Senior IT Infrastructure Architect - Foundation Layer (m/w/d)
Auto-estimated from similar roles, location, experience & market data. Actual pay may vary.
Description
Requirements
- Degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Several years of hands-on experience operating and designing complex IT infrastructures or platforms
- Deep understanding of modern x86 server architectures and broad expertise in virtualization solutions such as VMware, ideally with practical experience in KVM-based solutions like Proxmox
- Solid know-how in software-defined networking, multi-data-center interconnects, routing, and distributed enterprise storage and backup concepts
- Proven experience designing and implementing disaster-recovery and high-availability scenarios with hard RTO/RPO targets
- Familiarity with BSI IT-Grundschutz and zero-trust principles, as well as data and technology sovereignty requirements
- Understanding of FinOps principles and total-cost-of-ownership analysis
- Strong communication skills to engage operations specialists, product owners, and IT leadership across locations
Experience Level
Benefits
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🏠 Cost of Living in Cologne
Monthly Essentials
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Strong savings potential: You could save €1,948 monthly, which is €23,376 per year.
💡 These estimates are based on average costs in Cologne. Actual expenses vary based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and personal choices. "Comfortable living" includes rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and reasonable dining/entertainment.
Eligible for the EU Blue Card
A salary of €72,714 meets the EU Blue Card minimum of €45,300 (2026).
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. It offers a fast track to permanent residency and allows family reunification.
Also eligible: EU Blue Card (Shortage Occupation) (€41,042+)
Documents needed
📍 Life in Cologne
About Cologne
- •Media and TV hub
- •Large student population
- •Vibrant local culture
Climate
- •Temperate oceanic
- •Mild winters
- •Moderate summers
- •Regular rainfall
Safety
- •Generally safe
- •Moderate crime levels
- •Carnival can be crowded
Healthcare
- •Good hospital network
- •University hospital
- •Adequate services
Culture
- •Famous cathedral
- •Roman heritage
- •Carnival tradition
Nightlife
- •Famous for Kölsch beer
- •Student bars
- •Carnival season
Recreation
- •Rhine riverfront
- •City parks
- •Beer gardens
Cost of Living
- •More affordable than Frankfurt/Munich
- •Balanced cost of living
- •Good value for money
The largest IT unit within the REWE Group — one of Europe's leading retail and tourism cooperatives. With ~2,500 employees across 12 locations in 5 countries, REWE digital builds the digital infrastructure powering online grocery delivery, autonomous stores, fulfillment centers, payment systems, and checkout solutions for 85 million weekly customers. Their tagline: 'Your Home of IT.'
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The default for anyone single, divorced or widowed.
Only changes the church tax rate — 8% in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, 9% everywhere else.
Childless employees over 23 pay a higher Pflegeversicherung (care insurance) rate.