Principal Network Architect | Segment Routing | SRv6

Principal Network Architect | Segment Routing | SRv6 Berkshire | Hybrid | Contract | Outside IR35 Tier 1 Service Provider | SRv6 | IPv6 | MPLS | Segment Routing | Network Architecture | Cisco NSO Role Principal Network Architect, Network Architect, SRv6 Architect, IP Transport Architect, Service Provider Architect, MPLS Architect, IPv6 Architect, Segment Routing Architect Key Skills Principal Network Architect, SRv6, Segment Routing, IPv6, MPLS, Carrier Networks, Tier 1 Service Provider, IP Transport Networks, Network Architecture, High Level Design, Migration Strategy, Cisco NSO, Cisco Crosswork, BGP, IS-IS, EVPN, VXLAN, Network Automation, NETCONF, REST APIs, YANG, Python, Ansible, Transport Networks, Architecture Governance. Location Hybrid | Berkshire Office & Home based Type Temporary, Contract, Full-Time Status Contract for services. Outside IR35 Duration 24 months minimum Overview @mecscomms is recruiting for an experienced contract Principal Network / SRv6 Architect to lead the design and evolution of a next-generation carrier-grade IP transport network for a leading Tier 1 telecommunications provider. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future architecture of a national network, defining the transition from legacy MPLS technologies to a highly automated SRv6-based transport platform supporting fixed, mobile, enterprise, cloud and data centre services. Working alongside architecture, engineering, operations and technology partners, you'll own the strategic network architecture, establish technical standards and produce the architectural blueprints that will underpin a major transformation programme. Purpose Design the future-state architecture for a large-scale IP transport network built around Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6), delivering a scalable, resilient and automation-first platform capable of supporting the next generation of telecommunications services. Lead the architectural direction of the programme, producing the HLD designs, migration strategy and technical governance required to successfully transform a national carrier network. Technology Stack , Core Network , SRv6 , Segment Routing , IPv4 / IPv6 , MPLS , Carrier IP Transport , BGP , IS-IS , EVPN , Architecture & Design , High Level Design (HLD) , Low Level Design (LLD) , Network Architecture , Migration Strategy , Technical Governance , Network Automation , Cisco NSO , Cisco Crosswork , Python , Ansible , NETCONF / REST APIs , YANG , Modern Infrastructure , Network Telemetry , Cloud Networking , Virtualisation , Kubernetes , VMware , OpenStack Core Activity , Design next-generation SRv6 transport networks. , Define carrier IP architecture and technical standards. , Lead MPLS to SRv6 migration strategy. , Produce High Level Designs (HLD) and architectural documentation. , Define network automation architecture. , Provide technical leadership across architecture and engineering teams. , Review designs and ensure architectural governance. , Work closely with vendors, operations and delivery teams. , Shape long-term transport network strategy. Responsibilities , Own the end-to-end architecture for a carrier-grade IP transport network supporting fixed, mobile, enterprise and cloud services. , Define the target SRv6 architecture, ensuring the platform is scalable, resilient and automation-ready. , Produce High Level Design documentation and architectural standards to support engineering delivery. , Develop the migration strategy for transitioning from legacy MPLS technologies to SRv6 with minimal operational risk. , Assess Cisco NSO and Cisco Crosswork capabilities to support orchestration, automation and lifecycle management. , Define underlay network requirements to support future overlay services and transport capabilities. , Produce architecture blueprints describing integration with OSS/BSS platforms and northbound APIs. , Work collaboratively with engineering, operations, product management and vendors throughout the programme lifecycle. , Provide architectural governance, technical leadership and design assurance across all phases of delivery. , Champion automation-first principles and modern network engineering best practice. Deliverables , Private IP Architecture , SRv6 Target Architecture , Skeleton High Level Design (HLD) , Cisco NSO / Cisco Crosswork Assessment , Underlay Requirements Specification , Northbound Integration Blueprint , Release 1 Technical Scope , Delivery & Migration Roadmap , Migration Strategy Working Environment , Hybrid Working , Tier 1 Service Provider , Carrier-Grade Transport Networks , Large-Scale Network Transformation , Multi-Vendor Environment , Cross-Functional Architecture Teams , Agile Delivery , Automation-First Engineering , Enterprise IP Networking Candidate Profile Candidates must possess extensive experience designing and governing large-scale IP transport networks within a Tier 1 telecommunications environment. You'll have a proven track record of defining strategic network architectures, leading complex transformation programmes and producing the technical deliverables required to successfully migrate carrier networks from MPLS to SRv6. You'll be recognised as a senior technical authority, capable of influencing stakeholders, leading architectural decisions and delivering scalable network designs that will support future service growth. Essential , Tier 1 Service Provider experience , Commercial SRv6 architecture , Segment Routing , IPv6 , MPLS / SR-MPLS , Carrier IP Transport Networks , High Level Design (HLD) , Migration Strategy , Architecture Governance , BGP / IS-IS , Technical Leadership , Stakeholder Management Desirable , Cisco NSO , Cisco Crosswork Network Controller , EVPN / VXLAN , Python , Ansible , NETCONF , REST APIs , YANG / OpenConfig , OSS/BSS Integration , TM Forum APIs , Network Telemetry , Kubernetes , TOGAF , CCIE Service Provider , JNCIE-SP Key Traits , Strategic Thinker , Technical Leader , Influential Communicator , Commercially Aware , Collaborative , Analytical , Delivery Focused , Pragmatic , Innovative , Passionate About Network Architecture @mecscomms: uniting opportunity with ambition in Telecoms | Media | Technology @mecscomms is the brand name of MECS Communications Ltd who provide permanent & contract recruitment consultancy service as an Employment Agency & Employment Business. For more information or a list of current vacancies, please see our web site at mecscomms.co.uk ....Read more...
Type: Contract Location: Berkshire, England Start: ASAP Duration: 24 months+ Salary / Rate: £300 - £350 per day Posted: 2026-07-29 18:25:19