Senior Engineer: Mobile Core Network

The Focus Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Mobile Core Network Engineer to design, implement, and optimize 4G/5G networks. This role focuses on MOCN, national roaming, and RAN integration, ensuring high-quality network performance and interoperability. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust network solutions, manage capacity, and conduct performance analysis. Your expertise in IP networking and core network technologies will be vital for delivering seamless services. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing mobile technology and making a significant impact in the telecommunications landscape.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mobile core network design and deployment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement end-to-end 4G/5G core network solutions.
• Perform network performance analysis and optimization.

Skills

Network Design

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Technical writing

Time management

Ability to work under pressure

Education

In-depth understanding of 4G and 5G core network technologies

Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, 3GPP)

Tools

Linux networking

IP networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS)

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)

Job description

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.