Senior System Architect

Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior System Architect to lead the architecture, design, and evolution of Zhone next-generation optical transport and broadband access network products. The ideal candidate will have deep experience with high-capacity DWDM systems (100G/400G/800G), PON access technologies, and IP network architectures, along with familiarity with network programmability and automation.

This role requires a combination of technical leadership, system-level thinking, and cross-domain expertise spanning optical, broadband access, IP, and software-defined networking.

This hybrid role combines product ownership with technical solution design, supporting both internal development and external customer engagements. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong technical background and understanding of the business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Define and drive the product strategy and architecture for Optical Transport, OLT and ONT platforms.

Help Architect and design DWDM optical network products supporting 100G, 400G, and 800G coherent interfaces

Help Architect and design GPON and XGS-PON broadband network products, including OLT/ONTs.

Lead adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architectures and Define management, control, and automation frameworks using NETCONF/YANG, and related models

Evaluate vendor solutions, reference designs, and interoperability across multi-vendor environments

Provide technical leadership, design reviews, and architectural guidance across programs and teams

Support customer engagements, technical proposals, and roadmap discussions as a subject-matter expert

Ensure product and solution alignment with industry standards (ITU, IEEE, BBF) and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

10+ years of experience in system architecture or senior technical roles in optical, broadband, or IP networking

Strong expertise in DWDM optical transport networks (ROADM-based architectures, coherent optics, amplification)

Strong experience with 100G / 400G / 800G optical interfaces and network design considerations

Deep knowledge of GPON and XGS-PON technologies, architectures, and deployment models

Solid understanding of IP networking and IP-over-optical integration

Practical experience with NETCONF/YANG, and model-driven network management

Ability to work across cross-functional teams and influence technical direction

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of network automation, telemetry, and closed-loop control

Familiarity with SDN/NFV, virtualization, or cloud-native network functions.

Prior experience working with service providers or large-scale carrier networks

Prior Experience representing Company/Technology in Industry and Technology Standards Forums.

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