Valentin Oprea - Network Architect

Eschborn, Germany

Experience

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025

2 years

Network Architect

IT service provider - public sector

Designing a network management strategy with a focus on NetDevOps principles and model-driven telemetry using YANG data models
Conducting NETCONF/YANG workshops for L2VPN/L3VPN services over SRv6
Automating configuration deployment in the test environment with Ansible
Developing end-to-end service measurement concepts with IPSLA and the Telegraf-Prometheus-Grafana stack
Creating the dual-stack architecture concept (router + switch + firewall) including a detailed test plan; planning, execution, and documentation of acceptance tests for the administration network
Performing BSI IT baseline protection checks according to the IT Baseline Protection Catalog (determining protection needs, modeling, risk analysis, deriving measures)
Protocols: SRv6, IPv6, MPLS, BGP, ISIS, OSPF, NETCONF/YANG, model-driven telemetry, IPSLA
Systems: Cisco Crosswork Network Controller, Solarwinds Orion, Grafana, InfluxDB, Telegraf, Ansible, Git
Components: Cisco NCS router series, Cisco Catalyst switch series, Cisco Firepower firewall series

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023

2 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Achieved over €400k annual operational cost savings by automating test and migration tasks using Python and Ansible
Implementing the capacity management operational process through quantile-based analysis of network metrics, clear division of tasks, and tracking of individual work packages
Leading technical rollout projects and network transformation initiatives from planning to execution
Collaborating with engineering teams and vendors for complex network troubleshooting and problem resolution
Protocols: MPLS, BGP, RSVP, L2VPN, L3VPN, ISIS, OSPF, IPSEC, IPv6, EIGRP, PPPoE
Systems: Cisco Prime, StableNet, Cisco Splunk, Command FNT, Python, Ansible, Git
Components: Nokia 7x50 series, Juniper PTX series, Cisco ISR router series, Cisco ME and 29xx switch series

Jan 2021 - Dec 2024

4 years

SDWAN Specialist / Network Architect

IT service provider - public sector

Engineering activities in network architecture focused on SD-WAN extensions such as ZTP on-premises server and CloudConnect solutions
Configuring and operating Cisco SD-WAN components (vManage, vEdge, vSmart, vBond)
Developing comprehensive operational concepts and detailed operation manuals
Designing and conducting relevant acceptance tests for the SD-WAN controller software
Automating operational tasks using Python scripts
Protocols: ISIS, MPLS, L3VPN, BGP, OMP
Systems: Linux Red Hat, Windows Server 2019, OpenText NNMi, Python, Ansible
Components: vManage, vBond, vSmart, Cisco ASR router series, Cisco Nexus switch series

Jan 2020 - Dec 2022

3 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Creating and implementing an IP core network QoS concept including a detailed test plan, planning, implementation, and training for the internal operations team
Migrating from Orckit to Huawei systems in the MPLS metro network with a zero-downtime approach
Providing 2nd/3rd-level support for customer connections and general network troubleshooting
Protocols: MPLS, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, IPv6, QoS, PPPoE
Systems: Zabbix, ISARFLOW
Components: Huawei NE series, Juniper MX series

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020

1 year

Cisco SD-WAN network setup + test automation

Personal development project

Building a Cisco SD-WAN network in a virtualized test environment
Integrating a vEdge from the Amazon AWS cloud
Setting up a Linux platform for test automation with pyATS
Setting up the firewall security infrastructure with Fortigate
Developing automated test procedures for network validation
Protocols: MPLS, L3VPN, BGP, ISIS, IPv6, OMP
Systems: pyATS, FortiManager
Components: Cisco SD-WAN controller, Cisco vEdge, Fortinet Fortigate 40E firewall

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020

2 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Network optimization in the backbone network focusing on latency, throughput and routing performance as part of the Connect fixed-line network test 2019
Capacity planning for central core network nodes to support operational and strategic decisions
Identification and analysis of design flaws in the core network, including ACL design and CoPP strategies to pass security audits and penetration testing
Development of an IPv6 connectivity concept for servers including a detailed test plan and successful implementation in the live network
Protocols: BGP, ISIS, L3VPN, OSPF, MPLS, IPv6
Systems: Cacti, Nagios, Grafana
Components: Juniper MX router series, Juniper QFX switch series, A10 Thunder series

Jan 2015 - Dec 2019

5 years

Network Specialist

Network operator

Acceptance and validation of various software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Development and acceptance of technical solutions for BNG platforms (Broadband Network Gateway) to deliver broadband services
Creation of operational documentation for maintenance, support and rollout
Planning and conducting customer workshops for solution alignment, handover and training
Test automation of a proprietary Network Element Driver (XML → CLI translation) using Visual Basic and Python
Development and execution of complex network tests using Spirent TestCenter
Creation of a CoPP template for BNGs that leaves no security gaps during penetration tests
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Spirent TestCenter
Components: Huawei ME60 BNG series, Cisco 19xx router series, Nokia 7x50 router series

