We are looking for a Principal Technical Specialist – R&D to lead architecture and innovation in fiber-based fixed access networks products/solutions. This role will drive end-to-end design of OLT software solutions, influencing product strategy, technology direction, and large-scale deployments through deep expertise and technical leadership. NIFN2026 Own and drive architecture & development of OLT software platforms, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability. Work on Fiber Transport technologies with focus on GPON/XGPON systems. Design, develop and implement Layer 2 networking solutions (forwarding, multicast, QoS). Collaborate with Product Management to translate customer feedback into product features. Drive end-to-end troubleshooting and resolution of complex telecom software issues. Provide technical leadership across teams, guiding design decisions and solving complex system-level challenges. Contribute to an agile and fast-paced development environment, fostering innovation. You Have: Graduate or Postgraduate Degree in Engineering 15+ years experience as lead SW developer/Tester in Telecom Access or Core network products Strong knowledge/domain experience in Datacom, L2 forwarding, QoS, VLAN, L2 Protocols and etc. Good programming expertise – C, C++ , Python, Go and etc,. Good Test Automation Expertise – Robo, Python and etc,. Very good knowledge on network processors, packet processing, traffic engineering and etc,. Very good knowledge on network element management, data models, etc,. Demonstrated experience in technical leadership / team mentoring. Proven track record in technical architecture, complex problem-solving, and large-scale solution delivery. It would be nice if you also had: Experience in network software testing lifecycle and automation. Good knowledge & understanding on GPON Transport is added advantage (but not a must)