Wireless Solutions Architect – 5G SA | O-RAN | vRAN | Cloud-Native RAN
Location: Reading – 2 days per month in Office
Type: Permanent
We are looking for an exceptional Wireless Solutions Architect to join our forward-thinking technology team, leading the design and delivery of next-generation 5G Standalone (SA) wireless solutions with a strong focus on Open RAN (O-RAN), virtualised RAN (vRAN), and xRAN architectures.
In this role, you will architect and deliver end-to-end cloud-native wireless solutions that are scalable, interoperable, and aligned with the future of mobile networks. You will be at the forefront of network disaggregation and innovation, shaping the evolution of RAN architectures across private and public 5G deployments.
🔍 Key Responsibilities
* Design and architect cloud-native wireless network solutions based on O-RAN, 5G SA, vRAN, and xRAN frameworks.
* Define multi-vendor RAN system architecture, including RU/DU/CU components and interfaces (O1, O2, E2).
* Lead the end-to-end design, integration, and validation of disaggregated RAN technologies.
* Evaluate and optimise fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul solutions, with a focus on O-RAN Split 7.2x.
* Work cross-functionally with engineering, product, and external vendors to align solutions with technical and business goals.
* Produce clear architecture documentation, deployment guides, and performance tuning recommendations.
* Conduct RF planning, propagation modelling, and system performance optimisation.
🎯 Required Expertise
* Deep understanding of wireless network architecture: 5G SA, Open RAN, vRAN/xRAN.
* Expertise in cloud-native networking, virtualisation (Kubernetes, Docker), and RAN disaggregation.
* Proven experience integrating RU/DU/CU components within open, interoperable frameworks.
* Strong grasp of O-RAN architecture (SMO, RIC) and interfaces (O1/O2/E2).
* Hands-on experience with vRAN/xRAN deployments, preferably involving Rakuten Symphony, Mavenir, Parallel Wireless, Nokia, or Ericsson.
* Practical knowledge of RF principles, beamforming, Massive MIMO, and DSS.
* Familiarity with network automation tools: Linux, Python, Ansible, Bash.
* Solid understanding of 5G Core (gNodeB, AMF, SMF, UPF) and related interfaces.
* Knowledge of network slicing, QoS, and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC).
* Experience working with orchestration and management frameworks (ONAP, OSM) and REST APIs.
* Ability to translate complex designs into practical, scalable solutions and lead technical delivery across teams.
🧰 Desirable Skills
* RF planning and system performance modelling with industry-standard tools.
* Experience with large-scale telecom network design and deployments.
* Strong stakeholder engagement, technical leadership, and communication skills.
* Ability to operate in multi-vendor, fast-paced environments with a collaborative mindset.