Role Overview The Network Architect is the most versatile technical authority in the Solution Engineering team, covering the full spectrum of IP networking from ISP backbone design to enterprise SD-WAN, NFV, SASE, and GPON/FTTH access deployments. This role is critical to the MSI business where integrated network solutions are central to large deal pursuits. The architect must combine CCIE-level depth with the commercial acumen to shape multi-vendor network proposals for carrier, enterprise, and government customers.

Key Responsibilities

- Architect carrier-grade IP/MPLS backbone, metro Ethernet, and Service Provider edge networks
- Design enterprise campus and branch networks: Routing (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), Switching (RSTP, EVPN-VXLAN), and network automation
- Architect SD-WAN solutions Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela), VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet SD-WAN, and Nokia Nuage for large enterprise and ISP overlay deployment
- Design NFV/SDN architectures using OpenStack, ONAP, Kubernetes CNFs, and virtual CPE (vCPE) platforms
- Architect SASE frameworks positioning Secure SD-WAN, ZTNA, CASB, SWG, and FWaaS as integrated cloud-delivered services (Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma, Fortinet SASE)
- Design GPON / XGS-PON / FTTH networks OLT, ONT/ONU sizing, OSP design, splitter ratios, and integration with BSS/OSS provisioning
- Support ISP metro and access network designs including DWDM, OTN, Carrier Ethernet, and L2/L3 VPN services
- Develop network HLD/LLD documentation, IP addressing plans, QoS frameworks, and migration strategies
- Represent network solutions in pre-sales: demos, PoCs, network simulation labs, and executive briefings
- Maintain OEM partnerships: Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Ciena, Ribbon, and Fortinet

Technical Expertise — Hands-On Requirements

- IP/MPLS core: RSVP-TE, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6), Traffic Engineering, and Quick Reroute (FRR)
- BGP — iBGP, eBGP, BGP-LU, BGP-EVPN for DC and WAN, route policies and filtering
- Data Centre fabrics: Spine-Leaf, BGP EVPN/VXLAN, Cisco ACI, Juniper Apstra




- SD-WAN hands-on: Zero-touch provisioning, policy-based routing, SLA-driven path selection, and orchestrator management
- NFV: OpenStack Heat templates, VIM/NFVO, VNF onboarding, Kubernetes Helm charts for CNFs
- GPON: OLT configuration (Huawei MA5800, Nokia 7360, ZTE C320), OMCI provisioning, TR-069, and IPTV multicast
- SASE: Hands-on with at least one platform (Zscaler ZIA/ZPA, Palo Alto Prisma Access, or Fortinet FortiSASE)

Network automation: Ansible, Python/Netmiko, NAPALM, Terraform, and Cisco NSO/YANG model awareness Pre-Sales & Communication Skills

Candidates must demonstrate strong pre-sales aptitude and communication capability:

- Ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear, compelling business narratives for C-suite and non-technical stakeholders
- Experience in responding to RFPs, RFIs, and tenders — including solution write-ups, BOQs, and commercial inputs
- Skilled in conducting customer workshops, discovery sessions, and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations
- Ability to create high-quality solution presentations, architecture diagrams, and proposals independently
- Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences — from NOC engineers to CTO/CIO level executives
- Strong written English for proposal and documentation; proficiency in MS Office / Visio / draw.io
- Active listening skills to identify unstated customer pain points and shape solutions accordingly
- Experience working alongside sales teams in deal pursuit, customer engagement, and solution shaping

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes

- Self-driven professional with the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously under deadline pressure
- Collaborative team player who can mentor junior engineers and guide solution reviews
- Willingness to travel to customer sites, partner offices, and OEM briefings as required
- Intellectual curiosity — stays updated with emerging technologies and market trends
- Ability to engage with OEM vendor teams (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.) for deal support and design validation

📌 Network Architect (Kochi)
🏢 Kerala Vision
📍 Kochi