Principal Network Architect

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Long-term incentives

Competitive base salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Network Architect in Sandton, Gauteng to define strategic direction for the company’s global network, including enterprise networks, data centres, and cloud connectivity. You will lead complex design initiatives and mentor engineers.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture, with CCDE/CCIE desirable, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering scalable, secure networks across WAN/LAN and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive network engineering and architecture experience.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor engineers.
• Expertise in designing large-scale networks (WAN/LAN/DC) and cloud integration.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Segment Routing, SD-WAN.
• Deep understanding of network security principles and zero-trust.
• Experience with network automation and programmability.
• Certifications such as CCDE/CCIE are desirable.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Experience in data centre networking and cloud connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall network architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Design and oversee scalable network solutions across WAN, LAN, DC, and Cloud.
• Lead evaluation and selection of new network technologies and vendor solutions.
• Provide architectural guidance to network engineering and operations teams.
• Define network security architecture and ensure policy compliance.
• Analyze performance metrics and optimize network performance.
• Create detailed design documents, both high-level and low-level.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to meet business needs.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers, promoting technical excellence.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and competitive landscape.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS, EE, telecommunications, or related field

Tools

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

Segment Routing

SD-WAN

Cloud networking (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, zero-trust)

Automation (Python, Ansible, REST APIs)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in telecommunications services, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Network Architect to join their prestigious technical team in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior role is responsible for defining the strategic direction and architectural roadmap for the company's vast network infrastructure, encompassing enterprise networks, data centres, and cloud connectivity. You will lead complex design initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure the network can support future business growth and emerging technologies. The ideal candidate is a recognized expert in network architecture, with a proven ability to tackle the most challenging technical problems and mentor other engineers. This is a career-defining opportunity for an individual passionate about shaping the future of telecommunications networking.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the overall network architecture strategy and roadmap, aligned with business objectives. Design and oversee the implementation of complex, resilient, and scalable network solutions across various environments (WAN, LAN, Data Centre, Cloud). Lead the evaluation and selection of new network technologies, protocols, and vendor solutions. Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance to network engineering and operations teams. Define network security architecture and ensure compliance with security policies and industry best practices. Analyze network performance metrics and identify areas for optimization and enhancement. Develop detailed network design documents, including high-level and low-level designs, configurations, and implementation plans. Collaborate with stakeholders across different departments to understand requirements and ensure network solutions meet business needs. Mentor junior architects and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence. Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape in network architecture.

Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture, with significant experience in a principal or lead architect role. Extensive expertise in designing and implementing large-scale, complex networks using technologies such as BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Segment Routing, SD-WAN, and Cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP). Deep understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and zero-trust architectures. Proven experience with network automation and programmability (e.g., Python, Ansible, REST APIs). Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and present to executive levels. Experience in data centre networking and cloud integration is essential. Relevant advanced certifications (e.g., CCDE, CCIE, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional) are highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and long-term incentives. Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits are provided. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity for strategic influence and technical leadership within the dynamic telecommunications sector in Sandton, Gauteng , with flexibility to balance office presence and remote work. Join a world-class organization at the forefront of technological innovation.