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.
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What We Do
Zhone Technologies is a global leader in Network Edge, Connected Home/Enterprise, and AI Cloud Software solutions that enable gigabit broadband everywhere. They are a provider of access and optical networking infrastructure and AI-driven cloud software solutions.
