Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Architect

Connectivity CPE Architect - Contract

Location: London
Contract: Contract
Working with: Leading Global Telecommunications Organisation

We are seeking an experienced Connectivity CPE Architect to support a major global telecommunications organisation on a high-profile next-generation connectivity programme.

This is a key architecture role focused on the specification, evaluation and selection of next-generation Wi-Fi gateways, mesh devices and extenders.

The key experience required for this role is:

Deep and current CPE architecture experience.

Strong knowledge of broadband gateways, in-home networking and Wi-Fi technologies.

Expertise across Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 and emerging Wi-Fi 8 standards.

Experience running RFI/RFP processes and supplier evaluations.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Someone capable of operating independently with minimal oversight.

A contractor with proven delivery experience rather than theoretical knowledge.

You will lead the technical workstream across RFI/RFP activities, translating CPE strategy into detailed technical specifications, architecture documentation, compliance requirements and supplier evaluation criteria.

Working closely with senior Technology, Product, Procurement, Engineering and Test stakeholders, as well as CPE OEMs, silicon vendors and systems integrators, you will help shape the technology and supplier decisions for the organisation's future connectivity portfolio.

• Lead the technical architecture and specification of next-generation CPE, including Wi-Fi gateways, mesh devices and extenders.

• Own the technical workstream for CPE RFI/RFP processes, from market assessment through to supplier recommendation.

• Produce detailed technical specifications, data sheets, architecture/block diagrams, compliance matrices, evaluation criteria and scoring frameworks.

• Assess and challenge supplier proposals, product capabilities and technology roadmaps.

• Define requirements across Wi-Fi, radio, antennas, Ethernet, DOCSIS, XGS-PON and other in-home/WAN connectivity technologies.

• Lead technical workshops with CPE OEMs, silicon vendors and integration partners.

• Review emerging wireless technologies, standards and regulatory requirements to inform architecture decisions.

• Where required, scope and oversee proof-of-concept activity to validate technical decisions and reduce delivery risk.

• Ensure requirements incorporate security, privacy, resilience, scalability and regulatory considerations.

• Present clear technical recommendations to senior stakeholders and support handover into delivery.

• Proven experience as a CPE Architect, Connectivity Architect, Technical Architect or Engineering Lead within a telecoms operator, CPE OEM or silicon/vendor environment.

• Strong experience producing technical specifications and leading RFI/RFP or RFx activity.

• Deep, current knowledge of Wi-Fi 6/7/8, including radio and antenna design considerations.

• Broad understanding of Ethernet, DOCSIS, XGS-PON, Thread, Bluetooth, Zigbee, TR-069 and USP/TR-369.

• Strong knowledge of Embedded CPE software and Middleware, including RDK-B, OpenWRT, OpenEmbedded, HALs and silicon SDKs.

• Experience delivering connected consumer devices and technology roadmaps.

• Experience working directly with OEMs, silicon vendors and systems integrators.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex technical information into clear recommendations.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including experience influencing senior technical and business stakeholders.

• Comfortable working independently within complex, multi-market telecoms environments.

Experience with:

• Cloud-connected CPE and cloud platforms

• Mobile applications and digital customer journeys

• Agile product and engineering environments

• Telecoms regulation, privacy and security

• Multi-market connectivity deployments

• Technical due diligence and PoC management

This is an opportunity to play a strategic and hands-on role in shaping the next generation of connectivity technology for a major international telecommunications organisation.

You will have significant influence over CPE architecture, technology selection, supplier evaluation and future product roadmaps, working directly with leading technology partners across the connectivity ecosystem.

Location: UK or Netherlands | Contract | Next-Generation Connectivity Programme

If you're a CPE/Connectivity Architect with strong Wi-Fi expertise and proven RFI/RFP and supplier-selection experience, we'd be keen to hear from you.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.

Disclaimer
Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies.
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