Lead Telecommunications Solutions Architect

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Lead Telecommunications Solutions Architect to drive the strategic direction of our client's telecom infrastructure and services.

The role requires designing scalable, high-performance network solutions across mobile, fixed-line, and converged services, with a strong emphasis on cloud-native architectures, microservices, and industry standards. You will mentor teams and communicate architectural vision to executives and partners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture.
• Deep knowledge of 5G, LTE, IMS, VoIP, MPLS, and SDN/NFV.
• Experience architecting large-scale, carrier-grade networks.
• Strong cloud-native and microservices expertise in Telco contexts.
• Proven ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills; capable of articulating complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of complex telecommunications solutions across mobile, fixed-line, and converged services.
• Develop technology roadmaps and evaluate new platforms for strategic adoption.
• Collaborate with product, engineering and operations to align business needs with technical solutions.
• Define standards, best practices, and reference architectures for telecom systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and PoC initiatives for new offerings.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to engineering teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Engage with senior management and external partners to communicate architectural vision.
• Oversee integration and ensure scalability, reliability, and security of deployed solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Presentation

Mentorship

Architectural vision

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

TOGAF

Cloud-native platforms

Microservices

Service orchestration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent telecommunications innovator based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is actively seeking a visionary Lead Telecommunications Solutions Architect. This senior role is critical for defining and driving the strategic direction of our client's telecommunications infrastructure and service offerings. You will be responsible for designing robust, scalable, and high-performance network solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers and the market. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of current and emerging telecommunications technologies, coupled with a strong ability to translate business requirements into practical, innovative technical strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead architectural initiatives and significantly influence the technological roadmap of a key player in the South African telecom landscape. Join us in shaping the future of connectivity in Pietermaritzburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of complex telecommunications solutions, encompassing mobile, fixed-line, and converged services.
• Develop and maintain technology roadmaps, evaluating new technologies and platforms for strategic adoption.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and operations teams to ensure alignment between business needs and technical solutions.
• Define technical standards, best practices, and reference architectures for telecommunications systems.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies and proof-of-concept initiatives for new service offerings.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including senior management and external partners, to communicate architectural vision and strategies.
• Oversee the integration of various network components and systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Identify and mitigate architectural risks, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security of deployed solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Over 8 years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture.
• In-depth knowledge of 5G, LTE, IMS, VoIP, MPLS, and SDN/NFV technologies.
• Proven experience in architecting large-scale, carrier-grade network solutions.
• Strong understanding of cloud-native principles and microservices architecture in a telco context.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with service orchestration and management platforms.
• Familiarity with data analytics and AI/ML applications in telecommunications.
• Relevant certifications such as TOGAF are advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Dynamic and innovative work culture in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Exposure to cutting-edge telecommunications technologies and projects.
• Generous leave allowance and flexible working arrangements considered.