Principal Network Architect | Segment Routing | SRv6

Overview

@mecscomms is recruiting for an experienced contract Principal Network/SRv6 Architect to lead the design and evolution of a next-generation carrier-grade IP transport network for a leading Tier 1 telecommunications provider.

Purpose

Design the future-state architecture for a large-scale IP transport network built around Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6), delivering a scalable, resilient and automation-first platform capable of supporting the next generation of telecommunications services.

Core Activity

• Design next-generation SRv6 transport networks.
• Define carrier IP architecture and technical standards.
• Lead MPLS to SRv6 migration strategy.
• Produce High Level Designs (HLD) and architectural documentation.
• Define network automation architecture.
• Provide technical leadership across architecture and engineering teams.
• Review designs and ensure architectural governance.
• Work closely with vendors, operations and delivery teams.
• Shape long-term transport network strategy.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end architecture for a carrier-grade IP transport network supporting fixed, mobile, enterprise and cloud services.
• Define the target SRv6 architecture, ensuring the platform is scalable, resilient and automation-ready.
• Produce High Level Design documentation and architectural standards to support engineering delivery.
• Develop the migration strategy for transitioning from Legacy MPLS technologies to SRv6 with minimal operational risk.
• Assess Cisco NSO and Cisco Crosswork capabilities to support orchestration, automation and lifecycle management.
• Define underlay network requirements to support future overlay services and transport capabilities.
• Produce architecture blueprints describing integration with OSS/BSS platforms and northbound APIs.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, operations, product management and vendors throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Provide architectural governance, technical leadership and design assurance across all phases of delivery.
• Champion automation-first principles and modern network engineering best practice.

Deliverables

• Private IP Architecture
• SRv6 Target Architecture
• Skeleton High Level Design (HLD)
• Cisco NSO/Cisco Crosswork Assessment
• Underlay Requirements Specification
• Northbound Integration Blueprint
• Release 1 Technical Scope
• Delivery & Migration Roadmap
• Migration Strategy

Working Environment

• Hybrid Working
• Tier 1 Service Provider
• Carrier-Grade Transport Networks
• Large-Scale Network Transformation
• Multi-Vendor Environment
• Cross-Functional Architecture Teams
• Agile Delivery
• Automation-First Engineering
• Enterprise IP Networking

Candidate Profile

Candidates must possess extensive experience designing and governing large-scale IP transport networks within a Tier 1 telecommunications environment.

Essential

• Tier 1 Service Provider experience
• Commercial SRv6 architecture
• Segment Routing
• IPv6
• MPLS/SR-MPLS
• Carrier IP Transport Networks
• High Level Design (HLD)
• Migration Strategy
• Architecture Governance
• BGP/IS-IS
• Technical Leadership
• Stakeholder Management

Desirable

• Cisco NSO
• Cisco Crosswork Network Controller
• EVPN/VXLAN
• Python
• Ansible
• NETCONF
• REST APIs
• YANG/OpenConfig
• OSS/BSS Integration
• TM Forum APIs
• Network Telemetry
• Kubernetes
• TOGAF
• CCIE Service Provider
• JNCIE-SP

Key Traits

• Strategic Thinker
• Technical Leader
• Influential Communicator
• Commercially Aware
• Collaborative
• Analytical
• Delivery Focused
• Pragmatic
• Innovative
• Passionate About Network Architecture