About the position
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. (DESIREABLE)
- 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
