Principal Telecoms Systems Architect (Remote)

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Health benefits

Home office allowance

Flexible working hours

Learning & development programs

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Telecoms Systems Architect to define and evolve the strategic technical direction for telecom systems in a remote-first, globally distributed team. You will lead the design of scalable, secure architectures from 5G core to cloud-native components, and guide engineers, product managers, and operations across time zones.

You will mentor architects and engineers, drive architectural standards, and evaluate emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field.
• 12+ years in telecommunications system architecture with focus on network design and evolution.
• Deep knowledge of 5G Core, IMS, NFV/SDN, and cloud-native architectures.
• Strong expertise in IP networking, security and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the architectural roadmap for core telecom systems and platforms.
• Lead design of highly available, scalable, and secure network architectures.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and propose integration into architecture.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate designs into implementations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across the organization.
• Develop and maintain architectural standards, guidelines, and patterns.
• Identify architectural risks and dependencies and mitigate them.
• Communicate architectural vision to stakeholders at all levels.
• Oversee PoC initiatives and technology assessments.
• Contribute to capacity planning and performance optimization.

Skills

Leadership & mentorship

Strategic thinking

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Eng., CS, or Telecommunications

PhD in a related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

NFV/SDN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovative telecommunications solutions, is seeking an exceptional Principal Telecoms Systems Architect to join their globally distributed, fully remote team. This is a senior-level position responsible for defining and evolving the strategic technical direction for our client's core telecommunications systems. You will play a crucial role in designing highly scalable, resilient, and efficient network architectures that will power future communication services. As a remote-first role, you will collaborate extensively with engineering leaders, product managers, and operational teams across different time zones, utilizing advanced digital collaboration platforms. We are looking for a visionary thinker with a deep and broad understanding of telecommunications technologies, from 5G infrastructure to cloud-native network functions. Your expertise will guide the development of next-generation systems, ensuring they meet the demanding requirements of performance, security, and adaptability. This is a unique opportunity to influence the technological roadmap of a major player in the industry, working from the convenience of your home office in South Africa. Your architectural leadership will be pivotal in maintaining our client's competitive edge and driving technological innovation. We encourage candidates with a passion for complex problem-solving and a history of delivering impactful system designs to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the architectural roadmap for the company's core telecommunications systems and platforms.
• Lead the design of highly available, scalable, and secure network architectures.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and propose their integration into the existing or future architecture.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure architectural designs are translated into effective implementations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to architects and engineers across the organization.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including standards, guidelines, and patterns.
• Identify and mitigate architectural risks and dependencies.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels to communicate architectural vision and strategies.
• Oversee proof-of-concept initiatives and technology assessments.
• Contribute to capacity planning and performance optimization strategies for critical systems.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Over 12 years of experience in telecommunications system architecture, with a significant focus on network design and evolution.
• In-depth knowledge of 5G Core, IMS, network virtualization (NFV/SDN), and cloud-native architectures (Kubernetes, Docker).
• Expertise in IP networking protocols, routing, and security.
• Proven experience in designing large-scale, distributed telecommunications systems.
• Strong understanding of service-based architecture principles.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, capable of influencing senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor teams in a remote setting.
• Experience with system performance modeling and optimization.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance bonuses, and equity options. This fully remote position comes with comprehensive health benefits, a generous home office allowance, and significant flexibility in working hours. We provide continuous learning opportunities through advanced training programs, conference attendance, and support for further academic pursuits. As a Principal Architect, you will be at the forefront of technological innovation, working on challenging projects that shape the future of the industry. The collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work environment in South Africa is designed to foster creativity and high performance. Opportunities for career advancement into principal engineering and leadership roles are abundant, making this an ideal long-term career move.