Senior System Architect

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:

Product Strategy & Technical Leadership:

• 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.

• 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.