Enterprise Architect (EA) — Autonomous Network Operations (ANO)

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