Lead IP Network Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical aid and wellness

Performance-based bonuses

Pension fund with employer hrel?age

Career advancement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead IP Network Specialist to drive the strategy, architecture and deployment of the core IP network. You will lead a team of engineers, shape network design, and collaborate with vendors to ensure robust, scalable connectivity.

Ideal candidate has 8+ years in IP networking within service provider environments, strong expertise in BGP/OSPF, MPLS, Segment Routing, and SDN/NFV, plus scripting with Python or Ansible.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in IP network engineering and architecture in a service provider environment.
• Proven expertise in IP routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, LDP, RSVP-TE, Segment Routing.
• Strong understanding of NFV and SDN concepts.
• Experience with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for the company's IP network architecture, ensuring alignment with business goals and future growth.
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex IP networks, including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, segment routing, and traffic engineering.
• Oversee the deployment and management of core network devices, such as routers, switches, and peering infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the IP network engineering team, fostering skill development and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-priority network issues, conducting in-depth root cause analysis and implementing permanent solutions.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and partners, evaluating new technologies and solutions.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained across all network segments.
• Develop and maintain network capacity planning models to anticipate future demands and resource requirements.
• Contribute to the definition of network operational procedures and standards.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

Segment Routing

NFV

SDN

Python

Ansible

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related

Tools

Python

Ansible

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the telecoms sector based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking an accomplished Lead IP Network Specialist. This senior-level position is central to the strategic planning, architecture, and deployment of our client's core IP network infrastructure. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our network, ensuring it is robust, scalable, and capable of supporting an ever-increasing demand for high-speed data and communication services. The role demands a visionary leader with profound expertise in IP networking, service provider technologies, and network optimization. You will lead a team of skilled network professionals, driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence. As a key member of the engineering leadership, you will collaborate closely with other departments to align network strategy with business objectives. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the technological advancement of telecommunications in Cape Town and to steer critical projects within a leading organisation. This role is office-based, fostering strong team cohesion and direct collaboration within our Cape Town headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for the company's IP network architecture, ensuring alignment with business goals and future growth.
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex IP networks, including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, segment routing, and traffic engineering.
• Oversee the deployment and management of core network devices, such as routers, switches, and peering infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the IP network engineering team, fostering skill development and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-priority network issues, conducting in-depth root cause analysis and implementing permanent solutions.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and partners, evaluating new technologies and solutions.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained across all network segments.
• Develop and maintain network capacity planning models to anticipate future demands and resource requirements.
• Contribute to the definition of network operational procedures and standards.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in IP network engineering and architecture, specifically within a service provider environment.
• Proven expertise in IP routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, LDP, RSVP-TE, Segment Routing.
• Strong understanding of network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) concepts.
• Experience with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and presentation abilities, capable of engaging with technical and executive audiences.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCIE Service Provider, JNCIE-SP) are highly preferred.
• Familiarity with submarine cable systems and international connectivity is a plus.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary package of ZAR.
• Comprehensive medical aid and wellness programs.
• Generous performance-based bonuses.
• Pension fund with employer contributions.
• Extensive opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.
• Access to state-of-the-art networking infrastructure.
• A dynamic and forward-thinking work culture in beautiful Cape Town .
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.