Principal Network Architect - Broadband

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Fully remote

Home office allowance

Career impact

Cutting-edge tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Network Architect to lead the design and evolution of broadband network infrastructure in a fully remote role. You will guide architectural direction, mentor engineers, and drive initiatives across East London, Eastern Cape and nationwide connectivity.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in network architecture, deep routing protocol expertise (BGP/IS-IS), and experience with PON, DOCSIS, 5G FWA, as well as virtualization and CNFs.

Qualifications

• Master's/PhD in EE/CS or related field or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years in network architecture and design for broadband/IP networks.
• Expert-level knowledge of BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, SR, TE.
• In-depth access network tech: PON, DOCSIS, 5G FWA.
• Experience with virtualization, SDN, NFV, CNFs.
• Proven ability to architect carrier-grade networks.
• Remote-work experience is valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic network architecture roadmap for broadband services.
• Design scalable, resilient, high-performance network solutions (core, access, transport).
• Evaluate new tech, standards, vendor solutions for capabilities.
• Lead architectural reviews and guidance to engineering/ops teams.
• Define network security principles and integrate them into architecture.
• Develop capacity planning models and performance metrics.
• Create architectural diagrams, specs, and implementation guidelines.
• Collaborate with product/business to align architecture with requirements.

Skills

BGP/IS-IS routing

MPLS & TE

SDN/NFV

CNF / cloud-native

Carrier-grade design

Leadership & mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in EE/CS or related

Tools

Network virtualization

Cloud-native networks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary leader in expanding broadband connectivity, is seeking a Principal Network Architect to drive the design and evolution of their network infrastructure. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to leverage your expertise from anywhere while contributing to critical projects that impact East London, Eastern Cape, and national connectivity. You will be responsible for defining the strategic direction of our client's network architecture, focusing on scalability, performance, and efficiency for broadband services. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to architect complex, large-scale networks. This role is crucial for ensuring our client remains at the forefront of telecommunications technology and service delivery. You will lead architectural initiatives, mentor other engineers, and make key technology decisions that will shape the network for years to come. Your work will directly support the growth and reliability of broadband services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the long-term strategic network architecture roadmap for broadband services.
• Design and document scalable, resilient, and high-performance network solutions, including IP core, access, and transport networks.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, standards, and vendor solutions to enhance network capabilities.
• Lead architectural reviews and provide technical guidance to engineering and operations teams.
• Define network security principles and ensure their integration into the overall architecture.
• Develop capacity planning models and performance metrics for the broadband network.
• Create detailed architectural diagrams, specifications, and implementation guidelines.
• Collaborate with product management and business stakeholders to align network architecture with service requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in network architecture and design, with a strong focus on broadband and IP networking.
• Expert-level knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, IS-IS), MPLS, segment routing, and traffic engineering.
• Deep understanding of access network technologies (e.g., PON, DOCSIS, 5G Fixed Wireless Access).
• Experience with network virtualization, SDN, NFV, and cloud-native network functions (CNFs).
• Proven ability to architect complex, carrier-grade networks.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience working in a fully remote capacity is highly valued.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Fully remote position with flexibility in working hours.
• Allowance for home office setup and connectivity.
• Significant opportunities for professional impact and thought leadership.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and complex challenges.
• Lead the architectural vision for broadband services impacting East London and the nation.