Software Factory Architect
The opportunity
This is an on-site contract role at an EU agency headquarters in Warsaw, leading software architecture across a complex, enterprise-scale software factory. You'll act as the trusted technical advisor and architectural authority, shaping the engineering vision, DevSecOps strategy, and development lifecycle in a regulated public-sector environment.
Contract details: 12-month initial term with two 12-month renewals and a final 18-month renewal (maximum 54 months total). ~220 man-days per year (normal working hours) for the first 36 months; 330 man-days for the final 18-month extension. On-site delivery: approx. 40% intra-muros / 60% extra-muros. Earliest start: 1 September 2026. Security screening must be initiated within the first 45 days of assignment; RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED clearance required.
What you'll do
Provide consultations in software engineering areas and act as a trusted technical advisor
Design software development lifecycle and processes
Recommend decisions and review end-to-end software solution architecture for complex projects
Own and evolve the engineering vision across the software factory
Define architecture standards, reference architectures, and best practices
Ensure consistency and alignment of architectures across the enterprise
What you bring
Mandatory:
Minimum Level 7 education (master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field)
English language proficiency at B2 (CEFR) or above
At least 8 years of ICT-relevant professional experience
At least 5 years of experience at a similar position
At least 2 certifications from the following list (or internationally recognised equivalents):
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
Personal Security Clearance at RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED level (security screening initiated within 45 days of assignment)
Knowledge and skills:
Software architecture design for complex, distributed systems
Proven experience designing enterprise-scale and cloud-native architectures
Hands-on experience with backend and/or frontend development (e.g. .NET, JavaScript/TypeScript)
Strong DevSecOps knowledge including CI/CD strategy and platform design, container and orchestration, and platform engineering
Recognised technical leader with experience influencing teams without direct authority
Ability to define and communicate architecture vision and technical strategies
Ability to evaluate technical risk and make high-impact decisions
Experience mentoring senior engineers, development leads, technical leaders, and architects
Specific requirements:
Strong understanding of architecture styles
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Azure services
Experience modelling systems in ArchiMate notation
Assessment: Written test (up to 75 points, 60% pass threshold) + interview (up to 200 points, 60% pass threshold). Final evaluation: Technical quality 50% / Price 50%.
Location
Frontex Headquarters, Warsaw, Poland. On-site delivery (approx. 40% intra-muros / 60% extra-muros). Travel only in exceptional cases (max. €1,200/year reimbursement).