Rexel is a leading global distributor of electrical equipment and sustainable energy solutions. With a presence in more than 20 countries, the organization helps customers daily to improve comfort, safety, and energy performance in buildings and infrastructure. As a frontrunner in electrical progress, Rexel supports installers, industrial companies, and the tertiary sector with a broad and deep assortment from top manufacturers. In Belgium, the organization has a strong network of 53 branches and approximately 800 dedicated employees. Rexel's history is characterized by strong growth and strategic mergers. In 1999, the current group was formed by merging four established wholesalers: Electro-matériel-Sedec, Elektra, H. Gernay, and Matelgro. Since then, the organization has continued to grow through further acquisitions and a strong focus on technological innovation. A major milestone was the opening of the central logistics warehouse and the launch of the e-business platform Netstore, which today forms the core of the digital strategy. This evolution has made Rexel a robust market leader that combines tradition with technological innovation. Role As an Application Engineer, you contribute directly to the design, development, and continuous evolution of the applications that form Rexel's digital backbone. You focus on ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of solutions, ranging from the daily maintenance of the webshop to complex integrations between external applications, partners, and the central ERP system. You are an indispensable link that not only provides technical support to end-users but also actively builds a high-performance application architecture that closely aligns with the changing needs of the business. In this role, you act as a technical force within a lean and collegial IT team, where you are given the freedom to shape the transition from legacy environments to a modern, containerized landscape. The importance of the position lies in creating continuity and innovation. You are a driving force that turns new ideas into concrete, working solutions. You are a hands-on expert who takes ownership of the entire process, from analysis to deployment, to consolidate Rexel's digital lead in the market. Tasks and responsibilities Architecture and design : You actively contribute to designing the application architecture based on functional business needs. You help make technology choices and proactively propose technical improvements to optimize the landscape. Modernization and containerization : You play a leading role in switching from the current legacy environment to a modern, containerized landscape. You brainstorm on how applications should be deployed on this new infrastructure. Development and maintenance : You are responsible for both corrective and evolutive maintenance of the webshop and other digital channels. This includes implementing functional adjustments and keeping the platforms technically up-to-date. Integration and interfaces : You manage, maintain, and evolve the interfaces between external applications, partners, and the central ERP system. You ensure smooth data exchange via REST APIs, XML, and JSON. Support and helpdesk : You provide support to end-users through issue analysis, formulating solutions, and escalation where necessary. You are not afraid to "get your hands dirty" when solving day-to-day problems (approx. 20% ticketing). Modeling : You create and update technical models and diagrams (such as UML or flowcharts) to clearly describe the proposed solutions and information flows. Security and performance : You monitor compliance with best practices regarding security and performance, based on Rexel's internal standards. Project work : You participate in strategic projects, such as the implementation and integration of new systems with the ERP. Points of attraction and offer Top employer : Work for an organization recognized as a Top Employer for the fifth time in 2026, testifying to a work environment where well-being and innovative HR practices are central. Impact and innovation : You get the unique chance to help build the architecture of the future. Your ideas and proposals for new tools and technologies (such as Docker or Snowflake) are valued and implemented. Growth dynamics : You join a fast-growing environment where no two days are the same. You immediately see the results of your work for 600 internal users and thousands of professional customers. Personal development : You take charge of your own career ("You are in charge!") with a growth path towards a role with broader responsibilities. Familial culture : Despite the international scale, there is a flat structure and a familial atmosphere. Collegiality is the standard here, not the exception. Extensive remuneration package : In addition to an attractive salary, you enjoy extralegal benefits such as a company car with a charging card, meal vouchers, bonus, extensive insurance (group and hospitalization), extra holidays (ADV and seniority), and bike leasing. Profile Background and experience Education : Bachelor or Master in Computer Science or equivalent through experience. Experience : Approximately 3 to 5 years of experience in application development and/or system integration. Java & SQL : Good knowledge of Java and a strong foundation in SQL for data manipulation. Data Formats : Solid understanding of JSON and XML for data exchange. Integration : Experience building interfaces and knowledge of REST APIs. Platform Readiness : Willingness to work with the IBM i (AS400) platform (the core of the system), even without prior in-depth knowledge. Nice to haves (Assets): Cloud & Infra : Initial experience with or interest in AWS or Azure, and basic knowledge of Docker/containers. Tools : Experience with Apache tools (Tomcat, HTTP Server, Solr) and version control via Git. Architecture : Experience with solution design or application architecture. Methodologies : Experience in Agile environments (Scrum/Kanban). ERP : Interest in or experience with business processes (sales, invoicing, logistics). Competences Hands-on mentality : You are not a "person in a stiff suit," but an action-oriented professional ready to get your hands dirty and take ownership of concrete solutions. Analytical and communicative : You have strong analytical skills and can explain complex technical topics clearly and understandably to the business. Eager to learn and ambitious : You are driven to learn about modern technologies (such as Docker, containerization, and Cloud) and have the ambition to grow over time. Team player : You believe in collegiality and enjoy working closely with colleagues, even when they are in different locations. Business-oriented : You are interested in ERP environments (sales, invoicing, master data) and understand the importance of IT for business processes. You are flexible enough to shift priorities when the business requires it. Languages Dutch & French : You have a very good command of at least one of these national languages and the ability to communicate in the other. English : You have a good working knowledge (written and spoken) for communication with international partners and colleagues.