Core Network Engineer – Ip Core Infrastructure (Team Lead)

fibertime™; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company revolutionizing internet access in South Africa. As a technical leader, you will design and manage the IP/MPLS core infrastructure, ensuring stability and security while mentoring a talented engineering team. This role offers the chance to make a real impact in underserved communities, providing affordable, high-speed internet. Enjoy a hybrid work environment in beautiful Stellenbosch, where you'll thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven culture.

Benefits

Purpose-driven work

High-growth environment

Collaborative culture

Hybrid flexibility

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in IP/MPLS core network engineering.
• 2+ years in a leadership or mentoring capacity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and growth of IP/MPLS core infrastructure.
• Manage routing protocols and oversee day-to-day network operations.
• Drive security best practices and contribute to network automation.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Nokia NRS II

MikroTik MTCINE

Cisco CCNP/SP

Tools

Nokia SR-series

MikroTik

Job description

fibertime is revolutionising internet access by providing unlimited, pay-as-you-go fiber connectivity to underserved communities in South Africa. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide by offering affordable, high-speed internet, enabling opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth. We are rapidly expanding our network across multiple cities and townships, aiming to make reliable internet accessible to all.

WHO WE ARE LOOKIG FOR:

Lead the design, operation, and growth of fibertime’s IP/MPLS core infrastructure, ensuring stability, scalability, and security across the national backbone network.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (AND LOVE DOING):

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the core network engineering team.
• Architect and maintain a resilient IP/MPLS core leveraging Nokia SR-series and MikroTik routers.
• Manage routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, QoS, VLANs, and network segmentation for performance and security.
• Oversee day-to-day network operations and troubleshoot high-complexity issues.
• Proactively monitor core network health, latency, uptime, and capacity planning.
• Drive security best practices, including DDoS mitigation and access control policies.
• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors, ISPs, and peering partners.
• Contribute to network automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in infrastructure scaling aligned with customer and PoP growth.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE:

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in IP/MPLS core network engineering, with 2+ years in a leadership or mentoring capacity.
• Expertise with Nokia SR-series and MikroTik routers in high-availability ISP environments.
• Strong command of ISP-grade network technologies, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, QoS, and traffic engineering.
• Experience with carrier-grade NAT, route reflectors, and NMS systems.
• Relevant certifications such as Nokia NRS II, MikroTik MTCINE, Cisco CCNP/SP are preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

WHY JOIN US?

• Purpose-driven work: Play a central role in powering affordable, reliable internet in underserved areas.
• Lead with impact: Take ownership of a growing IP/MPLS backbone that supports real-world connectivity.
• High-growth environment: Join a scale-up that’s moving fast and building infrastructure from the ground up.
• Collaborative culture: Work with an engineering team that values technical excellence and open dialogue.
• Grow your leadership: Develop as a technical leader while shaping South Africa’s next-gen ISP core.
• Hybrid flexibility: Be based in beautiful Stellenbosch while enjoying the autonomy of hybrid work.