IRIS2 End-to-End Network Architect

Eutelsat; Friauville; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Diversity & Inclusion

Job summary

Eutelsat is seeking an experienced IRIS2 End-to-End Network Architect to lead the end-to-end network architecture for future satellite communications, integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G networks.

You will define topology, functional allocations, control-plane and user-plane connectivity, routing, QoS and resilience across space, ground, NG‑RAN, 5G Core and services. Senior role with cross‑domain collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science or a related field.
• 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in 5G system architecture or telecom systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of 5G architecture (NG-RAN, 5G Core), transport networks and end-to-end connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain end-to-end network architecture across satellite, ground, transport, 5G and service domains.
• Define functional allocations and interactions between UE, gNB, 5G Core, transport, satellite payload and ground segment.
• Develop architecture solutions for terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G deployments.
• Coordinate activities across internal teams, suppliers and external partners.
• Review supplier designs for alignment with end-to-end architecture.
• Support verification activities, simulations, integration and system testing.

Skills

5G system architecture

End-to-end network architecture

IP networking & routing

QoS & traffic engineering

NG-RAN & 5G Core

Satellite-ground integration

Supplier coordination

English communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in telecommunications / EE / CS

Tools

Capella

Jama

Jira

Confluence

Job description

IRIS2 End-to-End Network Architect

Country/Region: FR

Connect with Eutelsat

Be part of a new era in communications, transforming connectivity with Eutelsat – the world’s first GEO-LEO integrated global satellite operator.

As a leader in satellite communications, we provide global connectivity solutions - connecting businesses, communities, and governments around the world. We can connect you at on land, at sea and in the air. We also deliver broadcast television channels and packages, transmitting vital news reports around the world.

With Eutelsat You’ll Get To:

Pioneer the future of Space Technology

Bring connectivity to remote frontiers

Collaborate with customer-centric experts

Embrace cultural diversity in our global team

In a dynamic industry where passion drives our teams to make a difference to become the most trusted partner for global satellite connectivity, you will elevate your skills in a stretching, rewarding, and meaningful environment. At Eutelsat, we’re united by inclusion and diversity, striving for gender balance and social responsibility, on Earth and in Space.

Why Eutelsat ?

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: With colleagues from over 75 countries, we embrace our global DNA and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are proud that one-third of our executive team and 60% of our board are represented by women.

Ways of Working That Drive Us: As "One Team," we work collaboratively towards shared goals, with customer-centricity, respect, and inclusivity as our guiding principles.

Sustainability at Our Core: At Eutelsat, sustainability is more than just a word; it’s woven into our strategy. We’re dedicated to balancing social, environmental, and economic growth — both on Earth and in space.

Work-Life Balance: We offer flexible schedules and hybrid work options to help you balance your personal and professional life. At Eutelsat, we are committed to supporting your well-being and ensuring you have the flexibility you need to succeed both at work and at home.

Role Overview

Eutelsat is seeking an experienced End-to-End Network Architect to lead the definition and coordination of the network architecture for next-generation satellite communication systems integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G networks.

The role focuses on developing and maintaining the end-to‑end network architecture across the space, ground, transport, 5G and service domains. Its scope includes network topology, functional allocation, control‑plane and user‑plane connectivity, routing and forwarding, packet transport, protocol stacks, QoS, resilience and service continuity.

You will work across system architecture, satellite payload, ground segment, NG-RAN, 5G Core, security, operations and verification teams. You will also provide technical direction to suppliers and partners, ensuring that detailed designs remain consistent with the agreed end‑to‑end architecture.

This is a senior architecture role within the System Architecture team, working collaboratively with other architects to coordinate cross‑domain activities and resolve complex issues spanning multiple system components and engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the end-to‑end network architecture and 5G System architecture across the satellite, ground, transport, and service domains.
• Define the functional allocation and interactions between the UE, gNB, 5G Core, transport network, satellite payload, and ground segment.
• Develop architecture solutions for terrestrial and non‑terrestrial 5G deployments.
• Establish network architecture principles, functional allocations, interface definitions, and design constraints.
• Evaluate and select appropriate networking technologies and mechanisms, including:
• Evaluate and select suitable technologies and protocols, including:
• IPv4 and IPv6;
• Ethernet and VLAN‑based transport;
• MPLS, MPLS‑TP, and Segment Routing;
• IS‑IS, BGP, and related routing protocols;
• QoS, traffic engineering, redundancy, convergence and resilience mechanisms.
• Define the network protocol stacks and associated requirements for the relevant system components and interfaces.
• Analyse network performance, scalability, routing convergence, availability, resilience, and service continuity.
• Define end‑to‑end performance KPIs, measurement points and performance budgets, and ensure their allocation across the relevant system domains.
• Perform and document architecture trade‑offs covering routing, mobility, traffic distribution, functional placement, redundancy, and failure recovery.
• Coordinate technical activities across internal teams, suppliers, and external partners.
• Review supplier designs and assess their alignment with the end‑to‑end architecture and applicable system requirements.
• Contribute to system requirements, architecture specifications, interface documents, and design justification files.
• Support verification activities, network simulations, demonstrations, integration, and system level testing.
• Identify technical risks, architectural gaps, and cross‑domain dependencies, and drive them to resolution.

Required Experience

• 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in 5G system architecture, network architecture, telecommunications systems engineering, or a related field.
• A master’s degree or PhD in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of the 5G System architecture, including NG‑RAN, the 5G Core, transport networks and end‑to‑end control‑plane and user‑plane connectivity.
• Experience with key 5G functions and components, including the gNB, AMF, SMF, UPF, and UDM.
• Strong experience analysing protocol stacks and interface behaviour across key 5G interfaces, including Uu, F1, E1, Xn, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6 and service‑based interfaces, using protocols such as RRC, NAS, NGAP, F1AP, E1AP, XnAP, SCTP, GTP‑U, PFCP and HTTP/2.
• Knowledge of key 5G procedures, including registration, PDU Session establishment, mobility, handover, and session continuity.
• Strong experience in IP networking, routing protocols, and packet‑transport technologies.
• Experience designing complex end‑to‑end networks spanning multiple technical and operational domains.
• Experience defining system requirements, protocol stacks, architecture specifications, and interface definitions.
• Ability to perform, document, and communicate end‑to‑end architecture analyses and technical trade‑offs.
• Good understanding of network resilience, routing convergence, QoS, traffic engineering, and network security.
• Experience coordinating technical work across multidisciplinary teams and suppliers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience with satellite communication systems, non‑terrestrial networks or LEO, MEO or GEO satellite constellations.
• Understanding of 3GPP NTN architecture, satellite mobility and service‑continuity scenarios.
• Experience with transparent or regenerative satellite architectures, onboard processing, inter‑satellite links or feeder‑link networks.
• Knowledge of LTE/EPC architecture and interworking or migration between 4G and 5G systems.
• Experience with technologies such as MPLS‑TP, SR‑MPLS, TI‑LFA, BFD, EVPN or software‑defined networking.
• Experience using network modelling, simulation, traffic analysis or automation tools.
• Familiarity with systems‑engineering methodologies and tools such as Capella, Jama, Jira or Confluence.

Candidate Profile

You combine strong technical depth with an end‑to‑end architectural perspective. You are comfortable working at both system and protocol level and can translate service and operational needs into a coherent and implementable network architecture.

You can challenge proposed solutions constructively, distinguish architectural constraints from implementation preferences, and explain complex technical decisions to both specialist and non‑specialist stakeholders.

You are able to lead technical discussions across organisational and domain boundaries, reconcile conflicting requirements and drive alignment across internal teams, customers, partners and suppliers.

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