Chief Architect

As the IP Chief Architect, you will be a pivotal leader responsible for defining the long-term technical vision, strategy, and architecture for Nokia's IP networking portfolio. This includes a particular emphasis on MPLS, Segment Routing, advanced Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) solutions, robust network security frameworks, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) paradigms, and comprehensive automation capabilities tailored for service provider environments. You will guide the evolution of our IP solutions, ensuring they meet current and future market demands, technological advancements, and customer requirements across these critical domains. This role requires deep expertise in Core Service Provider IP networking, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into strategic business outcomes.

• Education: Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in IP networking, with at least 5-7 years in a lead architect or chief architect role.
  • Extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying large-scale Core Service Provider Networks and networking products, with significant contributions to MPLS, Segment Routing, BNG, network security, SDN, and automation initiatives.
  • Proven track record of defining and executing technical strategies and roadmaps in these specialized areas for service providers.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep understanding of IP routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, ISIS), MPLS (LDP, RSVP-TE, VPNs, VPLS), Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6), EVPN, and related technologies within a Core Service Provider Network context.
  • Broadband Network Gateway (BNG): In-depth knowledge of BNG architectures, subscriber management, QoS, lawful intercept, and integration with AAA systems in service provider environments.
  • Network Security: Strong expertise in network security principles, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, DDoS mitigation, encryption, VPNs, and security policy enforcement relevant to service provider infrastructure.
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Comprehensive understanding of SDN architectures, controllers (e.g., OpenDaylight, ONOS), southbound/northbound APIs (e.g., OpenFlow, NETCONF/YANG), and network virtualization (NFV) for service provider networks.
  • Automation: Extensive experience with network automation and orchestration tools, scripting languages (e.g., Python, Go), configuration management (e.g., Ansible, Puppet), and CI/CD pipelines for Core Service Provider Network operations.
  • Familiarity with network operating systems, virtualization, and cloud-native networking principles.
• Leadership & Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Experience with 5G core and access network architectures, particularly concerning BNG evolution, MPLS/Segment Routing integration, and security within Core Service Provider Networks.
• Knowledge of optical networking and converged IP/Optical solutions.
• Experience with open-source networking initiatives and cloud platforms.

• Strategic Vision & Roadmap:
  • Define and communicate the strategic technical vision and architectural roadmap for Nokia's Core Service Provider IP networking products and solutions.
  • Track and Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and customer needs within these focus areas to influence product selection and innovation for service provider networks.
  • Ensure architectural consistency, scalability, and security across the entire Core Service Provider IP networking portfolio.
• Architectural Leadership:
  • Lead the design and evolution of complex, high-performance, and resilient Core Service Provider IP networking architectures, including advanced MPLS and Segment Routing deployments, next-generation BNG platforms, comprehensive security frameworks, and SDN-driven network fabrics.
  • Provide expert guidance and technical oversight to product development teams, ensuring adherence to architectural principles and best practices.
• Technical Expertise & Innovation:
  • Act as a primary technical authority for Core Service Provider IP networking, MPLS, Segment Routing, BNG, security, SDN, and automation within Nokia, both internally and externally.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, exploring and prototyping new technologies such as AI/ML for network security and automation, advanced BNG functionalities, intent-based networking, and the evolution of MPLS and Segment Routing for new services (e.g., network slicing).
  • Contribute to intellectual property development through patents and technical publications in these specialized areas.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with product management, R&D, sales, and services teams to ensure architectural alignment with business goals and customer needs.
  • Engage with key customers to understand requirements, gather feedback, and represent Nokia's technical leadership in these critical domains.
  • Mentor and guide senior architects and engineers within the organization.
• Performance & Quality Assurance:
  • Establish architectural governance processes to ensure solutions meet performance, security, reliability, and scalability requirements, with a strong emphasis on the robustness of Core Service Provider Network elements, MPLS and Segment Routing implementations, BNG, security, SDN, and automation.
  • Participate in critical design reviews and provide recommendations for architectural improvements.