Senior Network Engineer - Telecommunications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration with bonuses

Health insurance plan

Professional development and certs

Generous leave policy

Access to latest networking tech

Career advancement opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Network Engineer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to design, implement, and maintain advanced network infrastructures for a leading telecommunications provider. You will manage routing, switching, security, and monitoring while guiding a small team and collaborating with cross-functional groups.

The role emphasizes expert troubleshooting, documentation, and ongoing improvement of network performance, with exposure to MPLS/SD-WAN and cloud networking concepts in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5–7 years in network engineering, telco focus.
• Expertise in routing (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP) and switching (VLANs, STP).
• Strong knowledge of network security (firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS).
• Experience with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix).
• Scripting for automation (Python, Bash) a plus.
• Relevant certifications (CCNA, CCNP, JNCIS) desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with MPLS, SD-WAN, and cloud networking is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy complex network solutions including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot proactively for maximum uptime.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation and diagrams.
• Implement and manage(network security measures) to protect against threats.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan upgrades and migrations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay current with emerging network technologies and best practices.
• Conduct regular network audits and performance analyses.
• Manage vendor/service provider relationships for equipment and services.
• Participate in on-call rotation for network incidents.

Skills

Routing protocols

Switching

Network security

Network monitoring

Scripting (Python, Bash)

Industry certifications

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

MPLS/SD-WAN

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field

Tools

SolarWinds

Nagios

Zabbix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of our client's expansive network infrastructure. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining cutting-edge networking solutions that support a wide range of voice, data, and video services. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of network protocols, routing, switching, and security technologies, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to excellence. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute to the future of telecommunications in the region. We are looking for a motivated professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy complex network solutions, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues proactively to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and procedures.
• Implement and manage network security measures to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute network upgrades and migrations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Stay abreast of emerging network technologies and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular network audits and performance analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• Manage relationships with vendors and service providers for network-related equipment and services.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide emergency support for network incidents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on telecommunications.
• Proven expertise in routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and switching technologies (e.g., VLANs, STP).
• Strong knowledge of network security principles and technologies (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS).
• Experience with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix).
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for network automation is a plus.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, JNCIS) are highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with MPLS, SD-WAN, and cloud networking concepts is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package including a generous annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan covering medical, dental, and vision care.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development through training programs and certifications are provided.
• A generous leave policy, including annual and sick leave, ensures a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to the latest networking technologies and a supportive team environment fosters career growth.
• Additionally, there are opportunities for career advancement within the organization, and the company culture promotes innovation and collaboration.
• This role offers the flexibility of a hybrid work model, combining office-based work with remote options to suit the demands of modern professionals.