Solutions architect (bqa / nato) long-term contract, remote (europe)

Werkgever:
Kats Recruitment
Regio:
Centrum
 
Functieomschrijving

Role Overview

You will define and lead the architecture of large, secure systems across the full stack in the context of defense and security contracts. You will work closely with engineering, security, and stakeholder teams to ensure architectural integrity, scalability, performance, and compliance with NATO / BQA standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end system architecture: define modules, interfaces, integration patterns, data flow

  • Translate high-level requirements into architectural blueprints, design patterns, and implementation guidance

  • Ensure all designs integrate compliance, security, and operational requirements from the start

  • Lead architecture reviews, vet designs, and enforce consistency across subsystems

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DevOps, Security, Infrastructure, Development)

  • Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and decision-making in complex scenarios

  • Evaluate new technologies, frameworks, and tools to improve architecture

  • Document architectures, decisions, trade-offs, and system rationales

  • Interface with clients, auditors, and stakeholders to justify architectural choices

Mandatory Requirements 

  • Domain & High-Security Experience

    • Minimum 7+ years as a Solutions Architect or equivalent in security, defense, or highly regulated environments

    • Prior experience designing systems for NATO / BQA / defense / classified / governmental domains

  • Architectural Competence

    • Proven ability to design end-to-end systems (frontend, backend, infrastructure, integration, security)

    • Experienced in microservices, event-driven, domain-driven design, distributed systems

    • Deep understanding of system decomposition, modularization, scaling, resiliency

  • Security & Compliance in Architecture

    • Expertise embedding security patterns: authentication, authorization, encryption, IAM, zero-trust

    • Familiarity with threat models, attack surfaces, risk mitigation strategies

    • Experience designing systems to meet compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, etc.)

  • Technology Proficiency

    • Strong experience in backend frameworks and languages (e.g. Java, Go, C#, Node.js)

    • Proficiency with front-end systems (e.g. React, Angular, Vue) and APIs (REST, GraphQL)

    • Good command of infrastructure: containers, orchestration (Kubernetes), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

  • Integration & Interoperability

    • Experience designing system integration (APIs, messaging, event buses, ESBs)

    • Data modeling, schema design, consistency and replication strategies

  • Leadership & Communication

    • Ability to explain and defend architectural decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders

    • Strong written and verbal English

    • Mentorship, review, and guiding engineering teams to follow architecture

  • Process & Governance

    • Experience working in structured environments: change control, audits, documentation standards, governance

    • Ability to enforce architectural discipline and guardrails

  • Logistics & Eligibility

    • Based in Europe

    • Able to work under contract legally

    • Willing and able to undergo background / security checks

    • Preferred (Not Mandatory)

    • Direct experience on NATO / BQA / defense architecture

    • Certifications like TOGAF, CISSP, or other architectural / security credentials

    • Familiarity with real-time / embedded systems or network-level architecture

    What We Offer

    • Competitive contract compensation

    • Fully remote (Europe)

    • Long-term, stable engagement

    • Opportunity to architect critical secure systems

    • Professional environment with high standards and meaningful work

    Application Instructions

    To be considered, submit:

    • Your CV / resume, clearly emphasizing architectural roles in security / defense / regulated environments

    • A cover letter showing how you meet each mandatory requirement

    • Descriptions or diagrams of past architectures youve designed (with rationale and constraints)

    • References / contacts able to validate your work in secure / regulated settings

    Important: Only applications that clearly and explicitly demonstrate you meet all mandatory criteria will be reviewed. If you cannot prove alignment with each requirement, please do not apply.

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