Principal Telecoms Solutions Architect

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Private medical insurance

Generous pension scheme

Performance bonuses

Hybrid role with Pretoria office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Telecoms Solutions Architect for its Pretoria team. The hybrid role requires strategic design leadership, translating client requirements into scalable telecom architectures and guiding development teams.

You will work with cloud-native platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), 5G, IoT, and SDN/NFV, delivering topology, integrations, and architectural roadmaps while mentoring project teams and communicating complex concepts to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in telecommunications with 5+ years in solutions architecture or lead technical role.
• Deep understanding of mobile network architectures (2G/3G/4G/5G).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), virtualization (VMware) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in SDN/NFV concepts and implementation.
• Strong IP networking, routing, and security principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of end-to-end telecom solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with business and technical teams to define requirements and specifications.
• Develop high-level and detailed technical designs including topology, integrations, and technology selection.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship across the project lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Develop PoC initiatives to validate new technologies and architectures.
• Create and maintain architectural documentation and diagrams.

Skills

5G knowledge

Cloud platforms

VMware

Docker

Kubernetes

SDN/NFV

IP networking

OSS/BSS

Security principles

Technical leadership

Presentation/communication

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering/CS/Telecommunications

PhD in related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent innovator in the telecommunications industry, is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Principal Telecoms Solutions Architect to join their Pretoria-based team, operating on a hybrid model. This senior-level position is responsible for the conceptualization, design, and technical leadership of complex telecommunications solutions that meet evolving business needs. You will engage directly with clients and internal stakeholders to understand requirements, translate them into technical blueprints, and guide development teams. This role requires a visionary leader with extensive knowledge of current and emerging telecommunications technologies, including cloud-native architectures, 5G, IoT, and SDN/NFV. If you are passionate about shaping the future of telecommunications infrastructure and possess exceptional design and communication skills, this is an unparalleled opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of end-to-end telecommunications solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with business units and technical teams to define solution requirements and functional specifications.
• Develop high-level and detailed technical designs, including network topology, system integrations, and technology selection.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project teams throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Develop proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives to validate new technologies and architectural approaches.
• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including diagrams, specifications, and white papers.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on telecommunications technologies and architectures for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure architectural designs align with enterprise standards, policies, and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps for the organization's telecommunications services.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications, with at least 5 years in a solutions architecture or lead technical role.
• Deep understanding of mobile network architectures (2G/3G/4G/5G), core network functions, and RAN.
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), virtualization (VMware), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in SDN/NFV concepts and implementation.
• Experience with IP networking, routing protocols, and security principles.
• Familiarity with OSS/BSS systems and integration strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to influence and lead technical decision-making.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary and comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a generous pension scheme, and substantial performance bonuses.
• This hybrid role offers a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration in Pretoria, Gauteng .
• We provide extensive opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training programs, industry conferences, and leadership development initiatives.
• You will work with a talented and diverse team on cutting-edge projects that are shaping the future of connectivity.
• Join a company that invests in its people and fosters an environment of innovation and excellence.