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

2 years

Senior IP Engineer

Ericsson Romania

Key role in building the operational part of the Network Operations Center (NOC)
Acceptance and validation of various software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Extensive troubleshooting and problem solving in the IP/MPLS metro and core network areas
Analysis of complex faults and long-term problem resolution
Participation in 24/7 on-call duty
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Nagios, Cacti
Components: Huawei NE40E router series, Cisco 7200/7600/10000/12000 router series, Nokia 7x50 router series

Jan 2011 - Dec 2014

4 years

IP Engineer

Huawei Romania

Development and execution of firewall test cases in a complex NGN voice environment
Development of firewall security rules for hardening in penetration testing
Support for various IP projects at Telefónica O2, Deutsche Telekom and Telenor TGS
Verification, optimization and implementation of technical solutions in complex WAN environments
Commissioning of routers and switches in production-critical network areas
Acceptance of different software versions according to technical and operational requirements
Protocols: MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, BGP, RSVP, ISIS, OSPF, CGNAT, IPv6, PPPoE, L2TP
Systems: Huawei N2000
Components: Huawei CX600 switch series, Huawei Eudemon X3/X8 firewall series, Huawei NE40E-X3/X8 router series, Huawei ME60-X8/X16 BNG series

Summary

Less than 1% of all Cisco-certified network engineers worldwide reach CCIE status. As a CCIE-certified network architect, I bring over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. During this time, I have learned that successful network transformation projects essentially need four phases: optimal architecture, careful testing, helpful documentation, and stable operation.

What sets me apart? I combine deep technical know-how with business thinking. From developing the architecture blueprint to creating detailed test plans, through validation and operation – I ensure that mission-critical infrastructures meet the highest requirements in terms of high availability and multi-tenancy.

My approach: In reality, things rarely go according to plan. Tests fail, migrations have unexpected effects, vendor documentation is incomplete. This is exactly where my strength lies: systematic troubleshooting and pragmatic problem solving. I’m not afraid to dive deep into complex issues – whether packet capture analysis, protocol debugging, or direct collaboration with vendor TACs. This ability to bridge the technical and organizational levels has proven invaluable on large-scale projects.

Skills

Core Competencies

Network Architecture And Design
Ip/mpls/srv6 Network Design, Sd-wan Solutions, Carrier-grade And Enterprise Infrastructures
Network Automation
Python, Ansible, Gitlab Ci/cd, Netconf/yang, Network Source Of Truth
Monitoring & Analytics
Telegraf, Influxdb, Prometheus, Grafana, Network Telemetry, Model-driven Telemetry
Project Management
Technical Project Leadership, Budget Planning, International Team Leadership, Netdevops

Knowledge Of Tools, Protocols, And Network Components

Routing & Switching Platforms: Cisco Ios-xr/xe, Juniper Junos, Nokia Sr Os, Huawei Vrp, Fortios
Cloud Platforms: Amazon Aws, Microsoft Azure
Protocols & Technologies: Mpls/ldp, Srv6/sr-mpls, Bgp/ospf/is-is, L2vpn/l3vpn, Evpn, Qos
Automation & Management: Netconf/yang, Python, Ansible, Gitlab Ci/cd, Pyats, Tig Stack, Visual Basic
Network Components: Cisco Ncs540, Cisco Asr9000, Cisco C8000 Series, Cisco Isr 4000, Cisco Nexus 9k, Cisco Firepower Firewall, Nokia 7750/7250/7210, Huawei Ne20/ne8000, Huawei Me60-x8, Huawei Ne40e, Huawei Cx600-x8, Huawei Eudemon Firewall, Juniper Mx Series, Juniper Qfx5100, Fortigate F40 Firewall, Cisco Sd-wan Controller, Spirent Testcenter

Soft Skills

Leadership & Communication: Technical Leadership, Mentoring, Presentations, Stakeholder Management, International Teams
Project Management & Organization: Project Planning, Budget Planning, Time Management, Change Management, Agile Methods
Personal Qualities & Working Style: Quick Comprehension, Stress Resistance, Initiative, Flexibility, Customer Focus

Languages

Romanian

Native

German

Advanced

English

Advanced

Education

Oct 2010 - Jun 2012

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Master of Engineering · Operations and administration of networks and network services · Bucharest, Romania

Oct 2006 - Jun 2010

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Bachelor of Engineering · Networks and telecommunications software · Bucharest, Romania

Certifications & licenses

Ccie Routing & Switching #64718

Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core

Juniper Jir Certification

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Experience

Network Architect

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Network Specialist

Network operator

SDWAN Specialist / Network Architect

IT service provider - public sector

Network Specialist

Network operator

Cisco SD-WAN network setup + test automation

Personal development project

Network Specialist

Network operator

Network Specialist

Network operator

Senior IP Engineer

Ericsson Romania

IP Engineer

Huawei Romania

Summary

Skills

Languages

Education

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Master of Engineering · Operations and administration of networks and network services · Bucharest, Romania

Politehnica University of Bucharest

Bachelor of Engineering · Networks and telecommunications software · Bucharest, Romania

Certifications & licenses

Ccie Routing & Switching #64718

Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core

Juniper Jir Certification

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