5G Architect - London, UK

Role Overview

The 5G Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimising end-to-end 5G network architecture, with a strong focus on 5G Standalone (SA) deployments. The role ensures high performance, scalability, ultra-low latency, and alignment with business, security, and UK regulatory requirements.

This position supports telecom operators, vendors, and enterprise/private 5G deployments, driving the transition from Legacy 4G LTE and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures to fully cloud-native 5G SA networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead end-to-end 5G Standalone (SA) architecture (RAN, 5G Core, Transport, Edge, OSS/BSS integration)

• Define and execute network evolution strategy from 4G LTE and 5G NSA to 5G SA

• Architect and deploy cloud-native 5G Core (5GC) using microservices-based architecture

• Design and implement Service-Based Architecture (SBA) in 5G Core

• Lead deployment of key 5G Core functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, PCF, NSSF, AUSF, UDM)

• Design and optimize network slicing for enterprise, IoT, URLLC, and eMBB use cases

• Implement Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) for low-latency applications

• Lead automation initiatives using CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and Zero-Touch Provisioning

• Drive network virtualization (NFV) and SDN transformation programs

• Ensure compliance with 3GPP (Release 15/16/17) and UK regulatory/security standards

• Support private 5G SA deployments for Industry 4.0, smart cities, healthcare, and campus networks

• Collaborate with vendors (eg, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Samsung) on SA roadmap and integration

• Provide technical governance, architecture documentation, and design authority oversight

5G Standalone (SA) Focus Areas1. 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA)

• API-driven architecture using HTTP/2 and RESTful services

• Cloud-native deployment on Kubernetes

• Stateless microservices design

• Horizontal scaling and high availability

2. Network Slicing & Enterprise Enablement

• End-to-end slice orchestration (RAN + Core + Transport)

• Dedicated UPF deployment for enterprise/private networks

• SLA-based QoS enforcement

• Support for URLLC, mMTC, and eMBB services

3. Cloud-Native & Edge Integration

• Containerized network functions (CNFs)

• Edge UPF deployment for low latency

• Integration with public/private cloud platforms

• CI/CD and DevOps practices

4. Security & Regulatory Compliance

• SEPP implementation for inter-PLMN security

• Enhanced subscriber data protection (UDM/AUSF)

• Lawful interception compliance

• UK telecom security requirements alignment

Required Skills & Experience

• 8+ years telecom experience, with 3+ years in 5G architecture

• Proven experience in 5G Standalone (SA) design and deployment

• Strong knowledge of:

  • 5G Core functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, PCF, NSSF, AUSF, UDM)

  • Service-Based Architecture (SBA)

  • Open RAN and traditional RAN

  • Network slicing and MEC

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, OpenStack)

• Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, CI/CD pipelines

• NFV, SDN, MANO frameworks

• Solid understanding of 3GPP standards (Release 15+)

• Experience with telecom vendors and system integration

• Experience migrating from EPC to 5GC

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Science, or related field

• Certifications (preferred):

  • AWS/Azure Cloud Architect

  • Kubernetes (CKA/CKAD)

  • Telecom vendor certifications (Ericsson/Nokia)

• Experience in private 5G SA enterprise deployments

Soft Skills

• Strong technical leadership and architectural governance

• Excellent stakeholder communication (technical and executive level)

• Ability to translate business requirements into 5G SA technical solutions

• Strategic thinking with hands-on delivery capability