Technical Architect Data Center & Cloud

As a Technical Architect – Data Center & Network Infrastructure, your primary mission is to design, optimize, and govern the core components of our on-premises data center and enterprise networking environments. This includes compute, storage, backup, and IP networking infrastructure, with additional oversight of hybrid integration points to the cloud (Azure). 

You will play a key role in evolving our infrastructure strategy, ensuring resilience, performance, and security while delivering a roadmap that supports future growth and automation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Architectural Leadership: Join the Cloud Services team, where you will lead the design of data center and networking solutions. Your responsibilities include defining reusable infrastructure building blocks, writing architecture standards, and ensuring alignment with enterprise IT strategy and operational needs. You will drive the modernization of on-premises infrastructure by incorporating cloud-native principles such as modularity, automation, resilience, and service abstraction to build a future-ready hybrid architecture. 

• Data Center Infrastructure Design : Design and evolve core infrastructure services including compute, storage, backup, and virtualization platforms. Ensure high availability, scalability, and security through robust architectural models and component selection. 

• Network Architecture and Segmentation 
  Define and maintain the architecture of enterprise and data center networks with a focus on security, performance, and operational control. This includes network segmentation, perimeter and edge design, secure DNS and proxy services, traffic inspection and distribution, multi-cloud connectivity, remote access, administrative out-of-band networks, access control integration, and secure management of connected infrastructure and devices. 

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

• Hybrid Integration (Cloud Interconnects) 
  Support the integration of on-premises infrastructure with public cloud platforms (primarily Azure), including ExpressRoute, VPN, and hybrid identity and network extensions. Contribute to hybrid hosting strategies and DR scenarios without shifting the architectural focus away from core infrastructure. 

• Governance and Compliance 
  Establish and maintain technical standards, policies, and architectural guidelines for both data center and network domains. Ensure compliance with internal governance frameworks and external regulatory constraints. 

• Documentation and Technical Specifications 
  Produce architectural documentation such as infrastructure blueprints, network diagrams, standard configurations, and impact assessments. Ensure all deliverables are accurate, current, and usable by operations and engineering teams. 

• 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, automation, architectural simplification and innovative solutions. 

Exigences

• A master’s degree in computer science, information systems, telecommunications, or equivalent experience in designing and managing complex data center and network environments. 

• Proven experience in data center architecture, including compute, storage, backup, and virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, HCI solutions). 

• Strong knowledge of enterprise and data center network infrastructure, including routing, switching, segmentation, firewalls, load balancing, and perimeter security. 

• Experience designing and operating DNS services, secure proxy infrastructures, remote access solutions, and identity-based access control (AAA). 

• Familiarity with out-of-band management networks and secure device integration (e.g., printers, consoles, appliances).Strong experience in backup solutions, ensuring data protection, reliability, and effective recovery processes. 

• Understanding of network and infrastructure governance, including zoning, compliance, and policy enforcement. 

• Exposure to hybrid integration models and Azure infrastructure, including secure network interconnects (VPN, ExpressRoute) and the foundational components of cloud governance such as landing zones, identity, and policy management. 

• Experience with automation and Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Ansible, Terraform). 

• Familiarity with security best practices and hardening systems. 

Experience: 

• Demonstrated experience as a Data Center or Network Architect in complex, hybrid environments. 

• Ability to lead architectural initiatives across infrastructure, networking, and hybrid cloud domains. 

• Experience evaluating technologies, conducting impact analyses, and delivering scalable, resilient solutions. 

• Proven capability to deliver architecture documentation, technical standards, and reference designs. 

Leadership and Communication: 

• Excellent leadership skills with experience mentoring and collaborating with offshore teams. 

• Strong communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Ability to work autonomously while effectively contributing to a collaborative, team-focused environment. 

Soft Skills: 

• Analytical mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 

• Adaptability to evolving technologies and business requirements. 

• Cost-conscious approach to delivering value-driven solutions. 

General Competencies: 

Language Proficiency:  Bilingual in Dutch or French is preferred, with strong English language skills required for effective communication. 

Team Collaboration:  Work effectively as part of a larger architectural team, contributing to cross-functional projects and fostering a collaborative environment. 

Technical Writing:  Strong ability to produce clear, concise, and comprehensive technical documentation, including architecture designs, standards, and guidelines, ensuring that complex technical information is easily understood by various stakeholders. 

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.