Core Network Engineer, 3GPP Wireless

Jobtailor; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Senior Telecom Core Engineer to design, deploy, and optimize 4G LTE EPC and 5G Standalone Core networks. You will convert architectures into concrete plans, configure interfaces and services, and manage VNF/CNF across Kubernetes, OpenShift, OpenStack, and VMware.

You will also build automation in Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash, and drive integration with RAN, OSS/BSS, and third parties while leading testing efforts (FAT/SIT/UAT) and troubleshooting critical issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field as listed.
• 10+ years of hands-on telecom experience in core networks.
• Experience with 4G LTE EPC and 5G Core deployments at scale.
• Experience with vendor core solutions (Ericsson/Nokia/Samsung/Mavenir).
• VNF/CNF deployment on cloud platforms and containers.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, implement, and deploy 4G LTE EPC and 5G Standalone Core elements.
• Translate designs into detailed engineering plans and configs.
• Configure core network elements, interfaces, and services.
• Manage VNF/CNF on Kubernetes, OpenShift, OpenStack, VMware.
• Develop automation with Python, Ansible, Terraform, Bash.
• Lead integration between core elements and RAN, OSS/BSS, third parties.
• Design and execute FAT, SIT, UAT test plans.
• Perform functional, performance, and regression testing.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Support PoCs, field trials, and new tech evaluations.
• Provide expert incident support and KPI monitoring.
• Drive deployment and automation improvements; maintain docs.

Skills

4G LTE EPC Deployment

5G Standalone Core Deployment

VNF/CNF Management on Kubernetes/OpenS

Python Automation

Ansible

Terraform

Bash

Diameter Signaling

S1-AP

GTP-C/U

PFCP

IP Networking

BGP

OSPF

3GPP Standards

Wireshark

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline

Tools

OpenStack

VMware

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Ansible

Terraform

Wireshark

Monitoring Platforms

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Engineer, implement, and deploy 4G LTE EPC and 5G Standalone Core network elements
• Translate architectural designs into detailed engineering plans and configurations
• Configure core network elements, interfaces, and associated services
• Implement and manage VNF and CNF network functions across OpenStack, VMware, Kubernetes, and OpenShift
• Develop automation frameworks and scripts using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash
• Lead integration between core network elements and RAN, transport, OSS/BSS, and third-party platforms
• Design, develop, and execute FAT, SIT, and UAT test plans
• Perform functional, performance, regression, interoperability, and stress testing
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide root cause analysis and corrective action planning
• Support proof-of-concepts, field trials, and new technology evaluations
• Provide expert support for operational incidents
• Monitor network KPIs and recommend performance optimizations
• Drive continuous improvement in deployment, integration, automation, and operations
• Create and maintain configuration guides, MOP documents, test plans, test reports, and as-built network diagrams
• Ensure deployments comply with 3GPP standards, security policies, industry best practices, and internal guidelines

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of hands-on telecommunications experience focused on engineering, integration, configuration, and testing of 3GPP wireless core networks
• Proven experience supporting large-scale 4G LTE EPC and/or 5G Standalone Core deployments
• Extensive experience with core network solutions from Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, or Mavenir
• Strong expertise deploying and managing VNF/CNF network functions on Kubernetes, OpenShift, OpenStack, and VMware
• Hands-on experience with wireless roaming configurations, Diameter signaling, and inter-PLMN connectivity
• Experience with 3GPP standards for 4G LTE Releases 8–15 and 5G Releases 15–18
• Advanced expertise in S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and PFCP
• Understanding of network security principles and hardening techniques
• Proficiency with Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash
• Knowledge of IP networking, BGP, OSPF, and QoS mechanisms
• Experience with Wireshark, protocol analyzers, and monitoring platforms
• Familiarity with AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, and cloud-native networking
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to work in an office and lab environment
• Ability to travel occasionally

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive expertise in engineering, implementing, and managing 4G LTE EPC and 5G Standalone Core network elements, with a strong focus on automation, integration, and compliance with 3GPP standards. Proficient in developing and executing test plans while optimizing network performance and troubleshooting complex issues.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• 4G LTE EPC Deployment
• 5G Standalone Core Deployment
• VNF/CNF Management on Kubernetes
• Python Automation Frameworks
• 3GPP Standards Compliance

Hard Skills

• Network Configuration
• Diameter Signaling
• S1-AP
• GTP-C/U
• HTTP/2
• SCTP
• PFCP
• IP Networking
• BGP
• OSPF

Industry Keywords

• Telecommunications
• 3GPP Standards
• Network Security
• Wireless Roaming
• Inter-PLMN Connectivity

Tools & Technologies

• OpenStack
• VMware
• Kubernetes
• OpenShift
• Ansible
• Terraform
• Wireshark
• Monitoring Platforms
• Cloud-Native Networking
• Protocol Analyzers