IT Platform Architect

EUROCONTROL; Maastricht; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre seeks a senior architect to deliver IT platform architecture for safety-critical ATM systems. You will coordinate architecture roadmaps, collaborate with partners, and ensure designs meet enterprise standards and security practices.

The role requires strong analytical skills, cross-functional teamwork, and the ability to operate in a multinational environment. Hybrid work arrangement applies with on-site presence required.

Qualifications

• Completion of third level studies EQF Level 6 or 7 with relevant professional experience.
• Experience in system architecture with a focus on IT platform layers and high reliability.
• Knowledge of private and hybrid cloud computing and modern platform technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on IT platform architecture for safety critical ATM systems.
• Collaborate with internal partners and external providers to make architecture decisions.
• Translate requirements into practical, secure, scalable designs.
• Develop, review and maintain architecture documentation and governance.

Skills

System architecture

IT platform layer

Service-oriented architecture

Container orchestration

API integration

Kafka event streaming

CI/CD pipelines

Security principles

Private and hybrid cloud computing

Networking knowledge

Education

EQF Level 6 (Engineering/CS)

EQF Level 7 (Engineering/CS)

Tools

Kubernetes

OpenTelemetry

IaC

Kafka

Job description

• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties.
• Nature of competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre
• Duration of appointment: 5 Year(s) - renewal or conversion of the contract is possible under certain conditions see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security provisions
• Directorate/Service: MUAC/ENG/SAS/ASE - The Architecture & System Engineering Team
• Working arrangement: EUROCONTROL operates a hybrid working model that combines onsite presence with remote work opportunities. Remote working is subject to specific limits set out in internal rules and must align with business needs and managerial approval. Please note that full-time remote work is not permitted.
• Reserve list: Applicable - See details in the “Useful information” section
• Provide technical expertise, guidance and contributions on IT platform architecture activities of safety-critical ATM systems by supporting the development and coordination of architecture roadmaps, aligning them with the organisation’s strategic vision and technology transformation plans, to ensure seamless integration and scalability of solutions for mission/safety-critical software systems.
• Collaborate with internal partners and external providers to make architecture decisions, define project goals, and ensure technical soundness.
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement architectural changes and design, build, and deploy solutions that align with organisational needs and meet enterprise standards.
• Analyse technical requirements and constraints, translating them into practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that address business needs while optimising performance and security.
• Ensure adherence to architecture standards, policies, and security practices, overseeing architecture governance processes and addressing any compliance discrepancies, vulnerabilities and/or threats.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation (i.e. standards, processes).
• Stay updated on latest technological developments/methods/best practices/trends and share them within the internal community to enhance organizational knowledge.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completion of relevant third level studies (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science), meeting European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6 followed by at least 4 years relevant professional experience to carry out the advertised responsibilities
• Completion of relevant third level studies (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science), meeting European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7 followed by at least 3 years relevant professional experience to carry out the advertised responsibilities
• Internal candidates can check on the intranet to see what level of in-house experience is considered equivalent to educational qualifications where appropriate.
• Experience in system architecture or a related role, with a focus on the IT platform layer
• Experience with designing complex systems that require a high level or reliability, stringent governance processes and include purpose-built components (e.g. banking, aviation, defence).
• Experience with modern platform technologies, frameworks, and architectural principles (e.g., service-oriented architecture, container orchestration, API integration, AMQP message brokers, Kafka event streaming, IaC, Open Telemetry, CI/CD pipelines, security principles).
• Knowledge of network design and network protocols.
• Knowledge of private and hybrid cloud computing.
• Technical drafting skills in English.
• Experience in ATM and/or understanding of ATM systems would be considered a strong asset.
• Customer Focus: You adapt services to respond to customer needs.
• Problem solving: You are able to anticipate and solve business issues.
• Analytical thinking: You are able to analyse information and identify relationships.
• Teamwork: You foster teamwork.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• The selected candidate may be required to provide documentary evidence confirming they meet the minimum education requirements. They will be informed if and when specific evidence is needed. Please note that no offer (for external candidates) or appointment (for internal candidates) will be made until the necessary evidence, if required, is validated.
• The selected candidate will be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre.
• Conditions depending on current type of appointment
  

  Internal staff appointed for a determined period

  • Retain their current type of appointment duration.
  • Continue under their existing appointment duration, as appointment durations are not cumulative.
  • The duration of their appointment will therefore not restart upon selection to the new post, i.e. the remaining duration of their current determined appointment continues to apply.
  • Renewal(s): This appointment may be renewed several times, but its total duration, including all renewal periods, may not exceed nine (9) years.
  • Conversion: Conversion to an undetermined duration appointment is possible where all of the following cumulative conditions are met: the post is confirmed as being of a lasting nature; the staff member has completed at least five years of service; the staff member’s performance has been satisfactory; and the conversion is in the interests of the service. Conversion is therefore not automatic.

  Internal staff appointed for an undetermined period

  • Retain their current type of appointment duration.

  At the end of the 5 Year period of the post for which they were selected:

  • If the assignment is extended, they will continue in the post in accordance with the applicable rules.
  • If the assignment is not extended and/or the duties are not confirmed as being of a lasting nature, they will be transferred to another post corresponding to their “previous” type of post, job level, and function group.
• The selected candidate must successfully complete a probationary period of nine (9) months before being established in the post.
• The selected candidate shall be appointed at the grade set out in this vacancy notice, or if a group of grades has been published for a job level, in principle at the basic grade of the published job level.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity . In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.