Telecoms Network Architect

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work flexibility with travel

Generous annual leave

Travel support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Telecoms Network Architect to lead the design and strategic evolution of its network infrastructure. The role is remote with occasional travel to Paarl, Western Cape, and focuses on shaping core and access network architecture to support growth and service innovation.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in telecom design, deep knowledge of 4G/5G, IP networking, SDN/NFV, and cloud-native approaches.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 10+ years in telecom network design and architecture.
• Deep knowledge of mobile (4G/5G), IP networking (BGP/OSPF), MPLS, optical transport.

Responsibilities

• Design and define the overall architecture for telecommunications networks, including core, transport, and access layers.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for network evolution, incorporating new technologies and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new network technologies, platforms, and solutions.
• Create high-level network designs and technical specifications for implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product management teams to ensure architectural alignment.
• Provide technical leadership on complex network design challenges.
• Assess network capacity, performance, and security requirements.
• Develop and maintain architectural principles, policies, and standards.
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging network technologies.
• Ensure network designs are scalable, resilient, and cost-effective.

Skills

Network architecture

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

5G technology

SDN/NFV

Cloud networking

Network security

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science / Telecommunications

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Network simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major telecommunications infrastructure provider, is seeking an innovative and experienced Telecoms Network Architect to lead the design and strategic evolution of their network infrastructure. This senior role, based remotely with potential occasional travel to Paarl, Western Cape, will involve shaping the future architecture of their core and access networks. You will be responsible for defining network strategies, evaluating new technologies, and developing high-level designs to support business growth and service innovation. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of telecommunications technologies, network protocols, and emerging trends such as 5G, SDN/NFV, and cloud-native architectures. This is a critical position for driving the technical roadmap and ensuring our client maintains a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving telecoms landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and define the overall architecture for telecommunications networks, including core, transport, and access layers.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for network evolution, incorporating new technologies and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new network technologies, platforms, and solutions.
• Create high-level network designs and technical specifications for implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product management teams to ensure architectural alignment.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on complex network design challenges.
• Assess network capacity, performance, and security requirements.
• Develop and maintain architectural principles, policies, and standards.
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging network technologies.
• Ensure network designs are scalable, resilient, and cost-effective.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network design and architecture.
• In-depth knowledge of mobile (4G/5G), fixed-line, IP networking (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, and optical transport technologies.
• Strong understanding of SDN, NFV, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), and containerization technologies.
• Experience with network simulation and modelling tools.
• Proven ability to develop long-term network strategies and translate them into actionable plans.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with vendor evaluation and technology selection processes.
• Familiarity with network security best practices and implementation.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary package.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and influence.
• Remote work flexibility with occasional travel support.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a leading telecoms organization.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.