Principal Telecom Solutions Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health and wellness programs

Relocation assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Industry recognition opportunities

Growth and leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Telecom Solutions Architect in Cape Town to lead architectural initiatives for next‑generation telecom solutions. Translate high‑level requirements into detailed designs for wireless, wireline and cloud networks, ensuring scalability, security and cost efficiency while guiding cross‑functional teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree or PhD, 10+ years in telecom architecture, and deep experience across 5G, LTE, IP/MPLS, SDN/NFV and cloud platforms (AWS,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• 10+ years of telecom architecture and design experience.
• Deep expertise in 5G, LTE, optical networks, IP/MPLS, SDN/NFV and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and document architecture for new telecom services and platforms.
• Evaluate technologies to identify opportunities for enhancements and innovation.
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, and operations for alignment.
• Develop POC implementations and validate architectural choices.
• Create technical specifications, blueprints, and standards for network solutions.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Present proposals to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure designs meet security, compliance, and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot cross-domain technical issues impacting network delivery.

Skills

5G & LTE knowledge

Optical networks

IP/MPLS

Cloud networking (AWS, Azure)

SDN/NFV

Network security principles

Technical leadership

Architectural reviews

Stakeholder influence

Presentation & communication

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the telecommunications industry, is seeking a distinguished Principal Telecom Solutions Architect to lead architectural initiatives from their Cape Town hub. This senior position is critical for envisioning, designing, and guiding the implementation of next-generation telecommunications solutions that meet complex business needs and drive innovation. You will be responsible for translating high-level requirements into detailed technical designs, ensuring interoperability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness across diverse network environments. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical acumen combined with strategic thinking and exceptional leadership qualities, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels. This role is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the technological roadmap of a major telecommunications player in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the architecture for new telecommunications services and platforms, encompassing wireless, wireline, and cloud-based solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for architectural enhancements and innovation.
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, and operations teams to ensure alignment on strategic direction and technical feasibility.
• Develop proof-of-concept (POC) implementations and conduct technical assessments to validate architectural choices.
• Create detailed technical specifications, blueprints, and standards for network solutions.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Present architectural proposals and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Ensure that architectural designs adhere to security, compliance, and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex, cross-domain technical issues impacting the network and service delivery.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications architecture and design, with a strong background in network engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of 5G, LTE, optical networks, IP/MPLS, cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure), and SDN/NFV.
• Proven ability to design end-to-end solutions for complex telecommunications systems.
• Expertise in network security principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in leading architectural reviews and driving consensus among diverse technical groups.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including presentation abilities.
• Experience working in the South African telecommunications market is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health and wellness programs.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable.
• Significant opportunities for industry recognition and professional growth.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• A direct impact on the future of telecommunications technology.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development initiatives.