Principal Telecoms Systems Architect (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonuses

Equity options

Remote-first with flexible hours

Home office allowance

Learning & conference opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Telecoms Systems Architect to lead architectural direction for core telecommunications platforms, with a remote-first approach across time zones.

You will design scalable, secure networks, guide NFV/SDN and cloud-native deployments (Kubernetes, Docker), and mentor architects and engineers while shaping strategic technology roadmaps for a global audience.

Qualifications

• 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, 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.

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.

Skills

5G Core

IMS

NFV/SDN

Cloud-native

Kubernetes

Docker

IP networking

Security

Distributed systems

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Telecommunications

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

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.

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.