Senior Network Engineer - Telecoms

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Network Engineer for a leading telecommunications provider based in Centurion, Gauteng. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures to ensure reliability, performance, and security across South Africa.

You will lead initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable solutions and integrate new technologies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years hands-on network engineering in telecom.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/EE or related field.
• Expertise in BGP and OSPF routing.
• Experience with firewalls (Cisco ASA, Fortinet).
• Proficiency with SolarWinds and Nagios.
• VPN technologies and network access control.
• CCNA/CCNP/JNCIE certifications are advantageous.
• Centurion Gauteng experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy scalable network solutions (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers).
• Monitor performance and resolve bottlenecks to ensure uptime and user experience.
• Develop and implement network security strategies to protect against threats.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into the network.
• Perform network audits, capacity planning, and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Document configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Manage vendor relationships for network hardware/software.
• Stay updated on networking advancements and best practices.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

VLANs

STP

Firewall security

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/EE

Tools

Cisco ASA

Fortinet

SolarWinds

Nagios

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer to join their dynamic team based in Centurion, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures that underpin essential communication services across South Africa. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in ensuring network stability, performance, and security, contributing directly to the company's reputation for reliability and innovation in the fast-paced telecom sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact in a challenging and rewarding environment. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a collaborative setting and is eager to tackle intricate network challenges. The role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to anticipate future network needs. Our client values a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement within the network operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, configuring, and deploying robust and scalable network solutions, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Monitoring network performance and proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks and potential issues to ensure optimal uptime and user experience.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive network security strategies to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies and services into the existing network infrastructure.
• Performing regular network audits, capacity planning, and troubleshooting complex network problems.
• Documenting network configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Managing vendor relationships for network hardware and software.
• Staying abreast of the latest advancements in networking technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in network engineering, specifically within the telecoms industry.
• Proven expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and switching technologies (VLANs, STP).
• Strong understanding of network security principles and experience with firewalls (e.g., Cisco ASA, Fortinet).
• Proficiency in network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios) and packet analysis.
• Experience with VPN technologies and network access control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and present technical information clearly.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or JNCIE are highly advantageous.
• Experience working in Centurion, Gauteng or a similar urban telecommunications hub is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training and certifications.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Access to cutting‑edge technology and infrastructure.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, blending office and remote flexibility.