Telecommunications Network Architect

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Performance-based bonuses

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Telecommunications Network Architect to design and shepherd scalable, secure networks for a fully remote role serving Randburg, Gauteng and beyond.

You will lead high-level architectural strategies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and guide modernization toward cloud-enabled telecom infrastructure while staying ahead of industry trends like 5G, SDN/NFV and IoT.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS, EE, TE or related field.
• 10+ years of telecom network design and architecture experience.
• Deep expertise in IP networking, routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/IS-IS), MPLS, and traffic engineering.
• Cloud-native architectures, SDN/NFV, and virtualization knowledge.
• Experience with wireless network architectures (5G core, RAN).
• Security principles in network architecture.
• Proven ability to architect large-scale, mission-critical networks.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Industry certifications such as CCDA/CCDE are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall architecture for the telecommunications network, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design high-level network solutions encompassing core, transport, access, and edge components.
• Evaluate technologies, protocols, and vendors to meet architectural requirements.
• Create detailed network designs, diagrams, and documentation for engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, operations, product management, and business units.
• Conduct feasibility studies and performance analyses for proposed solutions.
• Provide technical leadership on architectural best practices and trends.
• Develop strategies for network modernization, cloud integration, and digital transformation.
• Identify and mitigate architectural risks and ensure standards compliance.
• Mentor and guide engineers and architects on complex design challenges.

Skills

Telecom network design

IP routing (BGP/OSPF/IS-IS)

MPLS & traffic engineering

SDN/NFV & cloud networking

5G core / RAN

Network security principles

Large-scale architecture

Leadership & collaboration

Technical strategy

CCDA/CCDE desirable

Education

Master's degree in CS/EE/Telecommunications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry, is seeking an innovative and experienced Telecommunications Network Architect to join their distributed team. This fully remote position offers a unique opportunity to design and shape the future of our client's advanced network infrastructure. You will be responsible for developing high-level network strategies, blueprints, and roadmaps that support current and future business needs, with a focus on serving the Randburg, Gauteng region and beyond. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of cutting‑edge telecommunications technologies, including 5G, SDN, NFV, cloud networking, and IoT, coupled with a proven track record of architecting complex, scalable, and resilient networks. We are looking for a visionary leader who can translate business requirements into robust technical solutions and drive technological innovation within the telecoms landscape. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall architecture for the telecommunications network, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• Design high-level network solutions encompassing core, transport, access, and edge components.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, protocols, and vendor solutions to meet architectural requirements.
• Create detailed network designs, diagrams, and documentation for implementation by engineering teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, operations, product management, and business units to align architectural strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies and performance analyses for proposed network solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on architectural best practices and emerging trends.
• Develop strategies for network modernization, cloud integration, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate architectural risks and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor and guide network engineers and architects on complex design challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture.
• Deep expertise in IP networking, routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, and traffic engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of cloud-native architectures, SDN/NFV, and virtualization technologies.
• Experience with wireless network architectures (e.g., 5G core, RAN).
• Familiarity with security principles and their application in network architecture.
• Proven ability to architect large-scale, mission‑critical networks.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCDA/CCDE or equivalent are highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, comprehensive benefits package including top‑tier health insurance, retirement plans, and performance‑based bonuses. This is a fully remote position, providing exceptional flexibility and autonomy. You will have the opportunity to work on transformative projects, influencing the direction of telecommunications technology. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for professional growth. This role represents a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact at the forefront of the telecoms industry.