Project Overview We are looking for an experienced Solution & Software Architect to provide architectural consulting for two strategic initiatives focused on platform scalability and AI-driven solutions. The consultant will build upon existing strategic documentation, business requirements, and enterprise architecture guidelines to design robust, scalable, and future-proof solution architectures. The role requires close collaboration with business stakeholders, enterprise architects, and development teams to ensure architectural consistency across multiple systems. Key Responsibilities * Design scalable end-to-end solution architectures across complex system landscapes. * Define software architecture for distributed applications and platform components. * Develop architectural standards, integration patterns, interfaces, and design principles. * Design a scalable platform architecture for scheduling optimization. * Support the evolution of an existing conversational AI landscape by: * Preparing architectural decisions. * Guiding feature enhancements. * Defining the target architecture for AI-driven solutions. * Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles and technology standards. * Translate business and technical requirements into implementable solution designs. * Produce architectural documentation, diagrams, and technical specifications. * Provide architectural guidance to development teams throughout implementation. * Review solution designs and ensure architectural consistency across initiatives.   Required Skills & Experience Must Have (Expert Level) * Extensive experience in Solution & Software Architecture. * Strong background in designing scalable, distributed applications and Data/AI solutions. * Proven expertise in designing end-to-end solution architectures across complex system landscapes. * Experience designing modular software architectures. * Ability to translate business requirements into holistic solution designs and implementable software architectures. * Proven ability to define and communicate architectural vision while guiding development teams. * Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles, integration patterns, and API design.   Nice to Have (Advanced Level) * Experience designing and scaling platform-based solutions for mathematical optimization or scheduling optimization. * Experience with cloud architecture, preferably Microsoft Azure. * Experience with Lakehouse technologies and modern data platforms. * Strong communication skills in English and good German. * Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and business stakeholders.   Preferred * Experience with AI/ML-based optimization solutions. * Experience with conversational AI and chatbot frameworks, including LLM-based systems. * Knowledge of modern AI architectures and AI integration patterns.   Technologies Preferred experience with: * Microsoft Azure * Lakehouse/Data Platform technologies * Distributed systems * API & Integration Architecture * AI/ML Platforms * LLM-based conversational AI solutions   Profile We are looking for a senior architect who combines strategic thinking with hands-on technical expertise and can drive architectural decisions across multiple initiatives. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in complex enterprise environments and has a proven track record of delivering scalable, cloud-based, and AI-enabled solution architectures. Language Requirements * English: Fluent * German: Good (preferred)   Contract Type * Freelance / External Consultant