Senior Network Engineer – Access & Last Mile (Team Lead)

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

Job summary

A leading company in South Africa is seeking an Innovative Leader to oversee the design and deployment of fiber connectivity networks. This role involves managing a team, optimizing network performance, and ensuring reliable service delivery in underserved areas. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in network engineering and a passion for bridging the digital divide.

Benefits

Leadership growth

Hybrid flexibility

Tech-first culture

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on network engineering experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience with access technologies (FTTx, GPON) and routing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment, and operations of the access and last mile network infrastructure.
• Manage and optimize Nokia ISAM/FX platforms and MikroTik infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Project Management

Communication

Education

Nokia NRS

MikroTik MTCRE

Cisco CCNP

Tools

Nokia ISAM/FX

MikroTik Routers/Switches

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 LOOKING FOR:

Innovative Leader to lead the design, deployment, and operations of fibertime’s access and last mile network infrastructure, ensuring high performance and reliability with a focus on Nokia and MikroTik platforms.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (AND LOVE DOING):

• Lead, coach, and develop the access and last mile engineering team.
• Design and implement FTTx, GPON, and wireless last mile solutions in urban and township environments.
• Manage and optimize Nokia ISAM/FX platforms and MikroTik routing/CPE infrastructure.
• Oversee end-to-end network rollouts in collaboration with contractors and internal teams.
• Develop and enforce network standards, configurations, and SOPs.
• Engage with vendors, OEMs, and service providers to ensure efficient procurement and integration.
• Monitor network health, resolve escalations, and support network expansion planning.
• Contribute to automation, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE:

• 7+ years of hands-on network engineering experience, including 2+ years in a leadership or team lead role.
• Strong experience with Nokia ISAM/FX platforms and MikroTik routers/switches.
• Deep understanding of access technologies (FTTx, GPON), VLANs, routing, and wireless deployments.
• Familiarity with provisioning systems, monitoring tools, and rollout best practices.
• Relevant certifications such as Nokia NRS, MikroTik MTCRE/MTCTCE, or Cisco CCNP are preferred.
• Excellent troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience working in ISP or telco environments, particularly in high-density or underserved areas, is advantageous.

WHY JOIN US?

• Shape the last mile: Drive the rollout of South Africa’s most impactful access networks.
• Own and innovate: Lead with autonomy and build infrastructure that scales across townships and cities.
• Leadership growth: Mentor a capable team while growing your own strategic and technical influence.
• Collaborate closely: Work with engineering, operations, and brand teams on meaningful real-world deployments.
• Tech-first culture: Build with cutting-edge platforms, process automation, and rapid iteration.
• Hybrid flexibility: Enjoy the balance of Stellenbosch collaboration and remote autonomy.