Principal Network Architect

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement planning

Professional development resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Network Architect to define the architectural vision for a next‑gen network infrastructure in a fully remote role. You will drive performance, scalability, and service innovation while leading strategic initiatives from anywhere in the world, collaborating with a global team of engineers and strategists.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in carrier-grade networks, deep IP networking expertise, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field.
• 12+ years in network architecture and design for large-scale networks.
• Proven expertise in IP routing, BGP/OSPF, MPLS, SDN/NFV, and cloud networking.
• Experience with 5G, cloud platforms, and security best practices.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the long-term architectural roadmap for core network infrastructure.
• Lead design of high-availability, high-performance, scalable network solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities for strategic adoption.
• Define network standards, governance, and best practices.
• Mentor engineering teams and align architecture with business goals.
• Collaborate with product, operations, and business units to drive strategy.
• Architect solutions for new services ensuring seamless integration and performance.
• Represent architectural vision in industry forums and technical discussions.
• Lead PoC initiatives for new network technologies and architectures.

Skills

IP networking,BGP,OSPF

SDN,NFV

5G, Cloud networking

Leadership, strategy

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in EE/CS/Telecommunications

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in telecommunications innovation, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Network Architect to join their esteemed, fully remote team. This is a senior strategic role responsible for defining and driving the architectural vision for our next-generation network infrastructure, enabling unprecedented levels of performance, scalability, and service innovation. You will be instrumental in shaping the future landscape of telecommunications, working on projects that push the boundaries of technology. As a remote-first position, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, collaborating with a world-class team of engineers and strategists dedicated to excellence in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. We are seeking a visionary leader with extensive experience in designing and architecting complex, large-scale networks, and a passion for transformative technology. This opportunity offers significant impact and career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the long-term architectural roadmap for the company's core network infrastructure.


• Lead the design and evolution of high-availability, high-performance, and scalable network solutions.


• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends, identifying opportunities for strategic adoption.


• Define network standards, best practices, and governance frameworks.


• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across the organization.


• Collaborate with product management, operations, and business units to align network architecture with strategic objectives.


• Architect solutions for new services and capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.


• Represent the company's architectural vision in industry forums and technical discussions.


• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure adherence to design principles.


• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for new network technologies and architectures.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.


• 12+ years of progressive experience in network architecture and design, with a significant focus on large-scale carrier-grade or service provider networks.


• Deep expertise in IP networking, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, SDN, and NFV.


• Proven experience architecting and deploying complex solutions involving technologies such as 5G, cloud networking, and advanced transport systems.


• Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices.


• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.


• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus.


• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration.


• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their networking implications.


• Ability to work autonomously and lead initiatives in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including significant bonus potential, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement planning, and extensive professional development resources. This fully remote role provides unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work on industry-defining projects from anywhere, conceptually linked to East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. Join a company that is at the forefront of telecommunications innovation and values the contributions of its senior technical leaders.