Lead 5G Network Solutions Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Lead 5G Network Solutions Architect to drive design and deployment of next-generation mobile networks. This senior position is fully remote, with the capability to influence core, transport and RAN architectures and partner with product, engineering, and business teams.

You will guide technology selection, promote cloud-native and SDN/NFV practices, mentor engineers, and communicate complex concepts to executives and technical staff, shaping the future

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• 7+ years in telecom network design and architecture
• At least 3 years focused on 5G technologies
• Strong knowledge of 3GPP, NFV/SDN, cloud-native, and Docker/Kubernetes
• Experience with IP networking, SOA, and API integration
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder influence

Responsibilities

• Architect 5G network designs across core, transport, and RAN
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and vendor solutions
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to translate requirements
• Define and document network strategies, standards, and best practices
• Mentor and lead a team of network engineers and architects
• Present complex concepts to executives and technical teams

Skills

5G network design

Technical leadership

NFV/SDN

Cloud-native architectures

Docker/Kubernetes

DevOps mindset

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering/Computer Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

NFV/SDN platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the telecommunications industry, is actively seeking an innovative and experienced Lead 5G Network Solutions Architect to spearhead the development and deployment of next-generation mobile network solutions. This pivotal role is based in the scenic **Cape Town, Western Cape**, and offers a fully remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for architecting robust and scalable 5G network solutions that meet evolving customer demands and drive business growth. The successful candidate will possess a visionary outlook on future network technologies and a proven track record in designing complex, high-availability systems.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and articulate comprehensive architectural designs for 5G network infrastructure, encompassing core, transport, and radio access network (RAN) components. Lead the evaluation, selection, and integration of new technologies and vendor solutions to optimize 5G network performance and capabilities. Collaborate closely with product management, engineering teams, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into effective network architectures. Define and document network strategies, standards, and best practices for 5G deployment and operation. Conduct technical feasibility studies and provide expert guidance on network design decisions. Mentor and guide a team of network engineers and architects, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Present complex technical concepts and solutions to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and technical teams.

Requirements

Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture, with at least 3 years focused on 5G technologies. Deep understanding of 5G standards (3GPP), network virtualization (NFV/SDN), cloud-native principles, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes). Expertise in IP networking, service-oriented architectures (SOA), and API integration. Proven experience with designing and deploying large-scale mobile networks. Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive consensus. Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines within a network context is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote position comes with an exceptionally competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority and impact of the role. Our client provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including private healthcare, a substantial retirement annuity, generous performance incentives, and ongoing professional development opportunities. You will have the autonomy to manage your workday from **Cape Town, Western Cape** or any preferred location, contributing to a culture that values innovation, expertise, and work-life balance. This role offers a unique chance to shape the future of mobile connectivity from the ground up.