Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer - Remote

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & wellness benefits

Flexible remote work

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer for a remote-first tech firm focusing on secure global connectivity. You will architect, deploy, and manage scalable networks across data centers and cloud environments, guiding a senior team toward high availability, security, and performance.

This is a remote role offering autonomy and strategic influence in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in network engineering with lead/senior architect roles.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/IT; Master's preferred.
• Experience with routing, switching, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Cloud networking in AWS/Azure/GCP.
• Certifications such as CCNP/CCIE or cloud networking desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain high-availability networks across data centers.
• Lead and mentor network engineers.
• Develop and enforce network security policies.
• Oversee monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolution of network issues.
• Architect and deploy on-prem and cloud networks (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Collaborate with DevOps, Security, and Systems teams.
• Maintain network documentation and runbooks.
• Manage vendor relationships and third-party solutions.
• Participate in on-call rotations.

Skills

BGP & OSPF

Cloud networking (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Python / Ansible (automation)

Leadership of remote team

Network security mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Master's degree preferred

Tools

F5 Load Balancers

Palo Alto / Fortinet Firewalls

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology firm specializing in secure global connectivity solutions, is looking for an experienced and visionary Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer to join their entirely remote workforce. This senior role is responsible for the architecture, deployment, and management of our client's robust and scalable network infrastructure across multiple data centers and cloud environments. You will lead a team of talented network engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and strategic direction to ensure the highest levels of network performance, reliability, and security. As a remote-first company, we empower our engineers with the tools and autonomy to innovate and deliver exceptional results from anywhere. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of modern networking technologies, capable of driving complex projects from conception through to implementation. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of our client's network infrastructure and make a significant impact in a dynamic, collaborative, and remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain complex, high-availability network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and data center networks.


• Lead and mentor a team of network engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.


• Develop and enforce network security policies and procedures to protect critical assets.


• Oversee the monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolution of network performance issues and outages.


• Architect and deploy network solutions utilizing both on-premises hardware and leading cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).


• Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies and solutions to enhance scalability, performance, and cost-efficiency.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DevOps, Security, Systems Administration) to ensure seamless integration of network services.


• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, diagrams, and operational runbooks.


• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate third-party network solutions.


• Participate in on-call rotation for urgent network incident response.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior architect role.


• Extensive hands-on experience with routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet), and load balancers (F5).


• Deep understanding of cloud networking concepts within AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.


• Proficiency with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible).


• Experience managing large-scale enterprise networks and distributed systems.


• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.


• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a remote team.


• Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or cloud networking specializations are highly desirable.


• Must have a reliable high-speed internet connection and a dedicated, productive remote workspace.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees benefit from flexible remote working arrangements, generous paid time off, and access to cutting‑edge networking technologies. This role provides the autonomy to drive innovation, influence strategic decisions, and contribute to the success of a fast‑paced, technology‑driven organization. Join a company that values your expertise and commitment, offering a challenging yet rewarding career in the global network infrastructure space.