Ronald Wertlen
Hands-on Senior Director of Software Engineering & Security Expert
Berlin, Germany
25+ years of progressive leadership in software engineering, security, and team transformation. Proven track record of driving cost reduction, implementing security frameworks, and modernizing technology stacks.
About
A seasoned Director of Software Engineering with a career-long record of excellence, from academic achievements to 25+ years of progressive leadership. I blend deep technical expertise with an empathetic leadership style, excelling at data-driven optimization within business-driven frameworks.
My focus is on balancing the priorities of driving sensible cost reduction, engineering excellence across the entire SDLC, cultivating agile methodologies, and delivering secure, scalable software solutions to optimize your bottom line. I am a proven leader in transforming team budgets, modernizing technology stacks, and mentoring technical talent.
Leadership Philosophy
Empathetic leadership combined with data-driven decision making
Global Experience
Fluent in German, English, Slovak, and Afrikaans
Availability
Happy to relocate within the EU and Switzerland, interim positions globally
Experience
Senior Director of Engineering - AdTech
Nowtilus GmbH (Equativ), Berlin
- Led engineering team to achieve ISO-27001 certification while maintaining strict budget constraints
- Implemented "value calculator" integrating business KPIs with infrastructure costs - first-time budget forecast achievement
- Reduced weekly meeting times by 60% through improved communication methods
- Improved DORA metrics - delivery times from months to daily deliveries
- Architected Version 2 platform (Node.js, Golang, AKS, Terraform) - 50% cost reduction
- Restructured department into 3 specialized teams, enhanced security with OAuth2/Okta integration
Head of Software Development - MedTech
Doc Cirrus GmbH, Berlin
- Defined and coded overall cloud service topology and universal communications libraries
- Built and scaled software development department from 0 to 23 employees
- Established Scrum team structure and agile process engineering
- Led product development for Swiss market (Tarmed) ensuring successful deployment
- Implemented comprehensive security concepts including robust PKI integration
CEO/Founder - Education
eKhaya ICT c.c., South Africa
- Conceptualized and launched software development company for underserved rural areas
- Led product development for educational and offline-first data gathering programs
Head of Research & Development
neofonie GmbH, Berlin
- Led team of 20 software developers in neofonie:search product development
- Secured and managed research funding across German levels (IBB, BMBF, DFN, EU)
- Managed large-scale projects with focus on system integration
Technical Expertise
Cloud & Infrastructure
DevOps & Tools
Architecture & Security
Programming Languages
Databases
Specialized Knowledge
Awards & Recognition
Industrial Innovator Recognition
German Ministry for Research and Education (BMBF) - 2021
Successfully led Doc Cirrus to recognition as an industrial innovator
ISO-27001 Certification Leadership
Nowtilus GmbH (Equativ) - 2023
Led engineering team to achieve comprehensive security certification
Impulelo Social Innovation Award
Final Round - 2012
Recognition for innovative social impact work
COFISA Seed Fund Award
For Innovators - 2008 & 2009
Consecutive awards supporting innovative development
Education
- M.Sc. Computer Science - 2011
- B.A. Philosophy, Psychology - 1995
- B.Sc. Honours Computer Science - 1994
- B.Sc. Computer Science, Mathematics - 1989-1993