Principal Backbone & Edge Architect

Own and maintain Nscale's global network architecture standards across DC edge, WAN edge, backbone transport, cloud exchange, OOB/management, and automation architecture.

Lead the design of new network infrastructure deployments across regions.

Produce detailed network designs, topology documentation, IP addressing schemes, and routing policy frameworks.

Define technology selection criteria and lead vendor and technology evaluations for major network infrastructure decisions.

Conduct architecture reviews for significant network changes, ensuring alignment with global standards before implementation.

Contribute network architecture requirements to data centre design reviews from the earliest stages of new facility planning.

Own Nscale's network technology roadmap.

Identify and evaluate emerging capabilities including 800G/1.6T coherent optics, AI-driven network operations, and next-generation cloud exchange integration.

Produce and maintain technology horizon documentation to inform investment planning and strategic supplier discussions.

Evaluate and recommend technologies, vendors, and platforms aligned with Nscale's commercial objectives, operating model, and growth plans.

Serve as the final technical authority for major network design decisions.

Review and approve significant network designs before implementation.

Identify technical risks within proposed architectures and drive resolution before they reach production.

Maintain and evolve Nscale's network design standards library, ensuring documentation remains current and actionable across regions.

Engage directly with strategic technology and connectivity partners on architecture roadmaps, capabilities, and technical partnerships.

Support enterprise customer and hyperscaler engagements, including architecture walkthroughs, connectivity design reviews, and technical due diligence.

Work with carrier and colocation partners on complex challenges including multi-site diversity, capacity planning, and technology evolution.

Collaborate with Product and Sales teams to translate network architecture capabilities into customer-facing value.

12+ years of network engineering experience, including at least 4 years in a senior architecture or Principal Engineering role.

Deep expertise in large-scale IP/MPLS network design, SRv6, IPv6, BGP, traffic engineering, and multi-AS routing architectures.

Proven experience designing carrier-grade backbone and WAN infrastructure for hyperscale or large-scale data centre environments.

Hands-on expertise with Nokia SR routing platforms and coherent optical transport architecture.

Strong working knowledge of data centre fabric architecture, cloud exchange platforms, and customer connectivity design.

Experience with network automation architecture, including OpenConfig, NETCONF, YANG, and API-driven infrastructure.

Strong ability to produce high-quality architecture designs, technical documentation, and standards frameworks.

Track record of strategic vendor and technology evaluation.

Experience engaging enterprise customers and hyperscalers in technical architecture discussions.

Knowledge of carrier ecosystems across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas is strongly preferred.

At Nscale, you'll find a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment where your contributions spark real impact. We're building something extraordinary, and we want you at the core.

Highly competitive package (base + equity) with reviews every 12 months. 🚀

Join one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure companies — your opportunity to define the global network architecture powering the next generation of AI. ✨

Expect a dynamic progression plan tailored to your ambitions. Shape technical strategy, evaluate emerging technologies, and influence how Nscale's global network evolves as we scale.

Human-First Flexibility: We treat you as humans first. 🫶🏽 Our flexible workplace trusts Nscalers to deliver, giving you the autonomy to shape your day around life's moments.

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If there's anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role.

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