Senior Engineer: Mobile Core Network

Main Purpose

The experienced Mobile Core Network 4G/5G Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing mobile core networks with a strong focus on MOCN, national roaming, and RAN integration. Your expertise in core network planning, deployment, and optimization will be crucial for ensuring high-quality network performance and seamless interoperability.

Network Design

• Develop and design end-to-end 4G/5G core network solutions, with a focus on MOCN and roaming scenarios.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and security in network designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align network design with business requirements.
• Traffic model and Capacity Management is required to ensure that the network nodes and links are adequately sized.
• Number range management.
• E2E FWA solution design, including Provisioning, Charging, Mobile Data Core (4G/5G) and RAN.

Configuration Management

• Deploy and integrate core network components, working closely with vendors and partners.
• Able to configure all components of the Mobile Core 4/5G network.
• Ensure seamless integration with other MNOs for national roaming on 4G/5G networks.
• Define and complete all integration testing with Provisioning, Charging and RAN.
• Signalling Protocols: In-depth knowledge of key signalling protocols, including:
• 4G (LTE): S1AP, X2AP, GTP, Diameter, SCTP.
• 5G: NGAP, XnAP, HTTP/2, PFCP, SBI.

Network Optimization

• Perform network performance analysis and optimization to enhance coverage, capacity, and quality of service.
• Implement optimization strategies for MOCN and roaming scenarios.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to maintain optimal operation.
• Provide regular reporting of the whole network and the FWA Service.
• Review and report on network usage and customer usage.

MOCN & RAN Integrations

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in MOCN and RAN technologies and standards.
• Implement MOCN on other MNOs' RAN infrastructure.
• Ensure proper configuration and management of shared RAN resources.
• Setting up the correct pooling and high availability configurations between the Mobile Core and RAN.
• Ensure seamless mobility between 4G/5G sites.

IP Networking

• Implement and manage IP networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) to ensure efficient data flow.
• Configure and troubleshoot IP routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Ensure robust IP network design to support core network operations.
• Setting up of DNS servers including setting up authoritative and caching DNS servers.
• Customize solutions to meet specific requirements and resolve integration issues.

Documentation & Training

• Create technical documentation, including network diagrams and guidelines.
• Conduct training sessions for internal teams and customers.
• Maintain up-to-date records of network configurations and changes.

Key Decisions:

• Decides on the definition, design, architect, implement, test, and support the entire E2E FWA solution.
• Decides on which technologies to recommend, vendors, and preferred partners.
• Decides on specific technologies for solutions and evolve the network accordingly.
• Decides the KPIs required for FWA service and provide the relevant reports.

Accountable for:

• Accountable for the designing, implementing, evolving and supporting the Core Network.
• Accountable for the capacity Management of the network providing the E2E FWA service.
• Accountable for the network quality and support of the E2E FWA service.
• Accountable for mobile Number Management.
• Accountable for Traffic Model Management.

Formal Qualifications Required

• In-depth understanding of 4G and 5G core network technologies, including EPC, IMS, and telecom call flow/processes.
• 5+ years of experience in designing and deploying mobile core network solutions, with a focus on MOCN and roaming scenarios.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, 3GPP) are a plus. (DESIRABLE)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Job Related Experience Required

• Experience with network virtualization, NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), and cloud-native architectures - 3+ Years.
• Planning and Configuration on Core Network Elements including all components of EPC and 5G Core - 3+ Years.
• Strong knowledge of Linux networking, including DPDK applications and SRIOV interfaces - 3+ Years.
• Solution design and architecture - 2+ Years.
• Vendor solutions and technologies - 2+ Years.
• Project Management, multiple project handling - 2+ Years.
• Service delivery and management - 2+ Years.
• Creation of strategic technology plans - 2+ Years.

Job Related Knowledge Required

• 4G/5G Core Network Technologies.
• Familiarity with 3GPP standards and protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of managing and supporting Roaming architectures such as MOCN.
• Implementation of IP networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS).

Job Related Skills Required

• Relationship management - Essential.
• Analytical and design skills - Essential.
• Technical writing - Essential.
• Presentation skills - Essential.
• Time management - Essential.
• Ability to work under pressure - Essential.
• Telecoms infrastructure knowledge - Essential.
• ITIL and service management - Desirable.
• Design thinking and solutions focus - Essential.
• Data warehousing and ETL processes - Desirable.

Supervision / Coordination of People and Work

• Number of jobs - 1.
• Number of people - 2.

Board/Professional Membership Required

• Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) - Desirable.
• Industry Technology Certifications E.g. Security/Networking/Digital/Cloud/Applications - Essential.
• TM Forum SID certification - Desirable.
• TOGAF - Desirable.

Desired Skills:

• Configuration.
• IP Networks.
• Networks.
• Optimization.