Network Design Architect
Network Design Architect

Network Design Architect

City of London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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.
  • 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.
  • Other info: Contract role with potential for extension; ideal for tech-savvy innovators.

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

Location: Hybrid working London or Reading | Type: Contract (6 months initially) | Rate: £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 Senior Telecoms Network Design Architect, you will join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and expertise in the telecoms sector. With a hybrid working model based in London or Reading, we offer a dynamic work culture that promotes collaboration and professional growth, alongside competitive rates and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in network architecture.
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Contact Detail:

iDPP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Network Design Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to showcase your hands-on experience with data centre and telecom networks. Highlight specific projects where you've designed or managed complex infrastructures, as this will resonate well with our requirements.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cloud-native technologies and automation tools like Ansible and Terraform. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the telecoms field, especially those who have experience with 3GPP mobile architectures. Engaging in discussions or forums can provide insights and connections that may help you during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your knowledge of routing protocols, particularly BGP, and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. This technical depth is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your expertise effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Network Design Architect

Telecoms Infrastructure Design
Data Centre Networking
Cloud-Native Technologies
Automation Skills
Virtualisation Expertise
Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
Network Fabric Architectures (Clos, VXLAN, EVPN)
Distributed Switching and Routing
Security Policy Enforcement
Kubernetes Management
Container Networking Interfaces (CNI)
Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC)
Ansible Automation
Terraform Scripting
Python Programming
Expert-Level BGP Knowledge
Inter-AS Routing Configurations
Linux Networking Skills
3GPP Mobile Standards Alignment
Network Resilience Strategies
Service Provider Architecture Design
Familiarity with eBPF and Telemetry
Hands-on SDN Overlays Experience
Firewalling and Protocol Inspection
Collaboration with Vendors and Standards Bodies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with telecoms infrastructure, data centre networking, and cloud-native technologies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in designing and implementing complex network solutions.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and hands-on technical skills. Mention your familiarity with automation tools like Ansible and Terraform, and how you've applied them in previous roles to enhance network performance.

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

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in network design and implementation. Highlight your ability to align architecture with industry standards and contribute to security compliance.

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've designed or implemented complex network solutions, especially those involving 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 efficiency and performance.

Network Design Architect
iDPP
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  • Network Design Architect

    City of London
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-02

  • I

    iDPP

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