Technical Architect Data Center & Cloud

As a Data Center & Cloud Architect, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our on-premises data center architecture, with a secondary focus on cloud integration. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that our data center landscape is scalable, secure, high-performing, and cost-efficient while aligning with enterprise architecture principles. This role is crucial as we enhance our on-premises infrastructure to meet evolving business needs while integrating selective cloud-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Architectural Leadership: Join the Cloud Services team, where you will work closely with a group of Technical Architects to translate business and IT strategy needs into scalable and secure solutions. Your work will involve designing new data center building blocks, writing new standards, and providing architectural oversight, ensuring that the solutions developed align with our enterprise goals.

Infrastructure Optimization: Continuously evaluate and improve the performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency of our data center and cloud platforms. Implement innovative approaches to enhance system scalability and stability.

Technology Roadmap: Develop and maintain a technology roadmap for private cloud and data center services, ensuring alignment with business objectives and emerging technologies.

Feasibility Studies and Impact Analysis: Conduct feasibility studies in partnership with our technical teams and cloud providers. Assess the impact of proposed changes on our architecture, ensuring that they contribute positively to our overall strategy.

Governance and Standards: Write architecture standards, policies, and best practices for cloud and data center environments, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal guidelines.

Collaboration and Mentorship: Work closely with cross-functional teams, providing guidance and mentorship to technical staff and ensuring successful project delivery.

Cost Management: Optimize infrastructure costs through capacity management, and innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Proven track record as a Cloud and/or Data Center Architect in complex, hybrid environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead architectural discussions, design resilient solutions, and manage large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience in evaluating and overseeing multi-cloud and on-premises integration, migration strategies, and workload optimization without direct hands-on involvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, design practical solutions, and guide teams in resolving challenges related to data center scalability, security, and integration.
• A master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or equivalent hands-on experience managing complex data center operations
• Extensive experience in cloud platforms (Azure), hybrid cloud, multi-hybrid cloud, and private cloud (data center environments).
• Proficiency in virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V) and hyperconverged infrastructure solutions, as well as containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in networking concepts.
• Expertise in storage solutions, including SAN, NAS, and object storage.
• Strong experience in backup solutions, ensuring data protection, reliability, and effective recovery processes.
• Proficiency with automation tools for Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Familiarity with security best practices and hardening systems.
• Bilingual in Dutch or French is preferred, with strong English language skills required for effective communication.

Our offer

Within our open corporate culture, you contribute to the digital transformation of SNCB. You will have a job with social impact and ample opportunity to make your own contribution. In addition to a good work-life balance and a competitive salary, you will receive the following benefits:

• the possibility to work remotely + flexible working hours;
• 35 days of leave;
• a company car + a public transport season ticket;
• a target bonus;
• a comprehensive insurance package (affiliation without own contribution, excl. outpatient costs for family members);
  • hospitalisation and dental care for the whole family;
  • outpatient costs (= medical costs separate from hospitalisation);
  • group insurance: supplementary pension, work disability and death (cafeteria plan);
  • accidents at work (extralegal);
• meal vouchers and eco-vouchers;
• net allowances for remote working and carwash + internet budget.