Senior Optical Network Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Optical Network Architect to design and evolve our client's robust optical transport networks, including DWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP technologies.

This senior role emphasizes architecture standards, collaboration across engineering, operations, and product teams, and mentorship to junior staff, with a hybrid work arrangement centered in Stellenbosch.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; extensive relevant experience may substitute for advanced degrees.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in optical network design, architecture, and engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, Ethernet, and MPLS-TP technologies.
• Experience with optical network planning tools and simulation software.
• Understanding of optical components, transmission systems, and fibre optic cabling standards.
• Proven ability to architect and design complex, large-scale optical networks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, managing time effectively between remote work and office-based collaboration.
• Familiarity with SDN/NFV concepts and their application in optical networks is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-level and detailed designs for optical transport networks, including DWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP technologies.
• Evaluate and select appropriate optical networking hardware and software solutions to meet business requirements and performance objectives.
• Define network architecture standards, policies, and best practices to ensure consistency, reliability, and manageability.
• Collaborate with network engineering, operations, and product management teams to translate business needs into technical network designs.
• Conduct feasibility studies, capacity planning, and performance analysis for optical network infrastructure.
• Identify and assess emerging optical networking technologies and their potential impact on the company's strategy.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to design and implementation teams.
• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including design guides, network diagrams, and implementation plans.
• Mentor junior engineers and architects, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Ensure network designs comply with security best practices and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Optical networking strategy

Network planning

Architecture & design

Leadership & mentoring

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering/CS

8+ years optical network design/architecture experience

Tools

Optical planning tools

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary leader in telecommunications infrastructure, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Optical Network Architect to contribute to their strategic growth. This role is based in the picturesque town of **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, and will focus on designing and evolving our client's cutting-edge optical network solutions. You will be responsible for architecting robust, scalable, and high-performance optical transport networks that underpin our future service offerings. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in optical networking technologies, coupled with a strong understanding of network planning, design principles, and emerging trends. This is a senior-level position offering the opportunity to shape the future of network connectivity. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for focused work from home and essential collaborative sessions at our **Stellenbosch** office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop high-level and detailed designs for optical transport networks, including DWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP technologies.
• Evaluate and select appropriate optical networking hardware and software solutions to meet business requirements and performance objectives.
• Define network architecture standards, policies, and best practices to ensure consistency, reliability, and manageability.
• Collaborate with network engineering, operations, and product management teams to translate business needs into technical network designs.
• Conduct feasibility studies, capacity planning, and performance analysis for optical network infrastructure.
• Identify and assess emerging optical networking technologies and their potential impact on the company's strategy.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to design and implementation teams.
• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including design guides, network diagrams, and implementation plans.
• Mentor junior engineers and architects, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Ensure network designs comply with security best practices and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; extensive relevant experience may substitute for advanced degrees.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in optical network design, architecture, and engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, Ethernet, and MPLS-TP technologies.
• Experience with optical network planning tools and simulation software.
• Understanding of optical components, transmission systems, and fibre optic cabling standards.
• Proven ability to architect and design complex, large-scale optical networks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, managing time effectively between remote work and office-based collaboration.
• Familiarity with SDN/NFV concepts and their application in optical networks is desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a generous retirement savings plan, are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, attending industry conferences, and professional development are strongly encouraged.
• This hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance personal life with impactful professional contributions, based in the innovation hub of **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• You will be working with a talented team on projects that define the future of telecommunications.
• Our client is committed to fostering a stimulating work environment that values creativity and technical expertise, offering clear pathways for career progression.