Chief Telecoms Systems Architect

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Telecoms Systems Architect in Vereeniging, Gauteng. Lead the design and evolution of the full network architecture, guiding core networks to edge computing with a focus on scalability, resilience, and innovation.

You will direct architecture strategy across technologies, collaborate with executives, and mentor engineering teams to deliver high-availability telecom solutions that align with business goals and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall telecommunications systems architecture roadmap for the organization.
• Lead the design and evolution of core network infrastructure, service platforms, and enabling technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry standards, assessing their applicability and potential impact.
• Develop architectural principles, guidelines, and best practices for system design and implementation.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to architecture and engineering teams across various domains.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, product management, and operations to align architectural strategy with business goals.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed architectures.
• Oversee the review and approval of major architectural designs and technology selections.
• Drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the architecture function.
• Represent the company's technical vision at industry forums and conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

C-level engagement

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

IP networking

MPLS

SDN/NFV

Edge computing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent telecommunications conglomerate, is seeking an visionary Chief Telecoms Systems Architect to lead the design and evolution of their entire network architecture, with oversight impacting operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining the strategic direction of the company's telecommunications systems, ensuring scalability, resilience, and innovation. You will guide architectural decisions across a wide range of technologies, from core networks to edge computing and emerging solutions. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in complex network architectures, a deep understanding of industry trends, and exceptional leadership qualities to inspire and direct architectural teams. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of telecommunications infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall telecommunications systems architecture roadmap for the organization.
• Lead the design and evolution of core network infrastructure, service platforms, and enabling technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry standards, assessing their applicability and potential impact.
• Develop architectural principles, guidelines, and best practices for system design and implementation.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to architecture and engineering teams across various domains.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, product management, and operations to align architectural strategy with business goals.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed architectures.
• Oversee the review and approval of major architectural designs and technology selections.
• Drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the architecture function.
• Represent the company's technical vision at industry forums and conferences.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications systems design and architecture, with at least 5 years in a senior architect or principal engineering role.
• Deep expertise in network architectures, including IP networking, MPLS, SDN/NFV, cloud-native principles, and wireless technologies (4G/5G).
• Proven experience in designing large-scale, high-availability telecommunications networks.
• Strong understanding of service orchestration, network function virtualization, and edge computing.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging with technical teams and C-level executives.
• Experience in developing and implementing architectural governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with automation and AI/ML applications in network management and operations is a plus.
• Ability to provide strategic direction for operations relevant to Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant bonus potential, stock options, and a comprehensive suite of premium benefits covering health, retirement, and executive perks.
• Hybrid work model provides flexibility, allowing for strategic planning and collaboration remotely, while requiring presence for key decision‑making and team leadership in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Join a prestigious organization renowned for its commitment to excellence and employee empowerment.