Lead Network Architect

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Car allowance

Technology stipend

Premium medical aid

Retirement annuity

Generous leave provisions

Budget for professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking an experienced Lead Network Architect in Rustenburg to design and oversee scalable, secure network infrastructures that support current and future business needs. This senior role requires deep technical expertise and strong strategic vision.

You will lead architecture strategy, evaluate technologies, mentor teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into robust network solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale enterprise and service provider networks.
• Deep knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, SDN, and NFV.
• Expertise in network security architecture, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and access control.
• Experience with cloud networking solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant advanced certifications (CCIE, JNCIE) are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall network architecture vision and strategy.
• Design complex network solutions, including routing, switching, security, and cloud connectivity.
• Evaluate and select appropriate network technologies and vendors to meet business requirements.
• Lead the planning and execution of network infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to network engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Develop and enforce network design standards, policies, and best practices.
• Conduct performance analysis and capacity planning for the network infrastructure.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving security threats.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Network design

Education

Master's degree in Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering

CCIE

JNCIE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the telecommunications sector, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Network Architect to spearhead network design and strategy from Rustenburg, North West . This senior position is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and overseeing the implementation of highly available, scalable, and secure network infrastructures that support current and future business needs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of networking principles, coupled with strategic vision and leadership capabilities. You will be instrumental in defining the future of our client's network capabilities, driving innovation and ensuring robust connectivity across all operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the technological landscape of a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall network architecture vision and strategy.
• Design complex network solutions, including routing, switching, security, and cloud connectivity.
• Evaluate and select appropriate network technologies and vendors to meet business requirements.
• Lead the planning and execution of network infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to network engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Develop and enforce network design standards, policies, and best practices.
• Conduct performance analysis and capacity planning for the network infrastructure.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving security threats.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale enterprise and service provider networks.
• Deep knowledge of routing protocols ("e.g., BGP, OSPF, IS-IS"), MPLS, SDN, and NFV.
• Expertise in network security architecture, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and access control.
• Experience with cloud networking solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Relevant advanced certifications ("e.g., CCIE, JNCIE") are mandatory.

Benefits

• This executive role offers a highly competitive salary package, including R per annum, executive bonuses, and a comprehensive suite of benefits.
• These include premium medical aid, a generous retirement annuity, and extensive leave provisions.
• Our client is committed to employee growth, providing substantial budgets for professional development, conferences, and advanced training.
• The position offers the flexibility of remote work, allowing for a strong work-life balance.
• You will be part of an innovative culture that encourages groundbreaking ideas and offers significant opportunities for career advancement within the telecoms industry.
• Additional perks include a car allowance and a technology stipend.