Tech Lead – Cloud & Platform Engineering Mechelen, Belgium (Hybrid)
Long-term freelance/contract-based opportunity (until end of 2026)
We’re looking for a hands-on Tech Lead to join a large-scale, complex environment where technology plays a critical role in delivering high-impact services.
This is not a people management role - you’ll act as the technical backbone of the team, working closely with architects and engineering teams to ensure high-quality, scalable, and future-proof solutions.
Your Role
As a Tech Lead, you will bridge the gap between architecture and implementation, ensuring that technical decisions are effectively translated into real-world solutions across multiple teams and vendors.
You’ll operate in a multi-team, multi-vendor environment, where your ability to influence, guide, and align will be key.
Key Responsibilities
️ Technical Leadership & Architecture
Translate architectural vision into clear technical standards and guidelines
Ensure consistent and correct implementation across teams
Act as a trusted partner to Solution Architects
⚙️ Engineering Excellence
Drive best practices around:
scalability
security
maintainability
observability
Perform high-level code and architecture reviews
Multi-Team & Vendor Collaboration
Guide and challenge external vendor teams
Ensure alignment across a complex ecosystem of teams
☁️ Cloud & Platform Enablement
Support teams in adopting cloud platforms (AWS / GCP)
Work with Kubernetes / OpenShift environments
Bridge the gap between strategy and hands-on implementation
Modernisation & Innovation
Drive technical improvements and modernization initiatives
Reduce technical debt
Promote cloud-native and AI-driven solutions
Stakeholder Communication
Collaborate with Product Owners, Analysts, and senior stakeholders
Navigate a complex and sometimes political environment
Communicate clearly and influence decisions without formal authority
✅ What We’re Looking For
Must-have:
Strong experience with AWS and/or GCP
Solid experience with Kubernetes or OpenShift
Proven background in software architecture & system design
Experience with:
CI/CD pipelines
Infrastructure as Code
API-led and event-driven architectures
Good understanding of infrastructure (networking, security, compute, storage)
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to influence and guide teams without direct authority
Hands-on mindset (not purely advisory)
Nice to have:
Experience in large enterprise environments
Exposure to AI-driven solutions or innovation initiatives
Experience working with external vendors / consulting firms
Background in telecom or network architecture
Dutch language skills
Ideal Profile
You are a senior engineer or technical lead who:
enjoys working in complex, large-scale environments
combines deep technical expertise with strong communication skills
thrives in roles where you influence rather than manage
is comfortable working across multiple teams and stakeholders
Practical Info
Location: Mechelen (hybrid – 2–3 days onsite/week)
Start: ASAP
Duration: Long-term (until end of 2026, extension likely)
Language: English required (Dutch is a plus)