Network Architect

Job Title: Network Platform Architect – Wireless (Contract)

Location: Remote (Portugal-based)

Contract Duration: 6 Months (with potential extension)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Network Platform Architect (Wireless) to join our team on a 6-month remote contract based in Portugal. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional with deep expertise in wireless technologies, including 5G and next-generation Wi-Fi, who can design, architect, and lead the delivery of scalable, secure, and high-performance network platforms.

You will play a key role in shaping the wireless strategy, ensuring seamless integration between cellular and enterprise networks, and driving innovation across modern connectivity solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the wireless technology roadmap, including 5G Standalone (SA) and Wi-Fi 6E/7 evolution.
• Design high-level and low-level architectures (HLD/LLD) for complex wireless environments.
• Ensure interoperability across 4G/5G, DAS, Small Cells, and enterprise WLAN infrastructures.
• Lead RF planning, modelling, and optimisation for high-density and challenging environments (e.g., campuses, warehouses, industrial sites).
• Oversee deployment and integration of Open RAN (O-RAN) and virtualized RAN (vRAN) solutions.
• Implement secure wireless connectivity for enterprise users and IoT ecosystems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including cloud, security, and infrastructure engineering.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Engage with stakeholders, vendors, and clients to align technical solutions with business objectives.
• Drive automation initiatives for network deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

Experience & Technical Expertise

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in wireless networking, with strong exposure to 4G/5G RAN design and deployment (gNB) .
• Deep knowledge of:
• 5G NR, 3GPP standards, Open RAN, vRAN
• Wi-Fi 6E/7 (802.11ax/be) and emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah)
• Proven experience in RF design, site surveys, and spectrum analysis using tools such as Ekahau, iBwave, or AirMagnet.
• Strong understanding of Layer 2/3 networking :
• BGP, OSPF, VLANs, QoS, IPv6
• Expertise in wireless security frameworks :
• WPA3, 802.1X, RADIUS/AAA
• Experience with:
• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Small Cells, microwave links
• Cloud-managed wireless platforms (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Juniper Mist)
• Hands-on experience with automation and scripting :
• Python, Ansible, or similar tools

Additional Skills (Highly Relevant / Nice to Have)

• Experience with private 5G network deployments in enterprise or industrial settings.
• Familiarity with edge computing and MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) architectures.
• Knowledge of network observability tools and performance monitoring (e.g., telemetry, SNMP, streaming analytics).
• Exposure to SDN/NFV architectures and intent-based networking.
• Understanding of regulatory and spectrum considerations in Europe.
• Experience integrating IoT platforms and device lifecycle management.
• Background in high availability and disaster recovery design for wireless networks.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for network infrastructure.
• Experience working in multi-vendor environments .

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
• Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Relevant certifications such as:
• CWNE / CWNA / CWSP (CWNP track)
• CCIE Wireless / Cisco Wireless Specialist
• Aruba Certified Edge Expert
• 5G or IoT certifications (e.g., Wi-Fi HaLow, private 5G training)

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and architecture design expertise
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills (RF and network-level)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proven leadership in delivering complex wireless projects
• Ability to work independently in a remote, distributed environment