Lead Dotnet Developer

ThoughtLabs Belgium; Brussel; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ThoughtLabs Belgium is seeking an IT Solution Lead – Grid Solutions to bridge business stakeholders, solution architects and delivery teams across Belgian and European projects. You will drive the evolution of mission-critical Grid IT applications through design, build, test and deployment.

We require 5+ years in technical leadership, strong Microsoft stack experience (.NET/C#, SQL Server), cloud and integration know-how, Agile/Scrum, ITSM, and bilingual English plus French or Dutch.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering or equivalent via experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years in technical leadership, solution architecture, software engineering, or IT project delivery.
• Strong Microsoft ecosystem experience (NET, C#, SQL Server).
• Solid knowledge of cloud and integration architectures (Azure, REST, microservices, containers).
• Experience with Agile/Scrum and ITSM.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; autonomous and proactive.
• Bilingual fluency in English plus French or Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery across full lifecycle for Grid Solutions IT applications.
• Translate complex business requirements into functional/technical specifications.
• Ensure solutions align with security, governance, and enterprise standards.
• Oversee integration of custom software and COTS products.
• Conduct vendor evaluation, RFI/RFP, and manage suppliers against SLAs/KPIs.
• Collaborate with business leaders, architects, engineers, QA, and infrastructure teams.

Skills

Technical leadership

Solution architecture

Software engineering

IT project delivery

Microsoft ecosystem

Cloud & integration architectures

Agile/Scrum

ITSM

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

.NET / .NET Core

C#

SQL Server

Visual Studio

Azure

REST APIs

Microservices

Job description

Location: Brussels / Schaarbeek, Belgium (Hybrid / Telework available per company policy)

Contract Type: Long-Term Contract / Freelance / External Consultant

Languages Required: Fluent English AND either French or Dutch (Bilingual fluency required)

About the Company & Mission

Join a leading European Transmission System Operator (TSO) at the forefront of the green energy transition and sustainable electrical infrastructure. Operating across Belgium, Germany, and broader Europe, our client ensures power supply reliability and drives modernization across European power grids.

As an IT Solution Lead – Grid Solutions, you will act as the key technical and functional bridge between business stakeholders, solution architects, and delivery teams. You will drive the evolution of mission-critical applications supporting project portfolio planning, asset management, and resource scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical & Delivery Leadership: Serve as the technical lead across the full lifecycle (solution design, build, integration, testing, deployment, and ongoing operations) for assigned Grid Solutions IT applications.
• Requirements Engineering: Challenge, refine, and translate complex business requirements into concrete functional and technical specifications.
• Architecture & Standards Alignment: Partner closely with Enterprise and Solution Architects to ensure technical solutions adhere to modern security, architectural governance, and enterprise standards.
• Custom & Off-The-Shelf (OTS) Integration:
• Lead the development, build, and support of custom-built software primarily centered on the Microsoft technology stack (.NET, C#, SQL Server).
• Oversee the evaluation, procurement, integration, and customization of commercial off-the-shelf (OTS) products into the wider enterprise landscape.
• Vendor & Evaluation Management: Conduct fit-gap analyses, contribute to RFI/RFP processes, lead software selection, and manage third-party vendors against agreed SLAs and KPIs.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate daily with Business Project Leaders, Architects, Engineers, QA testers, and infrastructure platforms across both delivery and operational maintenance phases.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent through practical experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in technical leadership, solution architecture, software engineering, or technical IT project delivery.
• Technical Stack:
• Strong background in the Microsoft ecosystem (e.g., .NET / .NET Core, C#, Visual Studio, SQL Server).
• Solid understanding of modern cloud and integration architectures (Microsoft Azure, REST APIs, microservices, containerization, and cloud-native design patterns).
• Delivery & Governance:
• Proven experience with fit-gap analysis, technical evaluations, and commercial software integration.
• Practical working knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies and IT Service Management (ITSM) principles.
• Soft Skills: Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and analytical problem-solving skills; autonomous, proactive, and accustomed to multidisciplinary environments.
• Languages: Bilingual fluency in English + French OR English + Dutch (written and spoken).
• Industry Domain (Advantage): Prior experience in the energy, utilities, or electricity transmission sector is a strong asset.