Network Architect

Role Overview

The Network Architect is the most versatile technical authority in the Solution Engineering team, covering the full spectrum of IP networking from ISP backbone design to enterprise SD-WAN, NFV, SASE, and GPON/FTTH access deployments. This role is critical to the MSI business where integrated network solutions are central to large deal pursuits. The architect must combine CCIE-level depth with the commercial acumen to shape multi-vendor network proposals for carrier, enterprise, and government customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect carrier-grade IP/MPLS backbone, metro Ethernet, and Service Provider edge networks
• Design enterprise campus and branch networks: Routing (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), Switching (RSTP, EVPN-VXLAN), and network automation
• Architect SD-WAN solutions Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela), VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet SD-WAN, and Nokia Nuage for large enterprise and ISP overlay deployment
• Design NFV/SDN architectures using OpenStack, ONAP, Kubernetes CNFs, and virtual CPE (vCPE) platforms
• Architect SASE frameworks positioning Secure SD-WAN, ZTNA, CASB, SWG, and FWaaS as integrated cloud-delivered services (Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma, Fortinet SASE)
• Design GPON / XGS-PON / FTTH networks OLT, ONT/ONU sizing, OSP design, splitter ratios, and integration with BSS/OSS provisioning
• Support ISP metro and access network designs including DWDM, OTN, Carrier Ethernet, and L2/L3 VPN services
• Develop network HLD/LLD documentation, IP addressing plans, QoS frameworks, and migration strategies
• Represent network solutions in pre-sales: demos, PoCs, network simulation labs, and executive briefings
• Maintain OEM partnerships: Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Ciena, Ribbon, and Fortinet

Technical Expertise — Hands-On Requirements

• IP/MPLS core: RSVP-TE, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6), Traffic Engineering, and Fast Reroute (FRR)
• BGP — iBGP, eBGP, BGP-LU, BGP-EVPN for DC and WAN, route policies and filtering
• Data Centre fabrics: Spine-Leaf, BGP EVPN/VXLAN, Cisco ACI, Juniper Apstra
• SD-WAN hands-on: Zero-touch provisioning, policy-based routing, SLA-driven path selection, and orchestrator management
• NFV: OpenStack Heat templates, VIM/NFVO, VNF onboarding, Kubernetes Helm charts for CNFs
• GPON: OLT configuration (Huawei MA5800, Nokia 7360, ZTE C320), OMCI provisioning, TR-069, and IPTV multicast
• SASE: Hands-on with at least one platform (Zscaler ZIA/ZPA, Palo Alto Prisma Access, or Fortinet FortiSASE)

Network automation: Ansible, Python/Netmiko, NAPALM, Terraform, and Cisco NSO/YANG model awareness

Pre-Sales & Communication Skills

Candidates must demonstrate strong pre-sales aptitude and communication capability:

• Ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear, compelling business narratives for C-suite and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in responding to RFPs, RFIs, and tenders — including solution write-ups, BOQs, and commercial inputs
• Skilled in conducting customer workshops, discovery sessions, and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations
• Ability to create high-quality solution presentations, architecture diagrams, and proposals independently
• Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences — from NOC engineers to CTO/CIO level executives
• Strong written English for proposal and documentation; proficiency in MS Office / Visio / draw.io
• Active listening skills to identify unstated customer pain points and shape solutions accordingly
• Experience working alongside sales teams in deal pursuit, customer engagement, and solution shaping

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes

• Self-driven professional with the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Collaborative team player who can mentor junior engineers and guide solution reviews
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, partner offices, and OEM briefings as required
• Intellectual curiosity — stays updated with emerging technologies and market trends
• Ability to engage with OEM vendor teams (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.) for deal support and design validation