Senior System Architect

Zhone Technologies, Inc

$143K — $168K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 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
  • Experience with 100G/400G/800G optical interfaces
  • Deep knowledge of GPON and XGS-PON technologies
  • Solid understanding of IP networking and IP-over-optical integration
  • Practical experience with NETCONF/YANG.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the product strategy and architecture for Optical Transport, OLT, and ONT platforms
  • Architect and design DWDM optical network products for high-capacity interfaces
  • Architect and design GPON and XGS-PON broadband network products
  • Lead the adoption of SDN architectures and define automation frameworks
  • Evaluate vendor solutions and ensure interoperability in multi-vendor environments
  • Provide technical leadership and design reviews across programs
  • Support customer engagements as a subject-matter expert.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment supporting both product ownership and technical solution design
  • Opportunity for significant impact on next-generation product development
  • Engagement in customer interactions and roadmap discussions
  • Exposure to multi-vendor ecosystems and industry standards
  • Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

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:

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.


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.

Benefits for full-time employees include an Extended Health Care Plan, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability insurance, Retirement Savings Plan, $500 Wellness Benefit, Employee Assistance Program and Paid Time Off.

What happens once you apply? Your resume will be reviewed against the requirements listed and if a match is made, a member of our team will reach out to you directly. Hiring top talent is our top priority and we are thrilled that you chose us.

Salary Description

143,000 CAD - 168,000 CAD per year

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