A career journey from hands-on technical roles to strategic leadership, always staying close to the technology while enabling teams and organizations to achieve their goals.

Work Experience

Nov 2025 – Present
IT Architect
Land Salzburg · Salzburg, Austria

Delivering end-to-end IoT solutions – from device layer and network integration to cloud connectivity and embedding in business processes.

  • Securely integrate IoT devices into the IT network: analyze new requirements, design and agree solution variants and integrate new components
  • Define and implement IoT architecture standards, best practices and security policies
  • Secure and manage the IoT infrastructure in line with current IT security requirements
  • Collaborate closely with internal IT teams to ensure stable, secure and high-performance operations
  • Raise security awareness in business units for IoT and support them in implementing security policies
Oct 2022 – Oct 2025
IoT Solution Architect
PIERER Innovation · Anif, Salzburg, Austria

Orchestration of IoT project implementations, including the formulation of technical specifications, supervision of integration processes and diligent performance monitoring.

  • Project management: adapting at delineating work packages, fostering interdepartmental collaboration and managing development partnerships
  • Devising and refining technical solutions and architectural concepts
  • Critically assessing emerging technologies and leadership of software development teams
  • Ensuring stakeholder engagement and alignment of project outcomes with executive expectations
Jan 2022 – Oct 2022
Freelancer
pichler.dev (self-employed) · Salzburg, Austria

Independent consulting focused on infrastructure automation and security hardening.

  • Implemented comprehensive Linux hardening strategy to enhance system security
  • Streamlined complex processes and bolstered efficiency through infrastructure analysis utilizing Ansible
  • Spearheaded the deployment of Checkmk to improve monitoring capabilities
  • Developed robust backup systems to ensure data protection and continuity
Jul 2021 – Jun 2022
CTO / Co-Founder
Ecosensors GesbR (self-employed) · Salzburg, Austria

Environmental monitoring startup focused on high-resolution climate and environmental data.

  • Conducted high-resolution climate and environmental data measurements tailored to customer preferences
  • Developed the data collection methodology in collaboration with partners
  • Identified valid measurement points
  • Managed the complete installation and configuration of hardware and software
Jan 2001 – Jun 2021
SPAR ICS - 20 Year Career
SPAR ICS - Information & Communication Services · Salzburg, Austria

Two decades of progressive growth from technical support to enterprise architecture and product leadership.

Senior Product Lead (Jul 2020 – Jun 2021)

  • Led cross-functional DevOps team (4 FTE) with CI/CD, IaC and SRE responsibility
  • Owned the DevOps backlog, prioritizing tasks and ensuring continuous improvement
  • Captured business requirements and crafted solution designs
  • Provided effort and cost estimates based on functional specifications
  • Coordinated with business stakeholders, project teams and architects

Digital Platforms Engineer, Enterprise Architect (Mar 2018 – Jul 2020)

  • Oversaw coordination of all technical experts across various project stages
  • Guided and provided support to Product Developers
  • Orchestrated planning of the project’s technical system landscape
  • Managed hardware, software, sizing, availability, security and licensing

Enterprise Architect - Workplace & POS Technology (Jan 2015 – Feb 2018)

  • Responsible for shaping the long-term strategy and roadmap
  • Developed and maintained standards and guidelines applied throughout the corporation
  • Worked with fellow architects to ensure solutions are scalable and adaptable
  • Aligned strategies with the needs and goals of business and IT stakeholders

ICS INNOVATION LAB - Technical Lead (Jan 2014 – Feb 2018)

  • Spearheaded evaluation and proof of concepts for innovative technologies
  • Focus on location-based services, beacons, 3D printing and wearables
  • Explored scan-and-pay systems, smart devices, smart trolleys, smart shelves and electronic shelf labels
  • Investigated robotics, drones, RFID, smart glasses, virtual and augmented reality for indoor navigation

Earlier Roles (2001 – 2014)

  • Senior Solution Consultant - POS Technology (Jul 2014 – Dec 2014)
  • Teamleader Retail Technologies, Solution Consultant (Sep 2009 – Jun 2014)
  • POS Technology Manager (Jan 2007 – Aug 2009)
  • POS Technology Solution Developer (Jan 2004 – Dec 2006)
  • IT Hotline & Field Support (Jan 2001 – Dec 2003)
1996 – 2000
Master Watchmaker
Pichler · Frankenmarkt, Austria

Foundation in precision craftsmanship before transitioning to IT.

  • Completed apprenticeship and master craftsman qualification
  • Developed meticulous attention to detail and systematic problem-solving
  • This background in mechanical precision continues to influence my approach to system design

Education

2004 – 2008
DI (FH) - Information Technologies & Systems-Management
Fachhochschule Salzburg - University of Applied Sciences · Salzburg, Austria

Extra-occupational studies while working full-time at SPAR ICS.

Thesis: “Nachhaltige IT im Rechenzentrum” - Development and presentation of a model for measuring efficiency in the data center.

This education combined practical work experience with academic knowledge in systems management and IT infrastructure.