Packet Core Planning Engineer

A 1L Realization (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A telecommunications company in Johannesburg seeks a highly skilled Packet Core Planning Engineer to lead the design and optimization of mobile core network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in this field, ensuring data connectivity, scalability, and performance across 3G, 4G, and 5G systems. Strong understanding of IP networking principles and 3GPP standards is essential, along with analytical skills and experience with planning tools.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in packet core planning.
• Strong understanding of LTE / 5G architecture.
• Hands-on experience with planning tools and network simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of mobile core network infrastructure.
• Ensure seamless data connectivity and scalability across 3G, 4G, and 5G.

Skills

Packet core planning

IP networking principles

3GPP standards

Traffic modeling

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelors degree in Telecommunications or related field

Tools

Virtualization tools (Kubernetes, OpenStack)

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Packet Core Planning Engineer to lead the design, capacity planning, and optimization of our mobile core network infrastructure. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless data connectivity, scalability, and performance across 3G, 4G, and 5G packet core domains. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strategic foresight to support evolving business and customer demands.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in packet core planning, preferably within Tier 1 mobile operators or OEMs
• Strong understanding of 3GPP standards, LTE / 5G architecture, and IP networking principles
• Hands-on experience with planning tools, traffic modeling, and network simulation platforms
• Familiarity with virtualization (NFV), cloud-native core, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenStack)
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and stakeholder communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in Cisco, Nokia, Ericsson, or Huawei packet core platforms
• Experience with BSS / OSS integration and service orchestration
• Exposure to AI / ML-driven network optimization tools
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and lawful interception requirements

For a Packet Core Planning Engineer, the essential skills span across technical expertise, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.