Principal Network Architect

Role Overview :

We are seeking an experienced Principal Network Architect to lead the design, engineering, and operations of a mission-critical network infrastructure that demands near-zero downtime and deterministic performance.

This role will own the architecture and operational reliability of a multi-transport network comprising Internet, MPLS, dark fibre, and TDM connectivity, ensuring high availability, low latency, and resilient routing across geographically distributed systems.

The candidate will serve as the technical authority for network infrastructure, driving architecture decisions, operational excellence, and long-term scalability of the network platform.

Key Responsibilities :

Network Architecture Leadership :

- Own the end-to-end architecture of mission-critical network infrastructure supporting highly sensitive and real-time systems.

- Design and evolve highly resilient network topologies across Internet, MPLS, dark fibre, and TDM transport layers.

- Establish redundancy, failover, and path diversity strategies to achieve 99.99%+ service availability.

- Define standards for routing architecture, network segmentation, and traffic engineering.

Strategic Infrastructure Planning :

- Drive capacity planning, network expansion, and technology roadmap for the organization's connectivity infrastructure.

- Evaluate and onboard new telecom providers, IXPs, and connectivity models.

- Architect solutions for latency-sensitive and high-throughput applications.

Network Reliability & Operations Oversight :

- Oversee 24x7 mission-critical network operations, ensuring minimal service disruption.

- Establish processes for incident response, RCA, and operational resilience.

- Lead complex network troubleshooting involving multi-provider connectivity environments.

- Define and implement SLA and SLO frameworks for network availability and performance.

Carrier & Provider Management :

- Interface with ISPs, MPLS providers, fibre operators, and telecom carriers to ensure service reliability.

- Negotiate and evaluate connectivity architectures, routing policies, and redundancy frameworks with providers.

- Lead resolution of carrier-level outages and cross-network incidents.

Performance Engineering :

- Continuously optimize network performance with focus on :

1. Latency

2. Packet loss

3. Jitter

4. Traffic engineering

- Lead network performance analytics and telemetry initiatives.

Automation & Observability :

- Drive adoption of network automation and programmability.

- Build infrastructure observability using telemetry, real-time monitoring, and performance analytics.

- Encourage automation using Python, Ansible, or network APIs.

Governance & Documentation :

- Define and maintain network architecture standards, documentation, and operational runbooks.

- Participate in security architecture reviews and network compliance programs.

Required Technical Expertise :

Advanced Networking :

- Deep expertise in large-scale TCP/IP network design

- Strong command of routing protocols :

1. BGP

2. OSPF

3. IS-IS

Advanced knowledge of :

1. Traffic engineering

2. High availability network design

3. Routing policy design

Transport & Connectivity :

- Hands-on experience with large-scale deployments involving:

- Internet peering and transit connectivity

- MPLS networks

- Dark fibre backbone connectivity

- TDM / leased telecom circuits

Infrastructure Platforms :

- Experience with carrier-grade network platforms, such as :

- Cisco

- Juniper

- Arista

- Nokia / Alcatel-Lucent

Network Monitoring & Diagnostics :

- Packet analysis and deep troubleshooting

- Network telemetry platforms

- Traffic analysis and flow monitoring

- Performance monitoring tools

Preferred Experience :

- Experience with financial market infrastructure, payment networks, telecom backbone, or exchange connectivity

- Exposure to software-defined networking (SDN) or programmable networks

- Experience with network automation frameworks

Certifications (Preferred) :

- CCIE (Routing & Switching / Enterprise Infrastructure)

- JNCIE

- Equivalent advanced networking certifications

- Leadership Expectations

- Mentor and guide network engineering teams

- Establish best practices for reliability engineering

- Collaborate with security, infrastructure, and application teams

- Drive continuous improvement of network reliability and performance

Ideal Candidate

A senior network professional who has designed and operated large-scale, high-availability network infrastructure, understands carrier-grade connectivity, and can ensure uninterrupted operation of mission-critical systems.