IP Network Architect & Automation Lead

Zain; Manama; On-site; BHD 24,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Zain Bahrain seeks an experienced Network Architect to design scalable IP network and ISP infrastructure, prepare HLD/LLD, and guide technology refresh initiatives. You will lead capacity planning, traffic analysis, and governance, coordinating across teams to deliver secure, reliable services.

Responsibilities include vendor engagement, cost forecasting, and implementing automation to improve operations, with 3–5 years in IP/ISP environments preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA/CCNP preferred.
• 3–5 years experience in IP/ISP network planning, design or engineering.
• Exposure to IP, CDN providers, and capacity planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical requirements, SoW, BoQ, and RFP/RFI documentation; participate in the technical evaluation and selection of vendor solutions.
• Prepare CAPEX/OPEX estimates, budget forecasts, and business cases to support investment planning.
• Establish and maintain IP network architecture standards, engineering guidelines, and design governance.
• Govern IP network operations by reviewing network performance, capacity utilization, incidents, and KPIs; recommend improvements.
• Define operational acceptance criteria and ensure new network solutions are ready before handover to Operations.
• Collaborate with Tech, Cybersecurity, Business, Marketing, PMO, Procurement, and other stakeholders to design and deliver new network services.
• Manage technical engagements with vendors, consultants, and service providers through planning to acceptance lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; provide recommendations for evolution and modernization.
• Promote automation and process optimization by scripting and automation tools.
• Ensure all network designs comply with security policies and regulatory requirements; apply security-by-design principles.
• Develop and review network architecture documentation, standards, procedures, roadmaps, and engineering docs.
• Provide technical leadership and governance during project implementation, testing, commissioning, and handover to operations.

Skills

Networking concepts

Routing & Switching

Security

IPv4/IPv6

Firewall/VPN/Proxy policies

Troubleshooting

Automation scripting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Capacity planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science / computer engineering / related field

CCNA or IP networks certification

CCNP Routing & Switching preferable

3–5 years of IP/ISP network planning, design, or engineering experience

Job description

Zain Bahrain seeks an experienced Network Architect to design scalable IP network and ISP infrastructure, prepare HLD/LLD, and guide technology refresh initiatives. You will lead capacity planning, traffic analysis, and governance, coordinating across teams to deliver secure, reliable services.

Responsibilities include vendor engagement, cost forecasting, and implementing automation to improve operations, with 3–5 years in IP/ISP environments preferred.