Lead Data & Systems Architect (m/f/d)

Rheinmetall AG; München; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Access to training and conferences

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Germany is seeking a Lead Systems and Data Architect to define and govern the architecture of their data platform. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in data architecture, particularly in high-security environments. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with architectural standards and integrating various external systems. This position offers competitive compensation and strong development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in designing end-to-end data and application architectures.
• Deep understanding of data pipelines, streaming/batch architectures.
• Experience integrating external systems via secure APIs.

Responsibilities

• Define and govern the architecture of the data platform.
• Ensure adherence to architectural standards in subcontractor deliverables.
• Evaluate and manage existing data and application architecture.

Skills

Data architecture design

Data pipeline management

API integration

High-security environments

Cybersecurity compliance

Job description

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

About Us

We are pioneering the future of satellite intelligence and defense. Backed by Rheinmetall's proven defense expertise and ICEYE's radar satellite innovation, our joint venture has the ambition of delivering one of the world's largest earth observation satellite constellations to defend Germany.

Our mission? Empower Europe's security and defense with sovereign, persistent, and accurate space-based intelligence under any condition.

Join us to shape one of Europe's most significant high-tech projects and make a real impact on defense and security for tomorrow.

The Mission of the Lead Systems and Data Architect

This role defines and governs the end-to-end architecture of RISS' data platform and user interface layer. You ensure that data from multiple internal and external sources is securely ingested, processed, and delivered as reliable, mission-ready insight.

You are the architectural authority across internal teams and subcontractors, ensuring coherence, scalability, cybersecurity compliance, and long-term maintainability of the platform.

Outcomes:

• Within 3 months, review and take over management of the existing data & application architecture (including security model, integration standards, and UI principles), formally adopted by all subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Achieve adherence to architectural standards in subcontractor deliverables (measured through design reviews and audits).
• Ensure system supports defined throughput and latency targets (e.g.,
• Architecture passes independent security review and complies with defense-grade security requirements before production release.

5+ years experience in designing end-to-end data and application architectures across distributed systems, including ingestion, processing, storage, API, and UI layers.

Deep understanding of data pipelines, streaming/batch architectures, data modeling, storage systems, metadata management, and observability.

Experience integrating heterogeneous external systems (defense, satellite, sensor, or other mission-critical domains) via secure APIs and data exchange standards.

Ability to enforce architectural standards across third-party development teams through reviews, documentation, and technical authority.

Experience designing systems under high-security, compliance-heavy environments (e.g., defense, aerospace, critical infrastructure).

Ability to define system interaction models and ensure data architecture aligns with user workflows and operational requirements.

The opportunity to help shape a national sovereign space capability.

A role that directly impacts Europe's security and defense architecture.

Competitive compensation with strong development and learning opportunities.

A supportive, diverse, and mission-oriented environment.

Relocation assistance and access to training, conferences, and certification programs.

Modern offices with areas for collaboration and focused work.

Apply now and start your journey with RISS!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At RISS, we believe that diversity fosters innovation and strengthens us as an organization. We create a work environment where different perspectives and talents are not only welcome but valued.