Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Role Summary
The Senior Architect – RAN is a senior technical leadership role responsible for designing, integrating, and validating advanced 4G/5G Open RAN (O-RAN) solutions, while contributing to future-generation (6G / Beyond-5G) RAN architecture exploration and readiness.
This role combines deep hands-on RAN expertise with system-level architectural thinking, supporting multi-vendor, cloud-native, and AI-enabled Open RAN ecosystems across lab, trial, and deployment environments. The Senior Architect works under the strategic direction of Principal Architects and partners closely with engineering, product, validation, and customer teams.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

RAN Architecture & Design

• Design and own RAN architectures for LTE, 5G NR, and Open RAN deployments
• Contribute to architectural evolution toward 6G and future wireless systems
• Define subsystem architectures across O-RU, O-DU, O-CU, and FH/MH/BH domains

Standards & O-RAN Implementation

• Apply O-RAN Alliance and 3GPP specifications to real-world system designs
• Support O-RAN-based multi-vendor interoperability, plugfests, and compliance activities
• Translate O-RAN and 3GPP standards into implementable design and validation requirements

Validation, Performance & Quality

• Lead or support RAN validation strategies covering O-RAN conformance, interoperability (IOT), and performance
• Analyze system KPIs and RF metrics to ensure carrier-grade performance
• Contribute to automation and CI/CD-driven O-RAN test frameworks

Cloud-Native & Platform Integration

• Architect and integrate Open RAN solutions on Kubernetes and OpenStack platforms
• Support optimization using hardware acceleration (e.g., FlexRAN, FEC, GPU)
• Ensure O-RAN timing and synchronization requirements are met (PTP, SyncE, GNSS)

AI-Enabled & Intelligent RAN

• Support AI/ML-driven Open RAN optimization initiatives
• Contribute to O-RAN RIC (Near-RT and Non-RT) use cases and validation
• Assist in defining telemetry and data requirements for closed-loop optimization

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a senior technical interface for customers and ecosystem partners
• Support Open RAN architecture reviews, PoCs, and technical escalations
• Provide technical input into product planning and Open RAN roadmap discussions

Technical Leadership

• Mentor senior engineers and system/test leads
• Review architecture documents, test plans, and design proposals
• Contribute to architectural governance and O-RAN best practices

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• 8–12+ years of experience in telecom or wireless systems
• Strong experience in LTE/5G RAN and Open RAN (O-RAN) system integration
• Hands-on knowledge of:
  • RAN L1/L2/L3 concepts
  • O-RAN architectures and interfaces
  • Cloud-native platforms and RF/performance testing
• Working knowledge of Linux, scripting, and automation frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to 6G research, future-G concepts, or advanced RAN evolution
• Experience with O-RAN RIC platforms or AI-assisted RAN optimization
• Background in multi-vendor Open RAN labs, field trials, or consortium programs
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.