Senior Telecom Network Engineer (Core)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & retirement fund

Generous leave

Hybrid work model

Training & certifications

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Telecom Network Engineer (Core) in Randburg, Gauteng, SA. The role focuses on core network design, deployment, and optimization for a scalable, secure backbone supporting millions of customers. Hybrid work balances on-site access with remote collaboration.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in telecom core networks, strong BGP/OSPF/MPLS skills, and vendor experience (Cisco/Juniper). A CCNP or similar certification is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 6 years in telecom network engineering.
• Strong routing/switching and MPLS knowledge.
• Experience with high-availability network design.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage core network elements.
• Ensure reliability and performance of the core network.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Participate in capacity planning and network expansion.
• Maintain network configurations and documentation.
• Collaborate to integrate services and technologies.
• Enforce network security best practices.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance core capabilities.
• Improve network operational processes.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

Core networking

High availability

Network security

Troubleshooting

CCNP

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cisco equipment

Juniper equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African telecommunications landscape, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Telecom Network Engineer (Core) to join their operations in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is vital for the design, implementation, and optimization of the company's core network infrastructure, which forms the backbone of its services. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with core networking technologies, a deep understanding of network architecture, and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues. This hybrid role balances essential on-site work for infrastructure access and team collaboration with the flexibility of remote working. You will be instrumental in ensuring the stability, scalability, and performance of the core network, directly impacting the quality of services delivered to millions of customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage core network elements, including routers, switches, and high-capacity transport systems.
• Ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of the core network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Participate in capacity planning and network expansion projects to meet future demand.
• Develop and maintain detailed network documentation, including configurations, diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate new services and technologies into the core network.
• Implement and enforce network security best practices within the core infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions to enhance core network capabilities.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of network operational processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in telecommunications network engineering, with a strong focus on core network technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching technologies, and MPLS.
• Experience with high-availability network design and implementation.
• Hands-on experience with network equipment from major vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).
• Proficiency in network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Strong understanding of IP networking principles and network security.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCNP, JNCIP) are highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Hybrid work model for enhanced work-life balance.
• Be part of a team managing a critical national network.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading organization.
• Access to advanced network technologies and lab environments.
• Employee wellness initiatives.
• Travel allowances where applicable.