Senior Optical Network Architect – Hybrid DWDM & Growth

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid Durban role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Optical Network Engineer in Durban to lead the design of high-capacity optical transport networks, including DWDM and ROADM architectures. You will develop capacity forecasts and partner with vendors to select equipment for scalable builds.

The role requires 8+ years in optical networking, deep knowledge of DWDM/OTN/IP-MPLS, and strong project management. Hybrid work in Durban and collaboration with cross-functional teams are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in optical network engineering and design, preferably within a service provider environment.
• Familiarity with DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, Ethernet, and IP/MPLS.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of high-capacity optical transport networks, including DWDM, OTN, and associated protocols.
• Develop strategic network expansion plans and capacity forecasts for optical infrastructure.
• Evaluate and select optical networking equipment and technologies from various vendors.
• Create detailed network designs, documentation, and implementation plans for optical network upgrades and new builds.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, and integration of new optical network elements and services.
• Troubleshoot complex optical network issues, providing expert-level support to field operations teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration with other transport and access technologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging optical networking technologies, such as coherent optics and disaggregated optics.
• Develop and implement network optimization strategies to improve performance, resilience, and cost-efficiency.
• Mentor junior optical network engineers and share technical expertise across the organization.

Skills

DWDM

OTN

SONET/SDH

Ethernet/IP/MPLS

ROADM architectures

Optical amplifiers

Performance monitoring

Fiber characterization

Project management

Vendor evaluation

Strong communication

Education

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

Tools

NMS

EMS

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Optical Network Engineer in Durban to lead the design of high-capacity optical transport networks, including DWDM and ROADM architectures. You will develop capacity forecasts and partner with vendors to select equipment for scalable builds.

The role requires 8+ years in optical networking, deep knowledge of DWDM/OTN/IP-MPLS, and strong project management. Hybrid work in Durban and collaboration with cross-functional teams are expected.