Application Architect

You will be part of the IBM Client Innovation Center Belgium where we deliver an industry-leading range of innovative technology services and provide deep technical and industry expertise to local IBM clients across public and private sectors. We use the best IBM methods of work, as well as global processes and techniques. You will have access to the latest education, tools and technology, and a limitless career path with the world’s technology leader. As an Application Architect specializing in Customer & Experience Transformation, you will play a key role in the creation and evolution of applications and IT components that support customer-centric journeys and digital services. You will be involved from the earliest stages of needs definition through to solution delivery, taking ownership of application architecture across one or more projects. You will work closely with business stakeholders, development teams, service managers, and other architects to design solutions that are coherent, scalable, and aligned with enterprise architecture principles. Your primary responsibilities will include: Play a key role in the design and creation of new applications or IT components Engage throughout the full lifecycle, from requirements formulation to delivery Conduct detailed business and technical needs analysis, working with clients to identify and design appropriate solutions Define, document, and maintain application architectures, ensuring clear and up-to-date supporting documentation Manage the architecture of projects end-to-end, from business case requirements to final delivery Provide technical expertise in the development, operationalization, and continuous improvement of processes, data, applications, and ICT services Use appropriate models, methods, and standards (e.g. UML) to map architectures and support system design Ensure that solution designs are consistent with architectural principles and fit into the overarching enterprise architecture Support Service Managers, network administrators, and system administrators in resolving complex, specific technical challenges Continuously monitor technological and architectural evolutions, identifying opportunities that align with organizational needs Actively participate in the architecture community, contributing to governance structures that safeguard architectural quality Strong knowledge of Java application architecture Solid experience with containerization and Kubernetes environments (e.g. OpenShift) Good understanding of data architecture principles Fluent level of Dutch or/and French Strong knowledge of application-to-application communication techniques (REST, messaging, event-driven architectures, etc.) Very strong knowledge of design patterns and their practical application Experience with major architectural styles (SOA, microservices, event-driven architectures, etc.) Knowledge of JEE application servers, particularly WebLogic Experience creating and maintaining UML architecture diagrams Familiarity with web application interface design principles Ability to analyze DB2 execution/explain plans and propose performance optimizations Proven ability to design high-volume data processing systems (signals, message-driven systems, batch processing) Ability to interpret observability and monitoring data from tools such as Dynatrace and/or Instana Experience in customer-facing or customer-experience-driven architectures Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks Exposure to hybrid or cloud-native application landscapes Belgium Software Engineering Hybrid Professional Antwerpen, BE