Senior 5G Network Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision insurance

Home office setup allowance

Unlimited PTO & flexible hours

Global team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior 5G Network Engineer for a remote-first role. You will design, deploy, and optimize 5G core and RAN components, troubleshoot across the 5G ecosystem, and drive automation initiatives from a global, distributed team.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in telecom network engineering with at least 3 years in 5G, strong scripting skills, and a deep understanding of 5G NSA/SA architectures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years in telecommunications network engineering with at least 3 years focused on 5G.
• In-depth knowledge of 5G architecture (NSA and SA), protocols (SIP, GTP, HTTP/2).
• Experience with cloud-native network functions and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in network troubleshooting tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage 5G core network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF) and RAN components.
• Optimize network performance, capacity, and QoS for 5G services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues across 5G ecosystem (RAN, core, backhaul).
• Develop and implement network automation strategies using scripting and tools.
• Perform performance analysis and capacity planning for future growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented.
• Create and maintain network documentation and procedures.
• Participate in vendor evaluations and trials for new 5G solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers on 5G technologies.

Skills

5G expertise

Troubleshooting

Python scripting

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in EE/CS

Master's preferred

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global telecommunications leader, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior 5G Network Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is instrumental in the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of our cutting-edge 5G network infrastructure. You will play a critical part in shaping the future of mobile connectivity, working on complex challenges related to 5G core, RAN, and transport networks. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in 5G technologies, a proven ability to troubleshoot intricate network issues, and a passion for innovation. This is a remote-first opportunity, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to a world-class network. You will collaborate with a diverse, talented team of engineers across different geographies, driving the continuous improvement of our network performance, reliability, and scalability. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who thrives in a remote environment and is eager to make a significant impact on the telecommunications landscape. Your contributions will directly influence the quality of service delivered to millions of users.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage 5G core network elements (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF) and RAN components.
• Optimize network performance, capacity, and quality of service for 5G services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues across the 5G ecosystem, including RAN, core, and backhaul.
• Develop and implement network automation strategies using scripting and relevant tools.
• Conduct performance analysis and capacity planning for future network growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies and services into the 5G network.
• Ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained.
• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including design specifications and operating procedures.
• Participate in vendor evaluations and technology trials for new 5G solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on 5G technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in telecommunications network engineering, with at least 3 years specifically focused on 5G.
• In-depth knowledge of 5G architecture (NSA and SA), protocols (e.g., SIP, GTP, HTTP/2), and standards.
• Experience with cloud-native network functions (CNFs) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in network troubleshooting tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of IP networking, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and transport networks.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.
• Relevant 5G certifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Generous home office setup allowance.
• Unlimited paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunity to work with leading-edge 5G technology.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Global team collaboration and exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Work from anywhere within the specified remote work regions.