Wireless Network ArchitectCape is seeking a Wireless Network Architect who combines deep expertise in planning, building, and operating cellular networks with the vision and courage to disrupt legacy approaches and reimagine the future of telecom. You're not just an expert in telecom architecture—you're driven to make an impact. You want to join a fast-growing company where your work directly supports the U.S. and its allies in strengthening national security.
This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that truly matter—shaping the geopolitical landscape in an era where telecom is an essential element of modern warfighting.In this role, you'll bring the technical depth to go toe-to-toe with vendors, partners, and internal teams as we implement a next-generation, cloud-based Core network. You understand IMS, packet cores, and the edge elements that integrate with other networks—including 4G and 5G variants such as HSS, UDM, and UDR.You are both an architect and a builder: capable of seeing the big picture and inventing what's next, while unafraid to roll up your sleeves and execute. This is a hands-on role where strategy and delivery go hand in hand.Here Are Some Ways You'll Make An ImpactDesign and deliver core networks that support essential features (voice, data, messaging), address customer use cases, and solve hard problems with novel, never-been-done solutions—while ensuring scale and reliability.Partner across teams and vendors to stitch together solutions and bring them successfully to market.Implement new features with zero disruption to live users through well-planned MOPs, maintenance windows, test plans, and phased rollouts.Troubleshoot deeply—dig into network traces with partners and vendors to isolate root causes and resolve complex issues.Interconnect networks—from private to commercial, roaming to MVNO—ensuring seamless interoperability.Drive new standards in security and privacy, whether by encrypting data, eliminating unnecessary storage (e.g. CDRs), augmenting 3GPP/GSMA functions, or inventing new protections against malicious actors.Stand up new network instances in new regions or with functionality tailored to evolving customer needs.Are You The Candidate We Are Looking For?
(Requirements For The Role)4+ years wireless Core network architecture experience, including IMS, EPC/PGW, MME, HSS, SGW (or 5G equivalents).Hands-on operational skills—comfortable deploying, configuring, and debugging network functions in a startup environment.Deep expertise in telecom features such as VoLTE/VoNR, VoWiFi, SMS/MMS over IP, and regulatory compliance (e911, NG911, CALEA).Familiarity with 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA architectures.Strong protocol knowledge: Diameter, SIP, GTP, and related cellular network protocols.Vendor management experience, with the ability to hold external partners accountable.Design documentation skills, from high-level architecture to detailed network diagrams.Comfort with disruption—willingness to do things differently than legacy telecom approaches.Preferred experience:Cloud-based network deploymentsLaunching MVNOs, roaming interconnects, IPX, trunking, and cross-network connectionsRAN expertise and/or knowledge of SIMs, SIM applets, and OTA platformsCompetenciesWireless Core Network Expertise – Ready to hit the ground running with deep technical knowledge.Innovation – Able to spot opportunities for disruption and differentiation in a legacy-heavy industry.Mission-Oriented – A team player who thrives in collaborative, goal-driven environments.Customer-Centric – Designs networks that meet and anticipate customer needs, with innovations that delight.Flexible & Adaptable – Comfortable with the speed and unpredictability of a growth-stage startup.Zoom In / Zoom Out – Big-picture strategic thinker who can also dive deep into details.Sense Of Urgency – Operates at startup pace; proactive and resourceful.Clear Communicator – Can document technical designs, draft specifications, and translate complexity for non-technical audiences.Additional DetailsTravel Requirements: Up to 25%. This role may require travel for key meetings or projects.CompensationWe offer competitive compensation that is geo-adjusted based on your location, along with meaningful equity so you share in the value you help create. Salary range for this role in Washington, DC is $200,000-$250,000 depending on experience and interview performance.Our benefits include:401(k) match100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents12 weeks paid parental leave (for all parents, no waiting period)Stipends forFamily-forming needsGender-affirming careUnlimited PTOOur Culture & ValuesWe hire excellent people, give them outsized responsibility, and trust them to execute. Every person at Cape has a proven track record of tackling hard problems and winning.We believe that personal privacy and national security are not at odds, and that they can be reconciled through strong technology.We believe companies exist to build awesome things and take care of the people who build them, so we offer top-tier healthcare, 401(k) matching, and a generous vacation policy that our team actually uses to recharge.We believe that a stronger company and a better product are built by people from all walks of life.
We hire without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you are great at what you do, you belong here.