Remote Lead Network Architect - 5G Infrastructure

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Fully remote work

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Conference access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Network Architect to spearhead design initiatives for 5G infrastructure. This fully remote role involves architecting scalable, secure network solutions for next-gen mobile services, guiding a global team from home.

You will define roadmaps, evaluate technologies like NFV, SDN, MEC, and collaborate with product and engineering to translate business needs into robust architectures.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a related field or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of network architecture experience focusing on mobile networks (3G/4G/5G).
• Deep knowledge of 5G core architecture (SA/NSA), RAN and transport design.
• Expertise in NFV, SDN, cloud-native approaches and containerization.
• Experience leading technical teams on large architectural projects.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of large-scale 5G/mobile networks (core, transport, RAN).
• Define roadmaps, evaluate NFV/SDN/MEC and guide adoption.
• Develop high- and low-level network designs with scalability and security.
• Collaborate with product, engineering and ops to translate requirements.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers to foster excellence.
• Perform capacity planning and performance assessments.

Skills

5G architecture

Network virtualization

NFV/SDN

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud-native

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Capacity planning

Education

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

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of telecommunications innovation, developing advanced 5G infrastructure , and is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Network Architect to spearhead their design initiatives. This crucial role, operating fully remotely and contributing to projects originating from Polokwane, Limpopo , involves architecting scalable, high-performance, and secure network solutions that underpin next-generation mobile services. You will lead a team of architects and engineers, defining technical roadmaps, evaluating new technologies, and ensuring the strategic alignment of network architecture with business objectives. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of mobile connectivity from the comfort of your home office, working with a global team committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the telecoms industry .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of large-scale 5G and future mobile networks , encompassing core, transport, and radio access network (RAN) components.
• Define strategic technology roadmaps, evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., NFV, SDN, MEC), and provide architectural guidance for their adoption.
• Develop high-level and low-level network designs, ensuring scalability, resilience, security, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, and operations teams to translate business requirements into robust network architectures.
• Mentor and guide junior network architects and engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Perform network capacity planning, performance analysis, and technology assessments to inform architectural decisions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of experience in network architecture and design, with a significant focus on mobile networks (3G, 4G, 5G).
• Deep understanding of 5G core network architecture (SA and NSA), RAN technologies, and transport network design.
• Expertise in network virtualization technologies (NFV, SDN), cloud-native principles, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proven experience leading technical teams and driving complex architectural projects.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including substantial bonuses and potential equity.
• Fully remote work arrangement with complete flexibility on location.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Significant budget for professional development, research, and conference attendance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of global 5G networks and telecommunications technology.
• Access to cutting-edge R&D and a culture of innovation.