Network Architect – Telecom & Datacenter Networks

Role:

Location:

Why should you choose us?

Are you interested in working for a Global Leader in E-commerce? Are you excited about working on highly scalable platforms and applications that are accessed by millions of users every day? If so, read on to find out more about the opportunity.

Rakuten Symphony is a Rakuten Group company, providing global B2B services for the mobile telco industry and enabling next-generation, cloud-based, international mobile services. Building on the technology Rakuten used to launch Japan’s newest mobile network, we are taking our mobile offering global. To support our ambitions to provide an innovative cloud-native telco platform for our customers, Rakuten Symphony is looking to recruit and develop top talent from around the globe. We are looking for individuals to join our team across all functional areas of our business – from sales to engineering, support functions to product development. Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!

About Rakuten Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to approximately 1.5 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has over 27,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

About Rakuten Symphony Central Architecture Team:

Rakuten Symphony's Central Architecture Team drives the overall architecture and product strategy. This Business Unit is a diverse and technologically advanced organization within Rakuten Symphony, with members across every domain, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Our team fosters an open and respectful culture that values diversity and encourages creativity.

Why We Hire:

We are seeking a highly skilled Network Architect with deep expertise in 5G transport networks, including mobile backhaul, and datacenter network deployment using Cisco ACI or Juniper fabric technologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in network automation, solution architecture, Bill of Quantity (BOQ) creation, and hands-on configuration of network devices. This is a key technical leadership role that involves translating business and technical requirements into scalable, secure, and high-performance network solutions.

Job Duties:

• Design and Architect 5G Transport Networks:
• Develop E2E transport network architectures supporting 4G/5G including fronthaul, Midhaul, and backhaul (IP/MPLS, Segment Routing, EVPN).
• Interface with RAN and Core teams to ensure alignment of transport strategy with overall mobile network architecture.

Datacenter Network Design:

• Design and deploy scalable datacenter networks using Cisco ACI or Juniper QFX-based IP Clos fabrics.
• Experience with Cisco APIC controller — fabric policy configuration, tenant creation, contracts, EPGs/BDs, L3Outs.
• Integration of ACI with VMware vCenter, OpenStack, Kubernetes (CNI), and public cloud extensions.
• Knowledge of micro segmentation, service graph chaining, and policy-based traffic redirection.
• Familiarity with ACI anywhere, Remote Leaf, and Cloud ACI (AWS/Azure) deployments.
• Troubleshooting with ACI health scores, fault logs, and atomic counters.
• Integration with external Layer 3 networks, legacy VLANs, and hybrid ACI deployments.
• Hands-on experience designing IP Clos (spine-leaf) architectures using QFX5K/10K series.
• Deep understanding of EVPN-VXLAN, L3 gateway models, IRB interfaces, and Type-5 route handling.
• Design and implementation of Data Center Interconnect (DCI) using EVPN/overlay routing.
• Deployment and management of Junos Fusion, Junos Space, or Apstra.
• Integration with external BGP peers, centralized routing (Route Reflector), and multi-tenancy.
• Fabric automation using ZTP, Ansible, Python or NETCONF.
• Troubleshooting with monitoring telemetry (JTI), traceoptions, fabric health tools, and vFlow.
• Support virtualization, container networking (Kubernetes), and integration with hybrid cloud.

Solution Architecture & Design:

• Create high-level and low-level network designs (HLD/LLD), network diagrams, and migration strategies.
• Prepare detailed BOQs based on customer or project requirements.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and vendors.
• Hands-on Configuration & Implementation:
• Lead hands-on implementation, configuration, and testing of network infrastructure (routers, switches, fabric controllers).
• Validate designs through lab testing and Proof of Concept (PoC) setups.

Automation & SDN:

• Design and implement network automation using tools such as Ansible, Python, Terraform, or vendor APIs.
• Leverage SDN controllers (APIC, Apstra) to simplify and manage complex network topologies.

Documentation & Governance:

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of network design, configuration, operational processes, and change records.
• Ensure compliance with internal security, performance, and operational standards.

Collaboration:

• Work with cross-functional teams (cloud, security, DevOps, NOC) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Serve as technical SME during customer engagements and internal strategy discussions.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics/Telecom/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in telecom and datacenter network design and deployment.
• Strong understanding of mobile backhaul (IP/MPLS, Ethernet, PTP/SyncE), ORAN architecture, and 5G architecture.
• In-depth experience with Cisco ACI and/or Juniper QFX/EVPN/VXLAN fabrics.
• Proficiency in L2/L3 protocols, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, EVPN, SR-MPLS/SRv6, QoS, multicast, and security.
• Hands-on configuration experience with Cisco IOS-XR, NX-OS, Junos, etc.
• Experience in developing and maintaining automation scripts (Python, Ansible, YANG models).
• Knowledge of tools like Git, Jenkins, NetBox, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus.
• Strong experience in creating HLD, LLD, and BOQ documents.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Juniper JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent expert-level certifications
• ACI Specialist, JNCIS-DC, or DevNet certifications

What we look for?

• Adaptable within a fast-paced environment.
• Capable of handling multiples projects/initiatives simultaneously and executing to completion.
• Must have positive and professional verbal and written communication skills and maintain excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to challenge and manage the change of status quo.

Our commitment to you:

You'll benefit from our network of global communities and collaborative culture that will help you build technical and functional skills and capabilities. And because we serve more than 28 countries industries globally, you'll have the opportunity to develop valuable industry-specific expertise.

The scale of our capabilities and client engagements and the unique way we innovate, operate and deliver value will give you the opportunity to deepen your existing skills even as you help create the latest technology trends. You'll have access to leading-edge technology.