Lead Network Architect

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonuses

Fully remote work

Health, dental and vision coverage

Generous PTO

Professional development budget

Retirement plan

Access to latest networking tech

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Network Architect for a fully remote role with a major telecoms client. You will define strategic direction for scalable, secure network architectures and mentor engineers across functions worldwide.

You will evaluate new technologies, lead complex designs, and ensure resilience, performance and cost efficiency while staying aligned with business goals and industry trends.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture, with a significant focus on large-scale telecommunications networks.
• Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, MPLS, and VPNs.
• Familiarity with SDN/NFV and cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall network architecture strategy in line with business objectives.
• Design and document network solutions for large‑scale deployments including routing, switching, security and WANs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, operations and product management to ensure architectural integrity.
• Lead governance, standards and best practices for network design.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in CS/EE or related field

Tools

SDN/NFV

Cloud networking (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Network management tools

Job description

About the Role

This is a fully remote opportunity for a Lead Network Architect within a leading telecommunications company. Our client seeks a visionary and highly experienced architect to spearhead the design and evolution of its national and international network infrastructure. You will be responsible for defining the strategic direction of our network architecture, ensuring it is scalable, resilient, secure, and cost-effective to meet future business demands. This role requires a deep understanding of complex networking principles, emerging technologies, and the ability to translate business requirements into robust technical designs. Working remotely from anywhere in South Africa, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, guide engineering efforts, and provide technical leadership. This is a high-impact role for an expert in network architecture who thrives on tackling complex challenges and shaping the future of connectivity in the telecoms sector. We foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning, providing the tools and support for our remote employees to excel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall network architecture strategy, aligning with business objectives and technological advancements.
• Design and document network solutions for complex, large-scale deployments, including routing, switching, security, and WAN technologies.
• Evaluate and recommend new network technologies, protocols, and architectures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and product management to ensure architectural integrity.
• Define network standards, best practices, and governance policies.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network issues and architect solutions for resilience and scalability.
• Analyze network performance data and identify areas for optimization and improvement.
• Develop capacity planning models and ensure the network can support projected growth.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and competitive landscape in network architecture.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture, with a significant focus on large-scale telecommunications networks.
• Deep expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, MPLS, and VPNs.
• Proven experience designing and implementing resilient, highly available network infrastructures.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Familiarity with SDN/NFV, cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP), and modern network management tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and strong communication and presentation skills.
• Relevant advanced certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary package with executive-level bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and professional development budget.
• Opportunities to work on transformative projects shaping the future of telecommunications.
• A highly collaborative and innovative remote work culture.
• Retirement savings plan with significant company contributions.
• Access to the latest networking technologies and research.