Job Description

Main PurposeThe 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

The Focus Group