Senior Specialist DWDM and Security Engineer

Vodacom; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company in Johannesburg seeks an experienced professional to plan, build, operate, and optimize their DWDM and OTN Network nationally. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in the Telecommunications Transmission industry and hold a 4-year engineering degree. Responsibilities include managing supplier relationships, compiling technical documentation, and conducting research on new technologies. Competitive benefits and an inclusive work environment offered.

Benefits

Enticing incentive programs

Retirement funds

Medical aid benefits

Cell phone and data benefits

Exclusive staff discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Telecommunications Transmission industry.

Responsibilities

• Plan, Build, Operate and Optimize the Vodacom DWDM & OTN Network.
• Manage supplier relationships associated with Technology Governance.
• Compile the HLD and LLD for the transmission network.
• Conduct research on strategic trends and new technologies.

Skills

DWDM & OTN technologies

Security

Project management

Telecommunication industry

Leadership Skills

Strategic level problem solving skills

Advanced level technical writing skills

Computer Literacy

Facilitation skills

Analysing

Education

4 year engineering degree/BSC degree

CompTIA Security+ certification

Certification in Advanced Optical Network Design

Matric/Grade 12

Job description

Overview

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1. The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa. Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2026.

Role Purpose / Business Unit

• To Plan, Build, Operate and Optimize the Vodacom DWDM & OTN Network Nationally.
• DWDM Infrastructure planning, costing and deployment.
• DWDM and OTN Services planning, costing, configuration and record keeping.
• To assist with network modelling.
• To report and audit the Fibre and DWDM Network and Services periodically.
• To assess security vulnerabilities, address risks and maintain controls across the entire transmission network.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Plan, Build, Operate and Optimize the Vodacom DWDM & OTN Network Nationally Ensure alignment with Vodafone’s technology strategy, policies and objectives
• Sound understanding of Cyber Security controls and processes related to Vulnerability Management, Patching, User Access Management, Privileged Access Management.
• Good understanding of Cyber Security risks and mitigating solutions.
• Develop an Infrastructure and Services planning DWDM and OTN guidelines.
• Evaluate and implement new DWDM & OTN technologies
• Define and manage technology roadmaps in the field of DWDM & OTN
• Perform comprehensive lab tests on new equipment with the associated field trials where required and produce detailed reports, results and recommendations with the rest of the team.
• Conduct research on strategic trends and new technologies in the field of DWDM & OTN with the aim of developing roadmaps and benchmarks against world best practices
• Ensure alignment between supplier roadmaps and Vodacom requirements.
• Arrange periodic meetings with suppliers to obtain the latest product updates and trends in the field of DWDM & OTN
• Ensure alignment between Transmission and the Technology Group strategy based on broader objectives defined within the company strategy
• Manage supplier relationships associated with Technology Governance
• Manage relationships with other technology departments within Vodacom and Vodafone
• Set quality standards and procedures against world best practice benchmarks and the management of these processes
• Compile strategic and operational documentation in relation to the field of DWDM & OTN that will inform planning internal planning guidelines and masterplans
• Make key technical recommendations to management on technology trends and evolving network architectures in the field of DWDM & OTN
• Identify key areas in terms of technology and network evolution in the field of DWDM & OTN and communicate to all relevant stakeholders
• Identify risk areas in terms of network capacity and performance and communicate to all stakeholders
• Provide support on due diligence investigations on behalf of the Transmission department
• Perform cost-benefit analysis associated with specific technical scenarios and trials under consideration
• Develop business cases and business models where required that support business imperatives such as operational efficiencies in terms of CAPEX and OPEX spend
• Present to internal and external technology forum as well as
• Compile the HLD and LLD for the transmission network.
• Engage with Assurance, Regional Operations and NMG Network Performance teams to understand and address network concerns.

Budgets

• Provide inputs to the CAPEX budget formulation.
• Provide inputs to the OPEX budget formulation.
• Cost efficiency – investigate ways to reduce costs.

The Ideal Candidate For This Role Will Have

• Matric/Grade 12 (or SAQA accredited equivalent)
• A 4 year engineering degree/BSC degree (Essential)
• CompTIA Security+ certification (Essential)
• Certification in Advanced Optical Network Design (Essential)
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Telecommunications Transmission industry.

Core Competencies, Knowledge, And Experience

• DWDM & OTN technologies.
• Security
• The ability to lead and operate within a team structure
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Strategic level problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to function at all levels in the organisation
• Advanced level technical writing skills
• The ability to manage stress for prolonged periods
• The ability to focus on detail
• Facilitation skills
• Creating and Innovating
• Planning and Organising
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Persuading and Influencing
• Analysing
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Telecommunication industry
• Project management
• Business Process
• Leadership Skills
• Computer Literacy

We Make An Impact By Offering

• Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies

Closing date for Applications: 04 February 2026.

The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom Campus.

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.