Kai Illert

I enjoy understanding how complex platforms evolve, where architecture creates problems and what needs to change. My work spans technical direction, governance and modernization, with a focus on Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Azure and hybrid environments. With 20+ years in engineering, software and operations, I've worked with identity, custom applications and legacy integration. I stay close to the technology, using PoCs and automation to test ideas and validate architectural decisions.

Led automation and validation initiatives for software and hardware test systems used to verify high-availability products. Designed and implemented custom software solutions, test tooling and process integrations to improve test efficiency, quality and system stability. Owned the technical direction of test platforms, supported business-critical operations and contributed to continuity improvements through automation and standardisation. Team leadership and budget responsibility were part of the role.

Founded and ran a software and IT services business, delivering custom web applications and data-driven portals for scientific and small business use cases. Designed and implemented on-prem IT environments for small and medium-sized enterprises, including servers, networking and security. The focus was on building practical, well-structured and maintainable systems tailored to real operational needs. This work established a broad technical foundation across software, infrastructure and system operations.

Acted as the technical interface between product development and industrialisation, ensuring that system and product requirements could be implemented reliably in production environments. Translated development specifications into operationally viable system concepts, coordinated stakeholders across engineering, QA and manufacturing, and resolved technical and organisational constraints during industrial rollout.

Developed software-based test platforms with integrated hardware control and reporting pipelines. Built and maintained end-to-end validation flows to support system integration in complex technical environments. Focused on ensuring testability, integration readiness and reliable operation of systems by combining hands-on engineering with a clear understanding of system interactions and constraints.

Led the technical development of embedded software and system structures for simulation and test platforms. Focused on making complex systems testable, reproducible and reliable. Coordinated hardware–software integration across embedded components and simulation environments, ensuring consistent system behaviour and integration readiness in complex technical setups.

Conducted applied research in process automation and sensor data acquisition. Worked on data handling, signal processing, and system integration in industrial environments.