Specialist, Core Network AI & Automation

Rakuten Kobo Inc.; India; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Rakuten Symphony seeks a Senior Engineer to design and implement AI/ML use cases for VoLTE/IMS and 4G EPC/5G NSA core networks, deploying automation with multi-vendor platforms (Nokia, Cisco, Mavenir, F5).

The role focuses on building AI/automation pipelines, improving network intelligence, reliability, and operational efficiency, with onsite work in Bangalore or Indore.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, or a related field.
• 6-10+ years of overall experience in Telecom Core Network engineering.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in VoLTE/IMS and/or 4G EPC / 5G NSA core network domains.
• 3+ years of hands-on AI/ML development, deployment, model monitoring, and lifecycle management experience.
• Strong VoLTE/IMS knowledge: P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, HSS, PCRF, TAS, SBC, SIP, Diameter, RTP/RTCP, and voice QoS.
• Strong 4G EPC and 5G NSA knowledge: MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, PCRF, GTP-C/U, EN-DC Option 3x, X2, and NR bearer setup.
• Hands-on experience with at least two vendor platforms among Nokia, Cisco, Mavenir, and F5.
• Strong Python skills with NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch for telecom AI/ML use cases.
• Experience with anomaly detection, time-series forecasting, classification, NLP for logs, traffic prediction, and QoS optimization.
• Hands-on network automation using Python, Bash/Shell, Ansible, Terraform, REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, gNMI, and gRPC.
• Experience with CI/CD and platform engineering tools including Jenkins, GitLab CI, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm.
• Experience with data platforms such as Kafka, Spark, InfluxDB, Elasticsearch, SQL, and NoSQL databases.
• Ability to translate telecom network problems into AI/ML problem statements and operational automation workflows.
• Experience with Nokia automation workflows, Cisco NSO, or F5 iControl REST API.
• Familiarity with AIOps platforms such as IBM Watson AIOps or Moogsoft.
• Understanding of TM Forum Open APIs such as TMF641, TMF653, and TMF639.
• Experience with network digital twins, simulation environments, ETSI NFV MANO, or 3GPP Release 15/16 specifications.

Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and implement AI/ML use cases for VoLTE, IMS, 4G EPC, and 5G NSA core network domains.
• Develop models for anomaly detection, traffic prediction, QoS optimization, fault management, and VoLTE voice quality assurance.
• Build intelligent automation pipelines using network telemetry, KPIs, CDRs, alarm data, logs, and vendor platform APIs.
• Work on IMS and EPC components including P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, HSS, PCRF, SBC, TAS, MME, SGW, and PGW.
• Analyze and optimize VoLTE call flows, SIP signaling, Diameter interfaces, GTP traffic, media paths, and voice QoS performance.
• Design and implement network automation for provisioning, configuration management, fault remediation, validation, and rollout verification.
• Develop automation scripts and workflows using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, gNMI, and CI/CD toolchains.
• Build closed-loop automation frameworks for self-healing and self-optimization of core network elements.
• Collaborate on-site with Network Operations, Data Science, DevOps, and vendor teams for delivery, escalations, and roadmap alignment.

Skills

VoLTE/IMS

4G EPC

5G NSA

AI/ML development

Python

Ansible

REST APIs

NETCONF/YANG

gNMI

CI/CD tooling

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Docker

Terraform

SIP

Diameter

HSS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, or related field

Tools

Nokia NSO

Cisco NSO

F5 iControl REST API

Job description

Job Description: Job Title: Specialist, Core Network AI & Automation Experience: 6-10 years Preferred Area - Identify, design, and implement AI/ML use cases for VoLTE, IMS, 4G EPC, and 5G NSA core network domains. Location: Bangalore/Indore

Why should you choose us?

Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced mobile services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe, and the Middle East Africa region. For more information, visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com. Building on the technology Rakuten used to launch Japan’s newest mobile network, we are taking our mobile offering global. To support our ambitions to provide an innovative cloud-native telco platform for our customers, Rakuten Symphony is looking to recruit and develop top talent from around the globe. We are looking for individuals to join our team across all functional areas of our business – from sales to engineering, support functions to product development. Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!

About Rakuten Group, Inc.

(TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to 2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has over 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer with strong expertise in Core Network technologies and Automation to design and implement AI/ML-driven use cases within the Core Network environment. The role focuses on VoLTE/IMS-based voice and 5G Non-Standalone architecture, working with multi-vendor platforms including Nokia, Cisco, Mavenir, and F5. The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to Bangalore or Indore and commit to a full-time work-from-office engagement. The ideal candidate will combine deep telecom domain knowledge with modern AI/ML and automation capabilities to improve network intelligence, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and implement AI/ML use cases for VoLTE, IMS, 4G EPC, and 5G NSA core network domains.
• Develop models for anomaly detection, traffic prediction, QoS optimization, fault management, and VoLTE voice quality assurance.
• Build intelligent automation pipelines using network telemetry, KPIs, CDRs, alarm data, logs, and vendor platform APIs.
• Work on IMS and EPC components including P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, HSS, PCRF, SBC, TAS, MME, SGW, and PGW.
• Analyze and optimize VoLTE call flows, SIP signaling, Diameter interfaces, GTP traffic, media paths, and voice QoS performance.
• Design and implement network automation for provisioning, configuration management, fault remediation, validation, and rollout verification.
• Develop automation scripts and workflows using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, gNMI, and CI/CD toolchains.
• Build closed-loop automation frameworks for self-healing and self-optimization of core network elements.
• Collaborate on-site with Network Operations, Data Science, DevOps, and vendor teams for delivery, escalations, and roadmap alignment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, or a related field.
• 6-10+ years of overall experience in Telecom Core Network engineering.
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience in VoLTE/IMS and/or 4G EPC / 5G NSA core network domains.
• 3+ years of hands‑on AI/ML development, deployment, model monitoring, and lifecycle management experience.
• Strong VoLTE/IMS knowledge: P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, HSS, PCRF, TAS, SBC, SIP, Diameter, RTP/RTCP, and voice QoS.
• Strong 4G EPC and 5G NSA knowledge: MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, PCRF, GTP-C/U, EN-DC Option 3x, X2, and NR bearer setup.
• Hands‑on experience with at least two vendor platforms among Nokia, Cisco, Mavenir, and F5.
• Strong Python skills with NumPy, Pandas, Scikit‑learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch for telecom AI/ML use cases.
• Experience with anomaly detection, time‑series forecasting, classification, NLP for logs, traffic prediction, and QoS optimization.
• Hands‑on network automation using Python, Bash/Shell, Ansible, Terraform, REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, gNMI, and gRPC.
• Experience with CI/CD and platform engineering tools including Jenkins, GitLab CI, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm.
• Experience with data platforms such as Kafka, Spark, InfluxDB, Elasticsearch, SQL, and NoSQL databases.
• Ability to translate telecom network problems into AI/ML problem statements and operational automation workflows.
• Experience with Nokia automation workflows, Cisco NSO, or F5 iControl REST API.
• Familiarity with AIOps platforms such as IBM Watson AIOps or Moogsoft.
• Understanding of TM Forum Open APIs such as TMF641, TMF653, and TMF639.
• Experience with network digital twins, simulation environments, ETSI NFV MANO, or 3GPP Release 15/16 specifications.
• Deep troubleshooting capability for VoLTE call flows, SIP signaling, Diameter, GTP, roaming, and interworking scenarios.
• Strong analytical, data‑driven, ownership, and delivery mindset for a fast‑paced office‑based Agile/Scrum team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with Network Operations, Data Science, DevOps, and vendor teams.
• Must be currently located in Bangalore or Indore, or willing to relocate before joining.
• Must be fully comfortable with mandatory Work from Office, 5 days per week; remote, hybrid, and WFH arrangements are not available.
• Must have demonstrable AI/ML project experience in a telecom or network operations context.
• Experience with both VoLTE/IMS and 4G EPC/5G NSA is required.
• Out of scope for this role: 5G Standalone Core, RAN engineering, O-RAN/xApp/rApp development, and remote/hybrid/WFH arrangements.
• Relocation support available for the right candidate moving to Bangalore or Indore.

Rakuten Shugi Principles:

Rakuten Shugi Principles: Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviours that make Rakuten unique and united across the world.

We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

Always improve, always advance.

Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen.

Be passionately professional.

Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best.

Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika.

Use the Rakuten Cycle to success in unknown territory.

Maximize Customer Satisfaction.

The greatest satisfaction for workers in a service industry is to see their customers smile.

Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!

Always be conscious of time.

Take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team.

Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced mobile services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe, and the Middle East Africa region. For more information, visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com Building on the technology Rakuten used to launch Japan’s newest mobile network, we are taking our mobile offering global. To support our ambitions to provide an innovative cloud-native telco platform for our customers, Rakuten Symphony is looking to recruit and develop top talent from around the globe. We are looking for individuals to join our team across all functional areas of our business – from sales to engineering, support functions to product development. Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!

Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!