Zero Trust Experts in Germany

• PMO lead for Security Clearance 2 (SÜ2) cleared
• Reporting to sub-program management GMN
• System maintenance 25+
• Functional control and coordination of Jira setup
• Preparation of decision papers (e.g. project planning, steering model, communication plans, controlling models, role and responsibility matrices)
• Development of program-wide knowledge management using Confluence, creation of Jira concept
• Development of an access concept for all project tools
• Analyzing existing processes, identifying improvement potential, and designing solutions to increase efficiency and effectiveness
• Development of a concept for introducing automation approaches in existing tools
• Creating intranet articles as project marketing
• Responsible for project governance through reporting and resource planning in the sub-program
• Agile further development of the project method
• Gathering customer requirements (requirements engineering)
• Preparation and support of contract negotiations (7-year term, budget of over 500 million)

• Optimizing and accelera­tion of our Gitlab CI pipeline

• Conceptual work for the PoC of the Zero Trust system

• Extension of the policy-engine backend in Go

• Extension of the policy-testing mechanism in Python

• Architectural design of the PEP component of Zero Trust

• Documentation of the product

• Technologies: Zero Trust, Go, Python, Gitlab CI, Docker, JWT, Domain-Driven Design

Europe-wide re-platforming & centralization

• Independently created the migration concept and implementation plan for the Europe-wide centralization and consolidation of IT services for around 20 European companies as part of a re-platforming program.
• Migration assessment: analysis of the existing IT, infrastructure, application, and service landscapes of the companies as the basis for the migration strategy.
• Development of the centralized target vision and target architecture based on a modern technology stack, taking platform and containerization approaches into account.
• Design of a highly available central infrastructure in an active-active model across two data centers; consideration of cloud, infrastructure, application, CMDB, and IAM services.
• Development of the migration and transformation roadmap, including defining migration waves, dependencies, requirements, and priorities for the move from decentralized services to the central platform.
• Analysis of technical and organizational dependencies, identification of migration risks, and development of a structured approach for step-by-step migration and centralization.
• Creation of target, solution, and implementation views for each service domain; design of the end-to-end join-move-leave process as a blueprint for the European rollout (Jira/Jira Asset Management).
• Alignment of migration strategy and roadmap with European companies, management, IT, providers, and other stakeholders; presentation of the 12-month roadmap to the Managing Director Europe.

• 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.

Temporary employment

• System black-box integration tests (BBIT, IVVQ): Execution of regression, release, acceptance, and compliance tests for safety-critical brake control units in the rail industry
• Software test application & integration: Runtime configuration of software components and libraries, validation of interfaces, configuration dependencies, and component interactions
• Test automation (FEAT framework): Co-development and further development of an automated test framework for test execution, reporting, and result analysis
• Functional safety (SiL4, FuSi): Ensuring compliance with safety requirements, traceability and coverage, as well as standards compliance according to EN50126/28/29
• Test automation for communication components: Configuration and validation of fieldbus (CAN) and Ethernet-based TCMS data communication interfaces (TRDP and CIP)
• Requirements analysis & shift-left (PTC Windchill ALM): Analysis of software and system artifacts to identify gaps, ambiguities, and redundancies early in the SDLC
• Test design & test case development: Derivation of test conditions, coverage strategies, and implementation of data-driven test cases (DDT), including reusable test data fixtures
• CI/CD & automation (Python, PowerShell, Jenkins, SVN): Automation of build, test, and HIL deployment processes as well as integration into CI/CD pipelines
• Test data & configuration management (XML): Maintenance and adaptation of XML test vectors and system configurations with automated integration into test environments
• Non-functional testing: Execution of performance and load tests to assess stability and system behavior
• Agile development & defect management (JIRA, Confluence): Participation in Scrum teams, test coordination, review of test artifacts, as well as defect tracking and root-cause analysis
• Error analysis & debugging (CANoe, CANalyzer): Analysis of errors and message flows across multiple system layers (application to bus)
• Model-based analysis (UML, Enterprise Architect): Specification of SUT/SOW and support for systematic test control
• Process & test documentation: Creation of integration and test documentation according to internal quality and certification requirements

Evaluation and selection of a new endpoint management platform for an environment with around 50,000 clients. Support for a manufacturing company in evaluating a future endpoint management platform as a possible replacement for the existing client management solution. Conducting a structured software selection process including proof of concept as well as preparing the decision basis for the Enterprise Architecture Board (EAM). Defining the technical requirements and evaluation criteria and creating a short list of possible solutions (Tanium, Baramundi, Microsoft Intune / MECM). Planning and supporting the technical proof of concept as well as evaluating the architecture and operations aspects of the different platforms. In addition, evaluating tools for migrating existing software packages from the Ivanti DSM environment. Comparing and testing IDERI Move and PACE for the automated transfer of the existing package structure to the new platform, with the goal of significantly reducing migration effort. Support in selecting the required Tanium modules as well as preparing the decision documents for the Enterprise Architecture Board.

