Senior 5G Systems Engineer

Comsol Networks (Pty) Ltd.; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Comsol Networks (Pty) Ltd. is seeking a Senior 5G Systems Engineer to lead deployment, integration, and operations of Private 5G SA networks for enterprise customers.

You will bridge Linux systems engineering, enterprise networking, and 5G core architecture, taking networks from initial deployment to steady-state uptime. You will troubleshoot end-to-end from Linux OS and transport up to gNodeB and SA core services, configure L2/L3 networks, and provide Tier-3 support while documenting topologies

Qualifications

• 5+ years in mobile/telecom, with exposure to 5G SA architecture.
• Proficient Linux system administration and networking (iproute2, iptables).
• Strong understanding of 5G SA core elements (AMF/SMF/UPF) and RAN interfaces.
• Willingness to travel for customer deployments and a valid driver2 license.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment, integration, and support of Private 5G SA solutions across customer sites.
• Perform end-to-end troubleshooting from Linux OS to gNodeB and SA Core services.
• Configure and manage Linux-based hardware and containerized deployments (K8s/OpenShift).
• Provide Tier-3 support, maintain topology diagrams, SOPs, and site deployment scripts.

Skills

Linux admin

Networking basics

5G SA knowledge

Troubleshooting

Field support

Technical writing

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in CS/EE/IT

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

AWS EKS

Celona

Druid Software

Job description

We are 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 our 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.

Key Responsibilities

Deployment & 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 & Support

• Provide tier-3 escalation support for private cellular installations, ensuring maximum network uptime, strict SLA adherence, and prompt issue resolution.

Documentation & Handoff

• Maintain accurate topology diagrams, configuration archives, deployment scripts, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for site installations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience supporting and maintaining systems within a mobile/telecom environment, with direct exposure to 5G Standalone (5G SA) architecture.
• Proficiency in Linux OS administration (Ubuntu/Debian, RHEL/CentOS), including system diagnostics, shell scripting, process management, and networking configuration (iproute2, iptables/nftables, systemd).
• 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.

Mobility

• Own reliable transport and a valid driver’s license (required for potential customer site visits and deployments).

Preferred Skills

• 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).

Methodical Troubleshooting

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