Access Network Solutions Architect

fibertime™ is a pay-as-you-go uncapped fiber internet solution designed for township markets. Users can instantly access 100mbps fiber internet from the safety of their homes without contracts or installation fees. The service is affordable, with rates starting from R5 a day, and aims to enhance the internet experience for all users.

fibertime™ is seeking an Access Network Solutions Architect within the Engineering – Access Network team.

This role is responsible for designing, standardising, and evolving fibertime™’s access network solutions to support large-scale subscriber growth. The role translates architectural standards into deployable designs, validates scaling limits, and ensures access networks are reliable, repeatable, and scalable per PoP.

You will work closely with Core, Transmission, and Automation teams and act as an escalation point for complex access network issues.

• Design and validate FTTx / PON access network solutions.
• Develop and support standardised PoP access network templates.
• Assist in the design and optimisation of OLT and ONT service profiles.
• Validate and document scaling limits per PoP and per PON.

• Support access network migration projects, including ISAM to Lightspan and Alteplano transitions.
• Contribute to network evolution initiatives to support GPON and XGS-PON growth.
• Ensure designs align with fibertime™ architecture, performance, and operational standards.
• Act as escalation support for complex access network failures and incidents.
• Collaborate with Core, Transmission, Automation, and Net Ops teams to ensure end-to-end network alignment.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and long-term remediation initiatives.

• Contribute to technical documentation, architecture standards, and reference designs.
• Ensure access network designs are repeatable, scalable, and operationally supportable.
• Support continuous improvement of access network design practices.

• 6+ years’ experience in ISP or FNO access network environments.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Nokia OLTs and ONTs.
• Proven experience designing GPON and XGS‑PON networks at scale.
• Solid understanding of subscriber VLANs, QoS, and multicast services.

• Networking degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Nokia access network certifications (advantageous).
• Strong architectural thinking with attention to scalability and standardisation.
• Ability to translate design standards into deployable network solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills across engineering and operations teams.
• Excellent troubleshooting and escalation support capability.

At fibertime™, we’re not just building networks — we’re building scalable, future‑ready access for millions of users.

• Real Impact: Your designs directly enable stable, high‑performing connectivity.
• Scale: Architect networks that grow with South Africa’s township fibre footprint.
• Ownership: Influence standards and designs used nationwide.
• Growth: Work with advanced access technologies in a fast‑scaling environment.
• Purpose: Help close the digital divide through world‑class access network design.