Lead 5G Network Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Top-tier medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead 5G Network Engineer for a fully remote role. You will architect, design, and deploy cutting-edge 5G solutions, leading RAN and core deployments from anywhere in South Africa.

You will mentor engineers, stay abreast of 3GPP standards, and drive performance optimization, security, and cloud-enabled networking. This is an executive-level opportunity with a strong compensation package and stock options.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mobile network engineering, with at least 5 years focused specifically on 5G.
• In-depth knowledge of 5G standards (3GPP releases), NSA/SA, and technologies like mmWave, Massive MIMO, SDN/NFV.
• Proven experience designing, deploying, and optimizing complex 5G networks; RF planning and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement advanced 5G network solutions, including RAN and Core.
• Lead evaluation and integration of new 5G technologies and vendor solutions.
• Optimize network performance, capacity, and reliability for 5G services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues; provide expert guidance.
• Mentor junior engineers and stay current with 5G standards and industry trends.

Skills

5G technologies

RAN

Core network

SDN/NFV

Leadership

Remote work

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Simulation tools

Network performance modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in telecommunications technology, is seeking an exceptional Lead 5G Network Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This high-impact role is responsible for the architecture, design, and deployment of cutting‑edge 5G network solutions. You will be at the forefront of innovation, driving the development and optimization of next‑generation mobile networks. The ideal candidate is a visionary engineer with extensive experience in 5G technologies, radio access networks (RAN), core network components, and network virtualization. This is a remote‑first position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, collaborating with a world‑class team of engineers. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of mobile connectivity, ensuring our client remains at the cutting edge of the telecoms industry. Your expertise will be vital in delivering unparalleled performance and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Architect, design, and implement advanced 5G network solutions, including RAN and Core. Lead the evaluation and integration of new 5G technologies and vendor solutions. Optimize network performance, capacity, and reliability for 5G services. Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, providing expert technical guidance. Develop technical specifications and documentation for 5G network deployments. Collaborate with research and development teams to drive innovation in 5G technology. Mentor and guide junior network engineers on 5G best practices. Stay current with 5G standards, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Ensure network designs comply with security policies and regulatory requirements. Contribute to strategic planning for future network evolution.

Requirements

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of experience in mobile network engineering, with at least 5 years focused specifically on 5G. In-depth knowledge of 5G standards (e.g., 3GPP Releases), architecture (NSA/SA), and key technologies (e.g., mmWave, Massive MIMO, SDN/NFV). Proven experience in designing, deploying, and optimizing complex 5G networks. Expertise in RF planning, network performance analysis, and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of IP networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a remote environment. Published research or patents in relevant fields are a plus. Experience with simulation tools and network performance modeling.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering exceptional work‑life balance and the freedom to work from anywhere in South Africa. Our client offers a highly competitive executive‑level salary, accompanied by a generous performance‑based bonus structure, stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package including top‑tier medical aid, life insurance, and retirement planning. Continuous professional development is highly encouraged, with significant budget allocated for training, conferences, and advanced certifications. You will join a world‑class team dedicated to pioneering the future of mobile technology. This opportunity is based conceptually around supporting the Sandton area's connectivity needs but is not geographically bound, allowing you to thrive remotely while impacting the global telecoms landscape.