Principal Network Architect - 5G Core (Remote)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lucrative compensation with bonuses &

Stock options & comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Network Architect - 5G Core for a fully remote role. The candidate will guide the high-level design and strategic direction of a next-generation 5G core network infrastructure, leveraging cloud-native principles and NFV expertise across global teams.

The role requires 12+ years in telecom architecture, deep 3GPP 5G Core knowledge, Kubernetes, Docker, and CI/CD proficiency, and strong leadership and communication skills for a distributed workforce.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of telecom network architecture experience.
• 5+ years focused on 5G core technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of 3GPP standards for 5G Core (NSA/SA) including NRF, UDM, AMF, SMF, UPF.
• Strong cloud-native, microservices, containerization, and CI/CD experience.
• NFV and SDN expertise.
• IP networking, MPLS, BGP, and security principles.
• Ability to architect large-scale distributed systems and lead remote teams.
• Exceptional communication and leadership for a remote Principal role.

Responsibilities

• Define architectural vision and roadmap for the 5G Core network.
• Lead design of CNFs and VNFs on Kubernetes and cloud platforms.
• Architect solutions for network slicing, SBA, and edge computing.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and standards for 5G core evolution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with product management and operations to align strategy.
• Develop architectural documentation and strategy papers.
• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and PoCs.
• Ensure security, scalability, resilience, and performance of the architecture.
• Engage with industry forums and standards bodies.

Skills

5G Core Architecture

Cloud-native design

NFV & SDN

Strategic leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in telecommunications technology, is seeking a visionary Principal Network Architect - 5G Core to join their elite, fully remote team. This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for the high-level design and strategic direction of our client's next-generation 5G core network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in 5G core architecture, cloud-native principles, and network function virtualization (NFV). You will shape the future of mobile connectivity, influencing architectural decisions that impact millions of users. This position is entirely remote, allowing talented individuals from across South Africa to contribute their expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Define and evolve the architectural vision and roadmap for the 5G Core network, encompassing Control Plane, User Plane, and Management Plane functions. Lead the design of cloud-native network functions (CNFs) and virtual network functions (VNFs) deployed on Kubernetes and cloud platforms. Architect solutions for network slicing, service-based architecture (SBA), and edge computing within the 5G ecosystem. Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies and standards relevant to 5G core evolution. Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering and development teams. Collaborate with product management, operations, and other stakeholders to align architectural strategy with business objectives. Develop and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including high-level designs, technical specifications, and strategy papers. Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and proof-of-concept initiatives for new architectural components. Ensure the security, scalability, resilience, and performance of the 5G core network architecture. Engage with industry forums and standards bodies to stay abreast of 5G developments.

Requirements

PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related discipline. 12+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network architecture, with a minimum of 5 years focused specifically on 5G core technologies. In-depth knowledge of 3GPP standards for 5G Core (NSA/SA), including NRF, UDM, AMF, SMF, UPF, etc. Strong understanding of cloud-native principles, microservices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines. Extensive experience with Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Expertise in IP networking, MPLS, BGP, and security principles. Demonstrated ability to architect complex, large-scale distributed systems. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership capabilities, vital for a remote Principal role. Experience working in a global, distributed, and remote team environment is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly lucrative compensation package, including substantial bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits.
• This fully remote position provides top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and a significant budget for professional development, including advanced training, conferences, and certifications.