Software Architect (f/m/d)

The Opportunity 

You will be part of a highly flexible development team for the MeTS Hardware Security Modules with members in Brussels, Aachen and abroad, so good communication skills are essential. The Software Architect and Project Manager for the MeTS HSM is responsible for designing the embedded application software of the Hardware Security Module (HSM). This role requires expertise in embedded programming, a strong background in C and experience with applied cryptography and cryptographic primitives.  
This role is as another aspect also responsible for the close management and coordination of an offshore development team from our German office, ensuring the quality, consistency and timely delivery of the system software for the Hardware Security Module (HSM). This requires hands-on technical involvement — including systematic source code reviews, creation and validation of cryptographic test vectors, and architectural guidance — combined with strong project management discipline. 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities​ 

Managing and steering an offshore development team to deliver security products in embedded systems for financial transactions, smart grid, eHealth and others. Overseeing the definition, analysis, development and validation of security-related applications on a Hardware Security Module, with direct technical involvement in code quality, testing and architecture. Help developing the architecture of security products in embedded systems for financial transactions, smart grid, eHealth and others. Defining, analyzing, developing and validating security-related applications on a Hardware Security Module.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Design: Develop and maintain the architecture for the system software of the MeTS HSMs ADYTON and ASM.
• Technical and Project Leadership: Guide and support in-house and offshore development teams in best practices for implementing the HSM software.  
• Agile Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an agile environment, participating in sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives. 
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the Product Owner and Product Manager to gather requirements, prioritize features, and translate them into technical specifications. 
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of interface designs, and security measures specific to the MeTS HSMs. 
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that software solutions adhere to industry standards for security and performance. 
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical challenges related to MeTS HSM integration. 
• You are a technical leader able to lead and guide off-shore and in-house teams in architecture, analysis and developments for made-to-measure customer solutions.
• You have a strong background in C, it would be apricated if you have a good knowledge in C++ and Java. The team work in an agile environment with a high demand of independent, autonomously and pro-active way to structure tasks and solve issues.
• The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in C programming and embedded systems development, along with a strong understanding of cryptography.
• Experience with secure coding practices and security standards is essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

These qualities are essential! We’re also looking for the following skills and experience:

• Specialist in computer science with a related university degree 
• Proven experience managing offshore or distributed development teams with close technical oversight 
• Strong aptitude for analysis, a results-oriented worker capable of finding creative solutions 
• Excellent team player with the ability to build trust and maintain productivity across cultural and geographical boundaries 
• Outstanding communication skills, and a good command of spoken and written English 
• Awareness of a range of development support tools 
• Quick adaptation to new technologies

Who Are We Looking For 

We look for big thinkers. People who can drive positive change, step up and show what’s next – people with passion, can-do attitude and a hunger to learn and grow. In practice this means: 

• Experience with embedded systems and C development 
• Proven ability to conduct meaningful source code reviews in C, identifying defects, security vulnerabilities and optimization opportunities 
• Experience creating and validating cryptographic test vectors for algorithm verification and compliance testing 
• Strong architectural knowledge of embedded systems and Hardware Security Modules 
• Knowledge of testing methodology (unit, integration, white/black box testing …) 
• Good knowledge of security standards like PCI PIN, PCI PTS HSM, ANSI X9.143 (TR31), ASC X9 TR34, EMVCo and similar
• Solid background in security (hardware and/or software), cryptographic algorithms and primitives and applied cryptography 
• Knowledge of OpenSSL and ASN.1 is a plus  
• German language proficiency is a plus 
• PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management certification is a plus

Benefits 

• Flextime & mobile working 
• Company pension plan 
• Individual training programs 
• Job bike & diverse range of employee discounts 
• Mobility and food subsidies 
• Good public transport connections and free parking (location-specific) 
• Regular employee events 
• Sustainable, international company culture