Principal System Architect

NOKIA
US Annual Base Salary Range: $143,774 - $267,008 USD Plus, potential incentive/variable compensation for eligible roles.
life insurance, paid time off, tuition assistance
United States, Illinois, Naperville
2000 West Lucent Lane (Show on map)
May 09, 2025
As a Principal System Architect in Nokia's Mobile Networks Space and Defense Tribe, you will be at the forefront of innovation in defense and space communications. Collaborating with teams focused on vRAN, RF design, and security, you will lead the architectural vision for next-generation 5G/NextG systems tailored for critical missions. Your expertise will guide the development of prototype systems and the creation of high-security design artifacts for customers like the US Government and NATO. In this dynamic environment, you'll enjoy a culture that emphasizes collaboration and creativity, while tackling real-world challenges. Expect to influence technology roadmaps, manage technical partner relationships, and contribute to groundbreaking projects that directly impact defense communications. Join us in advancing mission-critical connectivity in a supportive workspace that champions your professional growth. Lead the design and development of secure and resilient Radio Network architectures for defense and space applications, utilizing advanced Nokia products. Engage with customers including US Government and NATO to gather requirements and provide technical expertise in cutting-edge wireless technologies. Manage project deliverables by authoring system requirements, architecture specifications, and design documents for internal and external stakeholders. Drive the advancement of 5G/NextG communication systems through research, standards evaluation, and prototyping for non-traditional applications. Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams to develop integrated solutions encompassing RF design, security, and system performance. Lead responses to Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposal (RFP), and Statement of Work (SOW) documents to secure project partnerships. Foster relationships with technical partners and third-party vendors to ensure project success and alignment with technological roadmaps. Champion pre- and post-sale customer interactions, promoting Nokia's innovative positioning within the defense and space sector. Note: Only U.S citizens are eligible for this role. Preference will be given to candidates who are eligible for obtain a secret level security clearance, given the nature of our customer. No sponsorship or relocation offered for this role. You have: 10+ years of wireless communication system technical architecture experience (Computing Platforms, RF design, SW Architecture, System Performance) Subject matter design expertise in wireless technology areas (5G 3GPP Standards, RF Radio Design, Call Processing, Layer 1/2/3) Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related field Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently It would be nice if you also had: Knowledge of System on a Chip (SOC) and Board Level Compute Processing Experience with beam steering methodology and RF system analysis Simulation and modeling experience using MATLAB or similar environments Customer and partner/vendor relationship management experience Come create the technology that helps the world act together Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people's lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world. We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work What we offer Nokia offers continuous learning opportunities, well-being programs to support you mentally and physically, opportunities to join and get supported by employee resource groups, mentoring programs and highly diverse teams with an inclusive culture where people thrive and are empowered. Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer Nokia has received the following recognitions for its commitment to inclusion & equality: One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Gender-Equality Index by Bloomberg Workplace Pride Global Benchmark At Nokia, we act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Nokia's employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect. Join us and be part of a company where you will feel included and empowered to succeed. Additional Information US/Canada Nokia Offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes but is not limited to: Corporate Retirement Savings Plan Health and dental benefits Short-term disability, and long-term disability Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child) Paid time off for holidays and Vacation Employee Stock Purchase Plan Tuition Assistance Plan Adoption assistance Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program The above benefits exclude students. Disclaimer for US/Canada Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity.( Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role) All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.