Senior 5G Systems Engineer

Recruit-It; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruit-It seeks a Senior 5G Systems Engineer to lead the deployment, integration, and operation of Private 5G SA solutions. You will bridge Linux systems, enterprise networking, and 5G core architecture, taking networks from deployment to steady-state operations.

You will perform deep troubleshooting across Linux OS, transport, gNodeB, and 5G SA core services, while ensuring uptime and SLA compliance across customer sites.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in mobile/telecom environments with direct exposure to 5G SA architecture.
• Proficiency in Linux OS administration (Ubuntu/Debian, RHEL/CentOS) including diagnostics, scripting, and networking configuration.
• Strong L2/L3 enterprise networking knowledge (switching, routing, VLANs, IPsec/VPNs) and packet analysis tools (Wireshark/tcpdump).
• Knowledge of 5G SA core elements (AMF, SMF, UPF) and RAN interfaces; ability to troubleshoot end-to-end workflows.

Responsibilities

• Deployment and integration: Install, configure, and commission Private 5G SA Core and RAN components across customer sites and edge environments.
• Full-stack troubleshooting: Diagnose complex performance issues from Linux to gNodeB and 5G SA Core services.
• Systems administration: Manage Linux-based hardware and virtualized runtimes supporting 5G network functions (containers/K8s or VMs).
• L2/L3 network configuration: Configure VLANs, routing, VPNs, security integrations tied to the 5G transport network.
• Operations and support: Provide tier-3 escalation support ensuring uptime and SLA adherence.
• Documentation and handoff: Maintain topology diagrams, config archives, scripts, and SOPs.

Skills

Linux systems engineering

L2/L3 networking

5G SA knowledge

Troubleshooting

Self-starter

Communication

Education

Grade 12 / Matric Certificate

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Wireshark

tcpdump

Job description

Department: Network Engineering / Technology Reporting structure: GM: Network Systems

Job purpose

Our client is seeking a Senior 5G Systems Engineer to lead the deployment, integration, and operational support of Private 5G Standalone (5G SA) enterprise solutions. Positioned at the entry to mid-range of their Senior engineering track, this hands‑on role bridges Linux systems engineering, enterprise networking, and 5G cellular core architecture.

You will be responsible for taking Private 5G networks from initial deployment to steady‑state operations, performing deep‑stack troubleshooting—from the underlying Linux OS and transport layer up through the gNodeB and 5G SA Core services.

Critical outputs

• Deployment and Integration: Install, configure, and commission Private 5G SA Core and RAN components across customer sites and edge environments.
• Full-stack troubleshooting: Diagnose complex, end-to-end performance issues across the entire stack—from Linux kernel/OS networking parameters, IP routes, and firewall rules up to gNB connectivity, 5G SA Control Plane protocols (NGAP, NAS), and User Plane performance (UPF).
• Systems administration: Manage and optimize Linux-based hardware and virtualized runtime environments supporting 5G network functions (including containerized/K8s or virtualized deployments).
• L2/L3 network configuration: Configure, maintain, and support Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking infrastructure, VLANs, routing protocols, VPNs, and enterprise security integrations (firewalls/NAT) tied to the 5G transport network.
• Operations and support: Provide tier‑3 escalation support for private cellular installations, ensuring maximum network uptime, strict SLA adherence, and prompt issue resolution.
• Documentation and handoff: Maintain accurate topology diagrams, configuration archives, deployment scripts, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for site installations.

Minimum requirements

Must-haves

• Experience: 5+ years of hands‑on experience supporting and maintaining systems within a mobile/telecom environment, with direct exposure to 5G Standalone (5G SA) architecture.
• Linux systems engineering: Proficiency in Linux OS administration (Ubuntu/Debian, RHEL/CentOS), including system diagnostics, shell scripting, process management, and networking configuration (iproute2, iptables/nftables, systemd).
• L2/L3 enterprise networking: Strong foundational understanding of switching, routing (OSPF, BGP, static), VLANs, Subnetting, IPsec/VPNs, TCP/IP, and packet analysis using tools like Wireshark or tcpdump.
• 5G SA domain knowledge: Practical familiarity with 5G SA core network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF), RAN interfaces (N1, N2, N3), and session management workflows.
• Education: Grade 12 / Matric Certificate.
• Mobility: Own reliable transport and a valid driver’s license (required for potential customer site visits and deployments).

Advantageous / nice‑to‑haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes/K8s) or cloud‑native infrastructure platforms (OpenShift, MicroK8s, AWS EKS).
• Exposure to Private Wireless/Enterprise LTE/5G vendor hardware and software solutions (e.g., Celona, Druid Software, Aarna, Athonet, Ericsson, Nokia).
• Vendor or industry certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, Linux Foundation CKA/LFCS, or cellular‑specific training).

Technical and personal attributes

• Methodical troubleshooting: A structured, analytical approach to isolating network vs. OS vs. application layer faults.
• Self‑starter: Ability to drive field deployments and resolve production outages with minimal supervision.
• Clear communicator: Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills for interfacing with client IT teams and internal engineering leads.