Senior Core Network Operations Specialist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Learning & development

Hybrid work

Kimberley location

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Core Network Operations Specialist for our Kimberley-based client, a leading telecom operator. You will monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain core network elements, respond to incidents, and implement changes to ensure service availability and performance.

The role requires 5+ years in core network operations, strong knowledge of mobile core protocols, and experience with fault management and NOC tools.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years in core network operations within a telecom environment.
• Strong knowledge of mobile core elements and protocols (SS7, SIP, Diameter).
• Experience with fault management and performance monitoring in a NOC.
• Familiar with IP networking (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Scripting for automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor core network elements (MSC, HLR/HSS, SGSN/SGSN, GGSN/PGW, SGW) 24/7 for performance and faults.
• Respond to alarms and incidents with root cause analysis and resolutions.
• Execute configuration changes, upgrades, and patches per procedures.
• Perform routine health checks and preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with RAN, transport, and IT to resolve cross-domain issues.
• Maintain detailed documentation of configurations and incidents.
• Participate in on-call rotations for after-hours support.
• Identify recurring issues and propose improvements for stability.
• Ensure compliance with security policies and best practices.

Skills

Mobile core network protocols

Fault management tools

Troubleshooting complex issues

IP networking protocols

Analytical skills

Communication & teamwork

Automation scripting

Education

Bachelor's or Diploma in related field

Tools

NOC monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major telecommunications operator in Kimberley, Northern Cape , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Core Network Operations Specialist to join their network operations center (NOC). This role is vital for ensuring the continuous availability, performance, and integrity of the company's core network infrastructure. You will be responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining a wide range of core network elements, responding to incidents, and implementing configuration changes. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with core network technologies, a strong understanding of network protocols, and a proactive approach to problem management. Join our client’s critical operations team in Kimberley and contribute to maintaining reliable communication services.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor core network elements (e.g., MSC, HLR/HSS, SGSN/SGSN, GGSN/PGW, SGW) for performance and faults 24/7.
• Respond to network alarms and incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing timely resolutions.
• Execute network configuration changes, upgrades, and patches following established procedures.
• Perform routine network health checks and preventative maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with other network teams (RAN, transport, IT) to resolve cross-domain issues.
• Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations, procedures, and incident logs.
• Participate in on-call rotations to provide after-hours support for critical network issues.
• Identify recurring issues and propose solutions for network improvement and stability.
• Ensure compliance with network security policies and operational best practices.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in core network operations or a similar role within a telecommunications environment.
• Strong technical understanding of mobile core network elements and protocols (e.g., SS7, SIP, Diameter).
• Experience with fault management and performance monitoring tools in a NOC environment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex network issues affecting service delivery.
• Familiarity with IP networking and related protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF).
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with scripting for automation is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and shift allowances.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunity for continuous learning and professional development.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility.
• Stable role within a critical infrastructure team.
• Work in the heart of the Northern Cape in Kimberley.