Senior Systems Architect

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

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Senior Systems Architect in Polokwane to design and oversee major IT and telecom system architectures. You will define scalable, secure solutions, guide cloud and microservices initiatives, and mentor engineering teams across the project lifecycle.

This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration in Limpopo with remote work flexibility, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep telecom domain knowledge.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 8+ years designing and implementing complex IT systems, with a focus on telecommunications.
• Proven experience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud solutions.
• Deep understanding of various operating systems (Linux, Windows Server), databases (SQL, NoSQL), and networking protocols.
• Expertise in microservices architecture, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and API design.
• Strong knowledge of IT security principles and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence decision-making.
• Experience in the telecommunications sector is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and document robust and scalable system architectures for new and existing telecommunications services.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and tools to meet business requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, engineering teams, and project managers to define system requirements and solutions.
• Ensure system designs adhere to security best practices, performance standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with system architecture.
• Develop architectural roadmaps and strategies to support future growth and innovation.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide feedback on system designs and implementations.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers on system design principles and best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential impact.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Hybrid cloud

Microservices

Docker & Kubernetes

API design

IT security

Systems design

Leadership

Communication

Networking knowledge

Education

Master's degree (CS/Engineering/IT)

Tools

Linux

Windows Server

SQL

NoSQL

Networking protocols

REST APIs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding telecommunications solutions provider, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Systems Architect to join their team in Polokwane . This strategic role is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of complex IT and telecommunications systems that underpin our client's service offerings. You will play a crucial part in defining system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security across our platforms. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of enterprise systems, cloud technologies, and networking, combined with exceptional analytical and design capabilities. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work both on-site in our Limpopo offices and remotely, fostering productivity and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and document robust and scalable system architectures for new and existing telecommunications services.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and tools to meet business requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, engineering teams, and project managers to define system requirements and solutions.
• Ensure system designs adhere to security best practices, performance standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with system architecture.
• Develop architectural roadmaps and strategies to support future growth and innovation.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide feedback on system designs and implementations.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers on system design principles and best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential impact.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in designing and implementing complex IT systems, with a focus on telecommunications.
• Proven experience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud solutions.
• Deep understanding of various operating systems (Linux, Windows Server), databases (SQL, NoSQL), and networking protocols.
• Expertise in microservices architecture, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and API design.
• Strong knowledge of IT security principles and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence decision-making.
• Experience in the telecommunications sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and a substantial performance-based bonus.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional certifications, and attendance at international tech conferences are provided.
• This role is based in our modern facilities in Polokwane , offering a dynamic work environment.
• The hybrid work arrangement supports a flexible and productive lifestyle for our employees in the Limpopo province and beyond.