Network Design Architect
Network Design Architect

Network Design Architect

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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iDPP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and implement cutting-edge telecoms network solutions in a hybrid work environment.
  • Company: Join a leading telecoms firm at the forefront of network innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Contract role with potential for extension; ideal for strategic thinkers passionate about technology.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of telecom infrastructure with automation and cloud technologies.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in telecom networks, SDN, Kubernetes, and strong scripting skills required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ per year.

Location: Hybrid working London or Reading | Type: Contract (6 months initially) | Rate: Β£600 per day Outside

We are seeking a highly experienced Telecoms Network Infrastructure Architect with deep expertise in telecoms infrastructure, data centre networking, and cloud-native technologies. The successful candidate will design, implement, and support complex, scalable, and secure telecoms infrastructure solutions across data centre and cloud environments, with a strong focus on automation, virtualisation, and software-defined networking.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement data centre fabric architectures (Clos, VXLAN, EVPN, multi-domain routing, DCI, anycast, micro-segmentation).
  • Develop and support SDN solutions including distributed switching, routing, and security policy enforcement.
  • Architect network solutions for VNF and CNF applications, considering performance, scalability, and resilience.
  • Support container-based environments with Kubernetes, including CNI plugins, ingress/egress, and network policies.
  • Design and maintain services in virtualised and cloud-native platforms (OpenStack, OpenShift, WindRiver).
  • Drive infrastructure automation using Ansible, Terraform, Python, and Infrastructure-as-Code practices.
  • Ensure end-to-end service provider core and data centre network design, including expert-level BGP, inter-AS, and policy/routing configurations.
  • Apply Linux expertise across PaaS, IaaS, SaaS, and CaaS environments.
  • Work with supporting services such as DNS, ADC, AAA, firewalls, SIEM, protocol inspection, and network visibility tools.
  • Align architecture with 3GPP mobile standards (Rel. 15+), IMS, RAN, and CUPS/WWC models.
  • Contribute to security and compliance requirements, including alignment with the Telecom Security Act.
  • Liaise with vendors and standards bodies; contribute to white papers and industry groups (desirable).

Required Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience designing and managing data centre and telecom networks at scale.
  • Network and security requirements and approaches for 3GPP mobile architectures, particularly 3GPP Release 15 and onwards.
  • IMSRAN architectures (eg C-RAN functional split models).
  • Expert-level knowledge of routing protocols (BGP), network resilience, and service provider architectures.
  • Strong experience in Kubernetes, Linux networking, and container networking interfaces (CNIs).
  • Hands-on skills in SDN overlays (VXLAN/Geneve), network virtualisation, and service chaining.
  • Familiarity with eBPF, telemetry, firewalling, and protocol-aware services (eg, ALGs).
  • Strong scripting and automation skills: Python, Terraform, Ansible.

Desirable but not essential:

  • Experience with Cisco/Arista platforms, CloudVision, NDFC, NDO (desirable).
  • Familiarity with intent-based networking concepts (desirable).
  • Experience in RedHat OpenStack/OpenShift and WindRiver environments (desirable).

Certifications (Preferred):

  • CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expert-level routing certifications.
  • SDN certifications (eg, ONF).
  • Security certifications (eg, CISSP, ISC2).
  • Relevant telecom/vendor-specific certifications.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

You are a strategic thinker with hands-on technical depth across networking, cloud, and telecom domains. You have extensive experience in designing secure, resilient infrastructure, and thrive in high-complexity environments where automation, performance, and innovation are critical.

Network Design Architect employer: iDPP

As a leading player in the telecoms sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model in London or Reading provides flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and development ensures that you will thrive in your role as a Network Design Architect. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values expertise and creativity in designing cutting-edge telecom infrastructure solutions.
iDPP

Contact Detail:

iDPP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Network Design Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the telecoms and networking industry. Attend relevant meetups, webinars, or conferences to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and technologies. This can help you gain insights into what companies like us at StudySmarter are looking for.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your hands-on experience with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. If you've worked with Kubernetes, SDN overlays, or automation tools like Ansible and Terraform, be prepared to discuss your projects and the impact they had on your previous employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in 3GPP mobile architectures and related standards. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics during discussions can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to security and compliance in network design. Given the importance of aligning with the Telecom Security Act, having a clear understanding of how you would address these requirements will show us that you're not only technically proficient but also aware of the regulatory landscape.

We think you need these skills to ace Network Design Architect

Telecoms Infrastructure Design
Data Centre Networking
Cloud-Native Technologies
Automation and Virtualisation
Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
Network Fabric Architectures (Clos, VXLAN, EVPN)
Distributed Switching and Routing
Security Policy Enforcement
Kubernetes and CNI Plugins
OpenStack and OpenShift
Infrastructure Automation (Ansible, Terraform, Python)
Expert-Level BGP Configuration
Linux Networking Expertise
Service Provider Network Design
3GPP Mobile Standards Alignment
Network Resilience and Service Chaining
Scripting and Automation Skills
Familiarity with eBPF and Telemetry
Experience with Cisco/Arista Platforms
Intent-Based Networking Concepts
Relevant Certifications (CCIE, JNCIE, SDN, Security)

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in telecoms network design, data centre networking, and cloud-native technologies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in automation, virtualisation, and software-defined networking.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and hands-on technical skills. Mention your familiarity with 3GPP mobile architectures and your experience with Kubernetes and Linux networking to align with the job requirements.

Highlight Relevant Certifications: Include any relevant certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or SDN certifications in your application. This will help demonstrate your expert-level knowledge and commitment to the field.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled complex networking challenges in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to design secure and resilient infrastructure solutions in high-complexity environments.

How to prepare for a job interview at iDPP

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with telecoms infrastructure, data centre networking, and cloud-native technologies. Highlight specific projects where you designed or implemented complex network solutions, focusing on automation and virtualisation.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to troubleshoot and resolve network issues. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them, particularly in high-complexity environments.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards

Understand the 3GPP mobile standards and how they relate to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've aligned architecture with these standards in past projects, as well as your knowledge of IMS and RAN architectures.

✨Prepare for Automation Discussions

Since automation is a key focus, be ready to talk about your experience with tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Python. Share specific examples of how you've driven infrastructure automation and the impact it had on your projects.

Network Design Architect
iDPP
Location: London
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