Principal Solution Architect - IP SDN and Tooling

About the role

Optus is looking for a Principal Solution Architect in its IP SDN and Tooling team. The role is the primary design authority for Optus's API-first, AI-assisted network automation platform, bridging commercial product engineering with zero-touch network automation. It leads the end-to-end automation stack to support Optus Business (EGW) growth, accelerates product development cycles and migrates services from the Essential network onto the new IPM declarative pipeline, and mentors traditional network engineers toward a software-driven operating model.

Key responsibilities

• Define and deliver the automation architectures needed to automate 80% of recurring IP changes by December 2027.
• Migrate enterprise services (including NBN and fibre business services) safely and at scale off legacy networks onto the new IPM pipeline.
• Design multi-vendor abstraction layers (Cisco, Ciena, Fortinet) to avoid vendor lock-in.
• Embed NetBox as the authoritative source of truth for network design and inventory.
• Translate product intent (Carrier IP-Line, IP-VPN, MEF E-Line/E-LAN, SD-WAN) into service inventory models and automation workflows.
• Act as design authority for Fixed Enterprise Networks automation, using YANG, OpenAPI and JSON Schema.
• Scale zero-touch provisioning systems such as Cisco NSO and intent-based modelling.
• Mentor network engineers and embed CI/CD methodology.
• Ensure compliance with Optus engineering governance, TM Forum Open API standards and IETF-aligned modelling practices.
• Validate solutions against availability, scalability, security, observability and runbook coverage.
• Foster collaboration between Sales, Product, Architecture and Technology teams.

Required profile

• 10+ years building, scaling and automating tier-1 carrier networks, ideally for commercial product portfolios (EGW/Enterprise & Government).
• Proven track record of large-scale network migrations (e.g. 100,000+ IP-Line links).
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to build, motivate and retain engineering teams under tight capital constraints.

Required skills

• Cisco NSO, zero-touch provisioning and replacement of legacy OSS with automation pipelines.
• Carrier IP-Line, IP-VPN, MEF E-Line/E-LAN, SD-WAN and SIP Voice architecture.
• NetBox or equivalent as source of truth.
• Cisco routing cores, Ciena equipment and Fortinet SD-WAN.
• Container-based delivery, GitOps and CI/CD.

What we offer

• $80 monthly credit and 25% off Optus products and retail partner discounts.
• Flexible working, with three days in the office and two days remote or home.
• Collaborative campus with cafes, gym and on-site childcare.
• Leave policies including up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employee-led networks and diversity initiatives.
• Free 24/7 counselling and support services.