• Function title: Software Architect (FDPS)
• Reference: NOC-MA-2023-AD/668
• Location: Maastricht (The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties). – Information about living in Maastricht
• Nature of competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre
• Type of post: Administrator
• Job level: AD6-AD9 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic job title: Expert
• Number of posts: 1
• Duration of appointment: 5 Year(s) – extension or conversion of the contract is possible – see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security provisions
• Directorate/Service: MAAS/ATM – Air Traffic Management
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (remote and onsite)
• Competition publication date: 07/09/2023
• Competition closing date: 05/10/2023 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the Directorate Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, the “Technical Systems” service is responsible for the maintenance, development and improvement of software products which support MUAC in achieving its safety and capacity targets and sustain the growing air traffic demand. It provides also resources to various projects in its area of expertise and maintains technical hardware.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Analyse requirements in close collaboration with users, evaluate, identify, and design innovative software solutions to satisfy business needs.
• Lead architectural design and participate in the development of software applications as part of the FDPS Team portfolio.
• Address intricate design challenges while aiding development teams in implementing principles of service-oriented architecture, design patterns, coding standards, and quality protocols.
• Produce technical papers and software lifecycle documents and contribute to safety and security assessments.
• Propose and implement software changes that aim at improving the FDPS product performance, stability, and maintainability.
• Define the roadmap for the modernization of the FDPS system, ensuring a seamless transition to a microservice architecture through systematic migration planning.
• Fulfill the role of a primary point of contact for Project Managers, facilitating seamless collaboration within the development team throughout the course of the project, when needed.
• Anticipate business issues and find creative solutions and effective strategies for implementation.
• Train and coach members of the software development team.
• Interact with suppliers, task and supervise supplier staff allocated to MUAC, draft requirements for outsourced software development, and negotiate technical solutions.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• University studies of at least 4 years in Computer Science, Engineering, or in another relevant domain. A Master’s degree would be an asset.
• Internal candidates can check on the intranet to see what level of in-house experience is considered equivalent to educational qualifications where appropriate.
• In addition to the above, a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience as a software architect or similar role.
• Experience with modern software development (DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, Software architecture patterns, Object Oriented design)
• Experience programming in multiple real-time target platforms, using several primary languages such as C/C++, Ada, and Java.
• Knowledge of Linux OS and scripting languages (e.g., Ksh, Perl, Python, etc.)
• Understanding of middleware and communication protocols.
• The following would be an advantage:
  • Understanding or experience in Aviation and/or with Air Traffic Management systems
  • Understanding or experience in microservice architecture
  • Knowledge of Ada programming
  • Knowledge of IT platforms (virtualization, containers).
  • Knowledge of Agile tools and methodology (Jira, Kanban/Scrum)
• English drafting skills (technical documentation)
• Communication (L2): You foster two-way communication.
• Teamwork (L2): You foster teamwork.
• Planning and organising (L2): You know how to plan ahead and adapt as required.
• Customer focus (L2): You adapt services to respond to customer needs.
• Problem-solving (L2): You know how to solve complex problems and provide effective solutions.
• 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.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at level C1.
  The levels relate to the Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• The selected candidate will be offered a contract of 5 Year (s) pursuant to the provisions of the Staff Regulations governing officials at EUROCONTROL. The contract may be renewed up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract. Before being established in the post, the selected candidate will be requested to provide certified copies of their degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.
• Internal candidates
  If selected, the person will keep their current type of appointment duration (undetermined or determined).
  The internal staff member with a determined contract will be offered, in principle, an appointment for 5 Year(s) with a maximum total duration of 9 years.
• The successful 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.
• In case of reserve list: Suitable candidates, however not selected to fill the post, will be placed on a reserve list for similar functions. The period of validity of reserve list is 1 year from the closing date of applications .
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• 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.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.