To guide the implementation phase, De Lijn is looking for a test architect. The test architect can autonomously develop, review, and present a plan and strategy. The test architect works closely with the integrator regarding the coordination and follow-up of the various test cycles and evaluates the test reports (test progress, defect status, test coverage, …). The test architect monitors whether the integrator applies the necessary best practices regarding test automation. In addition, he determines the division of responsibilities between De Lijn and the integrator.

The expectations for the test architect (TA) are as follows:

• The TA is responsible for developing a test strategy and test governance in the context of ITaB.
• The TA is responsible for drafting a master test plan including detailed test plans in the context of ITaB (per work package/phase/release and implementation plan).
• The TA is responsible for developing the implementation requirements of the (semi-)automated test platform of the ITaB system.
• The TA defines a system that enables integration tests (functional), acceptance tests, physical tests, and also performance tests.
• The TA defines a procedure to test physical components in the lab and/or a procedure to test matters on a physically running vehicle, and monitors its implementation.
• The TA defines and details a platform/application through which testers can request tests and a platform/application to define a specific test situation. For this, the TA must define the content of all databases needed to download and install software components on a test platform, select vehicle types, select test conditions, select test types, …
• The TA standardizes test reporting and the use of test tools and relates these to the safety regulations De Lijn must comply with.
• The TA defines the method of documentation and the tool in which all executed tests are documented.
• The TA works together with the test engineer who is responsible for the actual implementation of the requirements defined by the TA.

The TA is NOT responsible for actual implementation, test execution, etc.

The candidate must be available part-time for the full assignment during the requested period, namely 100 man-days between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, with this effort spread over the months.

Context/Requirements

Efficient and customer-oriented public transport requires “digitization” of the vehicle fleet. Digitization of the vehicle fleet also has benefits for the public transport company itself: driver guidance can be improved, for example, by means of advanced navigation apps and flexible communication tools between the driver and the dispatch center, maintenance services can be scheduled more efficiently by creative use of vehicle engine data, customer satisfaction increases through good real-time vehicle information, etc.

That is why De Lijn is running a digitization project for the vehicle fleet, namely: “IT on board of the vehicle.” In this project, a new, future-proof vehicle platform is being implemented on the vehicles. For this, off-the-shelf hardware and software components are purchased. For the development of the new vehicle platform, based on these new components but also with legacy components on the vehicle and in the back office, a supplier has been appointed, called the ‘integrator’.

Throughout the entire duration of the project and the life cycle of the platform, deliverables will regularly be produced that need to be tested. We aim for a (semi-)automated test platform on which we can easily test different vehicle configurations, both in a simulation environment and on physical devices/test setups.

There is a clear distinction between two types of test environments:

• Virtual development environment: This has its own test pipeline and associated test software, allowing functionalities to be validated in simulated contexts.
• Physical test environment: This mainly consists of hardware, in the form of several test benches with SIL (Software-in-the-Loop) components where needed.

In addition, several test vehicles will also be equipped (HIL – Hardware-in-the-loop), which require extensive test follow-up to accurately monitor and validate the results.