Senior Telecom Core Network Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonuses

Training & certification

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Telecom Core Network Engineer for a fully remote role. The position focuses on design, deployment, and optimization of IMS, EPC, and 5GC components, with an emphasis on high availability and performance from anywhere within Western Cape, ZA.

You will lead core network projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior engineers while staying current with vendor solutions and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in core network engineering.
• Deep knowledge of core network elements and protocols (SIP, Diameter, GTP, TCP/IP).
• Experience with 3G/4G LTE, 5G SA/NSA architectures and NFV/virtualization.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain core network components (IMS, EPC, 5GC, signaling gateways).
• Develop strategies for upgrades, migrations, and expansions.
• Monitor performance and implement proactive solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with RAN, IT and app development teams for end-to-end delivery.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and vendor solutions.
• Maintain technical documentation and runbooks.
• Ensure network security and compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
• Participate in on-call rotation for 24/7 support.

Skills

Core network engineering

SIP protocol

Diameter protocol

GTP, TCP/IP

NFV virtualization

Docker

Kubernetes

Root cause analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering

Tools

VMware

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international telecommunications solutions provider, is actively seeking a seasoned Senior Telecom Core Network Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is instrumental in the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of critical core network infrastructure that underpins their advanced service offerings. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise in core network technologies to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance. This is a unique opportunity to join a globally distributed team and contribute to the evolution of telecommunication services, working from anywhere within Western Cape, ZA, with a particular connection to the Paarl region's operational focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain core network components, including IMS, EPC, 5GC (AMF, SMF, UPF), and associated signaling gateways.
• Develop and execute strategies for core network upgrades, migrations, and expansions.
• Monitor core network performance, identify potential issues, and implement proactive solutions to ensure service continuity.
• Troubleshoot complex network problems, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including RAN, IT, and application development, to ensure seamless integration and end‑to‑end service delivery.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and vendor solutions into the core network architecture.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including network designs, configuration guides, and operational procedures.
• Ensure adherence to network security best practices and compliance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other members of the core network engineering team.
• Participate in on‑call rotation to provide 24/7 support for critical network incidents.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in telecommunications core network engineering.
• Deep understanding of core network elements and protocols (e.g., SIP, Diameter, GTP, TCP/IP).
• Proven experience with 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G core network architectures (SA/NSA).
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (NFV, VMWare) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, suitable for a remote work environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience in a remote team setting is highly desirable.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., JNCIE, CCIE) are a strong asset.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, an extensive benefits package including comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and performance-based bonuses. Our client is committed to employee development, offering continuous training, opportunities for certification, and career advancement. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote position while contributing to a leading technology company impacting Paarl, Western Cape, ZA and global telecommunications.