Senior Telecom Network Architect

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Telecom Network Architect to lead the design and evolution of a complex telecom network in East London, Eastern Cape. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote work, focusing on high-level designs, standards, and architectural guidance across fiber, wireless, and IP networks.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in telecom architecture, deep IP, MPLS, BGP/OSPF, and mobile network expertise (LTE/5G), with NFV/SDN and cloud networking experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years in telecom network design and architecture.
• Deep IP networking, MPLS, BGP/OSPF, switching, and security architectures.
• Strong LTE/5G and fixed-line network architectures.
• Experience with NFV, SDN, and cloud networking concepts.
• Proven ability to architect complex end-to-end network solutions.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with network modeling and simulation tools is a plus.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCDE, JNCIE-SP) are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall architecture for the telecommunications network, aligning with business strategy and tech progress.
• Design high-level network solutions for services and upgrades, considering scalability, security, and resilience.
• Define technical standards, policies, and best practices for network design and implementation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and vendors, making recommendations for adoption.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product management to translate requirements into architectural blueprints.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to network engineers and architects.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure designs meet standards and security requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex network design issues and provide solutions.
• Contribute to long-term network evolution planning and capacity management.
• Document architectural designs, decisions, and rationale clearly.

Skills

8+ years experience

IP networking & routing

LTE & 5G

NFV & SDN

Leadership & stakeholder mgmt

Architectural design & problem-solving

Documentation & mentoring

Certs: CCDE/JNCIE-SP

Education

Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering/CS or related

Tools

NFV

SDN

Network modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Telecom Network Architect to join their innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is instrumental in designing and evolving the company's complex network architecture to meet future demands for speed, capacity, and reliability. You will be responsible for developing high-level designs, defining technical standards, and providing architectural guidance for network infrastructure projects, including fiber, wireless, and IP networks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of telecommunications principles, extensive experience in network design, and a strategic mindset. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration in East London with the flexibility of remote work, offering a challenging yet rewarding career path in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall architecture for the telecommunications network, ensuring alignment with business strategy and technological advancements.
• Design high-level network solutions for new services and network upgrades, considering scalability, security, and resilience.
• Define technical standards, policies, and best practices for network design and implementation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and vendors, making recommendations for adoption.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product management teams to translate requirements into architectural blueprints.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to network engineers and architects.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure designs adhere to established standards and security requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex network design issues and provide solutions.
• Contribute to long-term network evolution planning and capacity management strategies.
• Document architectural designs, decisions, and rationale clearly and comprehensively.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture.
• Deep expertise in IP networking, MPLS, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching, and security architectures.
• Strong understanding of mobile network technologies (LTE, 5G) and fixed-line network architectures.
• Experience with network virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), and cloud networking concepts.
• Proven ability to architect complex, end-to-end network solutions.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with network modeling and simulation tools is a plus.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCDE, JNCIE-SP) are highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.

This hybrid role in East London provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading telecommunications company. Employees benefit from working with cutting-edge technologies, contributing to the design of resilient communication networks, and enjoying a supportive team environment focused on innovation.