Building a development team

• Managing dependencies and interfaces with the other applications according to Domain Driven Design principles

• Creating EPICs and user stories, and maintaining the product backlog in coordination with subject matter experts and developers

• Running sprint reviews with relevant stakeholders such as subject matter experts and management

• Analyzing the requirements for the final solution

• The interim solution was built within 8 months and was successfully used for the 2022 heating cost billing

• The interim solution has since been further developed to increase automation

• A technical concept for the final solution was created

• Handover to two internal Product Owners is currently in progress

• Analysis and optimization of the VMware environment for operation in a critical infrastructure environment
• Planning and execution of updates for the VMware and hardware environment in a critical infrastructure environment
• Deployment of Skyline Health Diagnostics
• Review of existing documentation
• Training and onboarding of new internal staff
• Support for migration and upgrade projects
• Preparation for moving scripts in the virtualization environment to GitLab
• Ticket handling with ServiceNow

• 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

• Baseline compliance verification against MAS audit findings
• Building technical architecture concept for 30 technologies to build hardening standard artifacts
• Identifying and building automation possibilities for given technologies based on CIS
• Building the standard baseline configuration based on internal security standard
• Responsible for building Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) architecture artifacts based on Azure cloud platform
• Responsible for RFQ and RFP for different CNAPP solutions (Qualys Total Cloud, CrowdStrike, Azure Security Center)
• Supporting compliance verification and validation via automated scripts for a sample population of IT devices and instances
• Responsible for complete vulnerability management lifecycle using Nexpose, remediation, reporting and integration of results with Splunk, HPSM and Tableau
• Audit support for MAS

• Developed a C++ library using IDL for secure DDS system communication, focusing on protocol serialization and interface definition.
• Implemented rigorous validity tests and created a CLI window to simplify library integration and ensure optimal performance and security.

• Risk Management
• Incident Management
• Security Analysis
• Secure Coding
• Information Security Management System (ISMS)

• Agile Coach and Scrum Master in the Baykom project
• Coaching the PO and the team
• Reorganization of previous processes with noticeable performance improvement (no statistics yet due to the few sprints, only feedback from the team and from the PO with their supervisor)

• Network automation
• CI/CD and Docker environment
• Python Nornir for network automation
• pyATS for monitoring and test case automation
• Network Access Control (RADIUS) and device admin access control (TACACS) with AAA and Cisco ISE on Cisco/HP/Aruba devices
• Cisco ISE cluster configuration (2/4/8 nodes)
• Cisco ISE authentication and authorization configuration
• Cisco/HP/Aruba switch/WLC TACACS/dot1x/RADIUS configuration
• Cisco ISE automation with RESTCONF and Python

• Setup and configuration of an M365 tenant on a hybrid basis
• SSO integration of the existing app infrastructure like Metamost, Huhu, etc.
• License consulting, Entra ID initial configuration, MFA, Conditional Access, Privileged Identity Management
• Intune: initial configuration, Windows 11 Autopilot, iPhone AES
• Takeover of the tenant and preparation of a security audit
• Rollout of iPhones with AES (formerly DEP) as COPE (Corporate Owned, Business Enabled)
• Connecting external customers with enhanced security through Conditional Access
• Consulting on cloud-first strategy and migration to a cloud-only business
• Connecting various apps via SSO/SCIM (e.g. Atlassian, Personio, Adobe)
• On-premises AD: security audit and project management for replacing the local AD (migration of file servers, Navision2016, user clients joined to Entra ID)
• Copilot rollout with connection to external data sources and configuration via Intune
• Support for TISAX and ISO27001 preparation
• Setup and hardening of Entra ID, switching MFA to phishing resistant via Conditional Access
• Intune management for Windows and Apple clients, web enrollment switch to AES, introduction of Autopilot, app management, integration of Microsoft Defender
• Building a device baseline for Windows (COBO) and iOS/Android (BYOD)
• Teams/SharePoint Online: access concepts and integration into Teams
• Maintenance and backup of Entra ID and Intune tenants (drift management)
• M365 backup with Veeam
• Extending Conditional Access policies, introduction of Privileged Identity Management with hardware tokens and an on-premises admin tier concept
• Revision of existing GPOs regarding structure, security, and compliance
• Security audit and hardening of on-premises Active Directory and cloud tenant, SAML VPN, PIM introduction
• Support for the HR department in introducing a booking portal and general system engineering administration & security
• Introduction of Conditional Access and passwordless MFA, platform SSO, Defender for macOS/iOS, macOS compliance with Intune, Code2 signature configuration