Head of Network Engineering & Architecture (SD-WAN & Transformation)

About SITA

SITA powers the technology and communications behind the global air transport industry, helping airports, airlines, and border operations run efficiently. The company serves most international airports worldwide and works with thousands of transportation and government customers. Its engineering center in Letterkenny, County Donegal contributes to aviation technology used across the globe.

Role Summary

SITA is looking for a senior network engineering leader to guide the Network Engineering function within the Communication & Data Exchange organization. The role focuses on SD-WAN and WAN backbone architecture, modernization, and delivery, with an emphasis on strong technical direction, people leadership, and structured execution. You will report to the CTO for the T&E CDE portfolio and join the management team responsible for solution development across the portfolio. Occasional travel may be required to support stakeholder alignment and communication.

Key Responsibilities

You will shape the future network direction by driving modern, efficient technology choices and overseeing the engineering portfolio from planning through delivery. The role includes working with stakeholders to clarify requirements, define scope and timelines, and keep communication flowing through regular updates and feedback loops. You will lead budgeting, scheduling, execution, and delivery across the engineering portfolio, while tracking progress, risks, and issues.

You will also coordinate engineers across WAN, SD-WAN, SSE, and related domains to support collaboration and delivery. The position requires promoting Agile ways of working and a DevOps-oriented approach, including automation and CI/CD practices. You will ensure quality assurance is built into the process, manage the lifecycle of existing solutions, reduce technical debt, and maintain complete documentation to support handover and continuity. In addition, you will manage performance, coach and develop team members, encourage accountability and knowledge sharing, act as product owner for your area, maintain and prioritize the backlog, report portfolio progress, and oversee vendor and partner selection and ongoing management.

What You Bring

This role calls for deep hands-on SD-WAN expertise, especially with platforms such as Versa, Cisco/Viptela, and Fortinet, including the ability to evaluate architectural options and trade-offs. The background should be rooted in engineering leadership rather than service operations, with experience building architecture and engineering teams. You should be comfortable defining roadmaps, technical standards, and governance frameworks, while also handling complex multi-stream programs with strong prioritization and tracking.

Clear, structured communication at an executive level is essential, along with experience leading network modernization initiatives such as SD-WAN, SASE, and cloud connectivity in complex environments. A master’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in network and security engineering, plus proven ability in technical design, project management, people management, and product management. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality are also important.

Preferred Qualifications

Helpful extras include project management or technical certifications such as PMP or Agile credentials, prior experience with WAN, SD-WAN, and network security vendors, and familiarity with DevOps practices and cloud platforms such as Azure.

Benefits and Work Environment

SITA offers a diverse and inclusive workplace across many countries and languages, along with comfortable offices and options to work from home. The flexible working model includes up to 2 days of work from home per week depending on team needs, a flex day to adapt your schedule, and up to 30 days per year working from anywhere in the world.

Employee wellbeing is supported through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program for employees and dependents, along with a wellbeing platform for additional support. Learning and development are a major focus, with access to platforms and programs such as LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft’s Enterprise Skills Initiative, Airport Council International resources, Pluralsight, Harvard Business Publishing, Stanford programs, and more, aligned to individual development plans and business needs. Competitive benefits are also provided in line with local market conditions and employment status.

Equal Opportunity Notice

SITA is committed to equal opportunity and a diverse workforce. As part of its employment equity efforts, women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify during the application process.