Freelance Cloud Native Expert
Location: Brussels, Belgium (1 day per week onsite, remainder remote)
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Freelance (12 months+ mission)
Project Type: Cloud migration & cloud-native transformation (AWS)
About the Client
Our client is a governmental organisation based in Brussels, currently undergoing a strategic transformation towards cloud-native architectures. As part of this initiative, the organisation is migrating existing platforms and services to the cloud, with AWS as the primary cloud provider.
The organisation places strong emphasis on security-by-design, operational excellence, cost transparency, and compliance, while modernising its IT landscape through DevOps, DevSecOps, and FinOps practices.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Freelance Cloud Native Expert to support the organisation’s cloud migration and cloud-native adoption journey. You will act as a key technical expert on AWS, working closely with the Domain Architect to translate architectural designs into secure, scalable, and cost-efficient implementations.
You will be hands-on in the technical implementation while also providing guidance on best practices related to AWS services, DevOps, DevSecOps, and FinOps. This role requires a strong balance between architecture alignment, implementation expertise, and advisory capability within a public-sector context.
Key Responsibilities
Provide expert-level guidance on AWS services and cloud-native best practices to the Domain Architect and technical teams.
Support the design and hands-on implementation of cloud-native solutions on AWS, aligned with organisational standards and security requirements.
Contribute to the migration of existing applications and infrastructure to AWS, including re-platforming and modernisation where appropriate.
Implement and promote DevOps and DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (IaC), automation, and security controls.
Embed security-by-design principles into cloud architectures, ensuring compliance with governmental policies and regulatory requirements.
Apply FinOps principles to optimise cloud costs, monitor usage, and provide recommendations for cost efficiency and budget control.
Collaborate with development, operations, security, and architecture teams to ensure cohesive and sustainable cloud solutions.
Support the definition and documentation of cloud standards, patterns, and operational guidelines.
Assist with troubleshooting complex cloud-related issues and provide technical expertise during incidents or escalations.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and upskilling of internal teams on AWS and cloud-native practices.
Technical Environment (incl. but not limited to)
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Cloud-native architectures & microservices
Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar)
CI/CD pipelines and automation tools
DevOps & DevSecOps toolchains
Cloud security and governance
FinOps practices and cost management tools
Public-sector IT environments
Candidate Requirements
Proven experience as a Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect / Cloud Native Expert in complex or enterprise environments.
Strong hands-on expertise with AWS (core services, security, networking, and operations).
Solid experience with DevOps and DevSecOps practices, tools, and methodologies.
Good understanding of FinOps concepts, cloud cost optimisation, and financial governance.
Experience working closely with architects and translating designs into production-ready implementations.
Strong understanding of cloud security principles and compliance-driven environments.
Ability to work autonomously in a freelance setup while collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Fluent in Dutch and English (spoken and written).