Tools: Tanium, Baramundi, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft MECM, Ivanti DSM, IDERI Move, Pace, Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server. VDI

• Overall responsibility for the project lifecycle from scope definition to completion
• Close collaboration with platform teams, IT leaders, and external service providers
• Application of SAFe principles and structured sprint work
• Creation of a migration roadmap with clear milestones
• Monitoring of the lifecycle: onboarding, repository migration, replication of permissions, and system tests
• Visualization of the architecture with PlantUML and Gliffy as well as documentation in Confluence
• Regular status reports and running knowledge transfer sessions

• As-is assessment of the current network infrastructure and its documentation, including on-site inspections
• Independent planning of new distribution and main distribution rooms in the individual district offices (components used, rack layout, connectivity), considering the BSI IT-Grundschutz and InfoSic requirements
• Planning of new copper and fiber optic cabling, including patch panels
• Coordination with building services engineering (TGA) to ensure compliance with relevant on-site requirements
• Development of detailed execution plans and high-level concepts for the rollout of the new infrastructure
• Additional support after the components go live (hypercare phase)
• Regular communication with project management and client stakeholders

• 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

• Enterprise-grade multi-agent AI orchestration platform built with Go and Kubernetes for scalable, secure agent coordination in cloud-native environments.
• Multi-agent orchestration with intelligent workload distribution and dynamic scaling.
• Cloud-native architecture with Kubernetes deployment and horizontal auto-scaling.
• Real-time coordination with sub-100ms agent communication using Go channels.
• Enterprise security with zero-trust architecture, RBAC, and comprehensive audit trails.
• Visual workflow engine with monitoring, observability, and API gateway integration.
• Technologies: Go, Kubernetes, ArangoDB, gRPC, Prometheus, Grafana.

• Identification of requirements (legal, organizational, and technical)
• Design of solution architectures
• Evaluation of concepts and technologies
• Preparation of decision templates
• Architectural Decision Records (ADR)
• Coordination of implementation
• Review of implementations
• Documentation

• Requirements analysis and replacement of local SharePoint as CMDB with open source NetBox to prepare for deploying Cisco ACI (SD-WAN) with Microsoft Azure
• Coordination with systems like Checkmk and Grasp
• Introduction and coordination of cmdbsyncer as CMDB data hub; further development of the syncer with Kuhn & Ruess GmbH
• Implementation of SNMPv3 on AIX LPAR/VIO, Linux, Windows, SAN/storage, network components (Cisco switches, F5 load balancers, Palo Alto and CheckPoint firewalls, iLO boards)
• Deployment and further development of the network scanner JDisc in cooperation with the vendor (Utimaco HSMs, Linux detection)
• Integration of NetBox, JDisc, and cmdbsyncer into the infrastructure using Docker containers
• End-user training: preparation, creation of materials, and delivery
• Creation of data flow and network diagrams
• Population and planning of IPv4/IPv6 with NetBox including VLAN import
• Dual-stack setup of servers and clients with IPv4 and IPv6
• Connection of REST interfaces for Checkmk, JDisc, vSphere, HMC, i-doit, NetBox Software: Confluence, Jira, MS Office 365, Teams, i-doit, NetBox, JDisc, cmdbsyncer, DB Visualizer, vSphere, HMC

Conceptual design and implementation of a modular customer portal based on Laravel.

The focus was on defining a maintainable system architecture with broad use of Domain-Driven Design principles (within the Laravel architecture), introducing automated quality assurance processes (test strategy, CI integration), and preparing an auditable operation (logging, traceability of changes) in an AWS-based infrastructure, taking IT security standards according to NIST and process requirements according to ISO 9001 into account.

Achievements:

• Analysis and structuring of business requirements in close coordination with stakeholders
• Documentation of the system architecture and infrastructure incl. change and release management
• Design and implementation of an interface for integrating SAP systems
• Planning and implementation of automated tests for quality assurance
• Implementation of security and compliance requirements, including SBOM generation, software license management, and QA processes
• Technical consulting and support for the internal IT team
• Introduction and establishment of AI-supported development processes (Spec-Driven Development), including AI-readable specifications, integration of AI instructions into the development environment, and training developers for productive use

Technologies and tools: SAP, Docker, ddev, PHP 8.4, Laravel, Filament, C4 Model, Architecture Decision Records (ADR), Mermaid, PlantUML, Spec-Driven Development, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Codex

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.