Remote 5G Network Architect

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Performance bonus

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary remote 5G Network Architect to lead the design and evolution of next‑generation telecom infrastructure from anywhere in South Africa. You will shape the 5G core and RAN architectures, drive NFV/SDN strategies, and deliver cloud‑native, scalable solutions that meet future speed and capacity demands.

Collaborating with global teams, you will translate complex requirements into practical designs, mentor engineers, and stay ahead of 3GPP standards and MEC trends.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years telecom network design/architecture with 5+ years in 5G.
• Deep knowledge of 5G core (AMF/SMF/UPF/NRF), RAN (gNB) and transport networks.
• Experience with NFV/SDN platforms like OpenStack or Kubernetes.
• Cloud-native architectures and containerization expertise.
• Familiarity with network slicing, edge computing, and MEC.
• Strong IP routing and security understanding.
• Proven remote leadership of complex architectural initiatives.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain architecture for 5G core and RAN networks.
• Design solutions for NFV/SDN, virtualization, and cloud-native platforms.
• Evaluate technologies and vendors for 5G deployments.
• Create high-level and low-level design documents for network components.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for implementation and integration of features.
• Define strategies for network automation, orchestration, and management.
• Perform performance analysis and capacity planning for 5G services.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and architects.
• Stay current with 3GPP standards and industry trends.

Skills

5G architecture

NFV/SDN

Cloud-native

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Telecommunications or related field

Tools

OpenStack

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in telecommunications innovation, is seeking a visionary Remote 5G Network Architect to spearhead the design and evolution of their next‑generation network infrastructure. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be at the forefront of developing robust, scalable, and highly efficient 5G solutions that will redefine connectivity. This role demands a deep understanding of 5G architecture, virtualization technologies, and cloud-native principles. You will collaborate with global teams, influencing the strategic direction of our client's network roadmap and ensuring it meets future demands for speed, latency, and capacity. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned architect to make a significant impact on the future of mobile communication, working in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment, from the comfort of your own home office. We are looking for someone who can translate complex technical requirements into elegant and practical network designs that drive business value and enhance user experience across the board.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall architecture for 5G core and RAN networks.
• Design and specify solutions for network virtualization (NFV) and software‑defined networking (SDN).
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and vendors for 5G deployments.
• Create high‑level and low‑level design documents for network components.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure successful implementation and integration of new network features.
• Define strategies for network automation, orchestration, and management.
• Conduct performance analysis and capacity planning for 5G services.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to network engineers and architects.
• Stay current with 3GPP standards, emerging technologies, and industry trends in 5G and beyond.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications network design and architecture, with at least 5 years focused on 5G technologies.
• In‑depth knowledge of 5G core network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF), RAN (gNB), and transport networks.
• Strong experience with NFV/SDN concepts and platforms (e.g., OpenStack, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in cloud‑native architectures and containerization technologies.
• Familiarity with network slicing, edge computing, and MEC.
• Excellent understanding of IP routing protocols and network security principles.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex architectural initiatives in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a generous performance bonus, and a substantial retirement savings plan. Our client believes in empowering their remote workforce with the tools and support needed to succeed.

You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking 5G projects with a global impact, access to continuous learning and development programs, and the flexibility to manage your work schedule effectively.

We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring a fulfilling career path for our remote employees.

Join our client and be part of shaping the future of telecommunications from wherever you are.