Senior Network Architect — Remote, 5G, SDN/NFV & Cloud

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Remote work from anywhere

Professional development sponsorship

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Principal Network Architect to design and oversee secure, high-performance telecommunications networks. You will guide SDN/NFV, 5G, cloud integration, and edge computing, while mentoring a team of engineers.

The role emphasizes strategic roadmaps, governance, and collaboration with product and business units to drive innovation across a global footprint. Remote work is supported while Johannesburg-based operations remain key.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field; PhD preferred.
• 12+ years in network design/architecture with 5+ years in a principal or lead architect role.
• Deep expertise in protocols, wireless, SDN/NFV, and cloud networking.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and evolution of scalable, resilient network architectures.
• Develop roadmaps for 5G, IoT, cloud, and edge computing adoption.
• Define standards, governance, and best practices for networks.
• Evaluate and select new technologies, vendors, and solutions.
• Provide technical leadership to network engineering and operations teams.
• Conduct feasibility studies and PoCs for new designs.
• Ensure networks meet performance, availability, and security requirements.
• Collaborate with product and business units to align network with objectives.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive landscape.
• Document architectures, designs, and configurations clearly.
• Mentor junior engineers and architects.

Skills

TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS

5G and LTE

SDN/NFV

Cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Network security for infrastructures

Leadership & mentoring

Education

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

PhD is a plus

Tools

CCDE

JNCIE-SP

CCNP/CCIE

Job description

Placements24 seeks a visionary Principal Network Architect to design and oversee secure, high-performance telecommunications networks. You will guide SDN/NFV, 5G, cloud integration, and edge computing, while mentoring a team of engineers.

The role emphasizes strategic roadmaps, governance, and collaboration with product and business units to drive innovation across a global footprint. Remote work is supported while Johannesburg-based operations remain key.