Lead R&D Software Architect

Overview Giesecke+Devrient makes the lives of billions of people around the world more secure. We create trust in the digital age with integrated security technologies in three business areas : Digital Security, Financial Platforms and Currency Technology. We are an international technology group and traditional family business with over 14,000 employees in 40 countries. Creating Confidence is our path to success. Trust is the basis of our co-operation within G+D.

We are looking for a Lead R&D Software Architect to join our team based in Barcelona .

The Lead R&D Software Architect will drive the design and implementation of strategic initiatives in our digital portfolio. This role is critical in shaping our technology strategy, aligning with infrastructure and subject matter experts, and ensuring our systems are scalable, secure, and future-ready.

Responsibilities Technology and Infrastructure Alignment

Gather technical inputs from subject matter experts from R&D and infrastructure teams

Evaluate and select appropriate technology stacks (e.g., Java vs. alternatives), optimal database approach and infrastructure strategy (cloud, hybrid, or on-premise).

Shape the DevOps and automation approach.

Solution Architecture and Design

Design and specify the overall solution architecture and software components.

Ensure the system meets key non-functional requirements : scalability, performance, high availability, data replication, multi-site deployment, security and key management

Define and document interfaces, integration points with third parties, and database structures.

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Design

Define the team methodology (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban), test strategy and quality assurance processes.

Select and implement appropriate tools for development, CI / CD, and monitoring in alignment with company guidelines

Contribute to high-level planning and roadmap development.

Talent Acquisition & Team Support

Shape the team by defining technical role profiles and requirements.

Support hiring efforts by participating in interviews and candidate evaluations.

Mentor and coach team members

Skills & Qualifications :

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

10+ years of experience in software architecture, systems design, or technical leadership roles.

Proven experience designing E2E enterprise architecture solutions with a focus on scalability, performance, availability and security.

Proven experience on security architecture including secured communications, encryption and cryptography

Strong understanding of DevOps and DevSecOps practices

Hands-on experience with Java and alternative backend technologies.

Expertise with cloud-native architectures and cloud solutions (e.g. Azure, AWS)

Experience with microservices, containerization, and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes).

Knowledge of data privacy, compliance, and key management best practices.

Strong technical acumen with an ability to understand complex solutions. Experience in OTA, TSM, PKI, Key Management, Smart Cards / Global Platform, and security is highly desirable.

Comprehensive knowledge of software development processes, technologies, and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, CI / CD) and proficiency in tools such as Jira and Confluence.

Experience in managing security aspects of software projects, including secure coding practices, having experience in compliance standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, or PCI-DSS and SDLC would be an added advantage.

Experience with mobile solutions architecture (e.g. SDK for Android and iOS) is a significant plus