Role Overview
The Principal Architect for Autonomous Network Operations (ANO) is responsible for defining and leading the strategic evolution of network operations from reactive management models toward cognitive, AI-driven, self-healing architectures. This role serves as the chief technical authority for the ANO program, driving the design and implementation of intent-based automation, autonomous service assurance, digital twin capabilities, and AI-powered operational intelligence across RAN, Transport, and Core domains.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Technical Leadership
- Serve as the lead architect for the Autonomous Network Operations (ANO) program, overseeing the transformation from traditional reactive network operations to cognitive, self-healing network architectures.
- Define the long-term ANO technology roadmap and ensure alignment with business objectives, operational efficiency goals, and service quality targets.
- Provide technical governance and architectural leadership across all ANO initiatives.
Intent-Based Automation
- Lead the design and deployment of intent-driven, closed-loop automation architectures that translate high-level business objectives into automated resource-level actions.
- Drive automation strategies across RAN, Transport, and Core network domains.
- Establish scalable frameworks for policy-driven orchestration and autonomous decision-making.
Cognitive Service Healing
- Architect and orchestrate cross-domain reasoning systems leveraging AI agents, advanced analytics, and global telemetry.
- Enable proactive detection, diagnosis, and remediation of silent network degradations before customer impact occurs.
- Implement autonomous service assurance and predictive operational capabilities.
Digital Twin & Data Strategy
- Oversee the implementation of a Network Digital Twin architecture utilizing Spanner Graph and BigQuery (UPM 3.0).
- Enable real-time simulation, root cause analysis (RCA), dependency mapping, and operational scenario modeling.
- Define enterprise-wide data strategies supporting autonomous operations and AI-driven insights.
Industry Standards Alignment
- Ensure architectural blueprints align with TM Forum Autonomous Network frameworks, including TMF921 Intent APIs and related standards.
- Drive compliance with Google reference architectures and implementation guidelines.
- Represent the organization in industry forums and standards-related initiatives.
Knowledge Management
- Lead the rollout of enterprise knowledge management capabilities leveraging Knowledge Catalog and Dataplex.
- Establish a unified operational knowledge foundation by consolidating fragmented network telemetry, operational documentation, and service intelligence.
- Promote data governance and knowledge-sharing best practices across the organization.
Technical Requirements
DomainRequired ExpertiseAI & OptimizationHands-on experience with Vertex AI Agent Engine, Agent Space, Vertex AI Search, and AI-powered network optimization solutions operating in near real-time environmentsData ArchitectureStrong expertise in Spanner Graph, BigQuery (UPM 3.0), Dataplex, and automated data ingestion and processing pipelinesNetworking & TelecommunicationsDeep understanding of OSS/BSS architectures, CNF/VNF onboarding, 5G Core networks, and Autonomous Network Operations (ANO) frameworksClosed-Loop OperationsProven experience designing and implementing intent-driven orchestration, automated RCA, self-healing workflows, and AADE (Awareness, Analysis, Decision, Execution) operational cyclesSecurity & GovernanceExpertise in AAA controls (Authentication, Authorization, and Audit), Model Armor, data sovereignty requirements, and data residency regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Proven Delivery Experience
- Demonstrated success leading strategic telecommunications platform programs valued at $2M+.
- Track record of delivering large-scale transformation initiatives involving AI, automation, and network operations modernization.
Industry Recognition
- Active participation and visibility within major industry events and forums such as Mobile World Congress (MWC), DTW, or equivalent telecommunications industry programs.
- Experience contributing to industry standards and best-practice initiatives.
Thought Leadership
- Recognized expertise in Level 4/Level 5 network autonomy and self-optimizing network architectures.
- Published contributions, speaking engagements, or industry leadership related to AI-driven network operations and autonomous networking.
- Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive strategic technology adoption across large-scale telecommunications environments.
Originally posted on Himalayas