1. Defining and Driving Core Network Architecture & Framework
Develop and maintain a holistic End-to-End Core Network Architecture framework, covering MSS, MGW, EPC (4G), 5G Core, IMS, VoLTE, Policy (PCRF/PCF), Subscriber Management (HSS/UDM), Roaming, Network Exposure (NEF), and API capabilities.
Provide technical leadership and architectural guidelines to the Core Planning & Engineering teams to ensure consistency with the defined framework.
Define and document best practices, reference architectures, and technology roadmaps for core network evolution.
Ensure a scalable, resilient, and future-ready transition from legacy systems to NFV and Cloud-Native 5G Core (SA), while optimizing TCO.
2. Technology Evolution, Roadmap Development & Network Exposure
Lead the transformation from EPC to 5G SA Core, ensuring seamless migration and interoperability.
Drive edge cloud deployments, enabling Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and network slicing for 5G use cases.
Define strategic guidance for VoLTE/ViLTE/VoNR interworking and seamless roaming between 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA networks.
Understand implementation of AI/ML-driven automation for network optimization, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection.
Understand Network Exposure Function (NEF) and API capabilities are leveraged for service innovation, application integration, and new revenue streams.
3. Core Network Planning, Design, and Engineering Guidance
Collaborate with the Core Planning & Engineering teams to translate architectural blueprints into detailed network designs.
Ensure that the network capacity, performance, and resiliency plans align with the agreed architecture.
Provide network dimensioning guidelines to ensure scalability and future growth of voice, data, and signaling services.
Ensure seamless integration of legacy (2G/3G) roaming with 4G/5G networks, including VoLTE and VoNR interworking.
Provide insights and updates to VP, SPV level executives , regulatory bodies, and technology stakeholders.
Collaborate and coordinate with the Technology Strategy team to ensure E2E technology strategy alignment.
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in Telecom Core Networks, with expertise in 2G, 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA Core Network architectures, including MSS, IMS, VoLTE, ViLTE, VoNR, Policy Control (PCRF/PCF), Subscriber Management (HSS/UDM) and Roaming.
Ability to define network architecture frameworks and guide the Core Planning & Engineering teams in network design and implementation.
Good understanding and working knowledge of international technology standards, frameworks and standards bodies including but not limited to 3GPP, IETF, ETSI, TMF, Broadband Forum, ITU, GSMA etc.
Deep understanding of core network signaling flow, including SS7, Diameter, SIP, HTTP/2, GTP and 5G signaling.
Skills
Cloud-native and NFV/CNF transformation, with experience in OpenStack, Kubernetes and telco cloud platforms (for example AWS, Azure, GCP).
Automation & AI/ML-driven network management, including CI/CD and network slicing orchestration.
Expertise in roaming architecture, ensuring seamless interworking across VoLTE, VoNR, and 5G SA roaming models.
Cost-effective transformation and TCO optimization, balancing performance, scalability, and financial efficiency.
Strong understanding of network resiliency, disaster recovery, and high-availability architectures.
Ability to lead collaboration across technology teams, business units, and executive leadership to drive E2E network transformation.
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills to align cross-functional teams towards a common vision.
Proven ability to convince and influence decision-makers by presenting technically sound, cost-effective, and future-proof solutions that align with company objectives.