Core Network Support Engineer - Packet Core

Reporting to the Manager – Core Network Support, the position holder swill be responsible for operation, maintenance, optimization, automation, transformation, implementation & support of Mobile Packet Core Network equipment and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for implementation, Operation and optimization IP network elements: routers, switches and firewalls.
• Integration and optimisation of Evolved Packet core network elements: SGSN/MME, GGSN/PGW/SGW, PCRF, DNS, EPSN for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and IOT networks
• Integration of RAN systems: BSC, RNC, eNodeB, gNodeB,etc to the core network.
• Integration to downstream systems: Billing, HLR/HSS IP nodes: CGNAT, Firewalls, DNS, etc
• Implementation of new technologies and services in the Packet Core network e.g NBIOT, voWiFi, VoBB, VoLTE,etc
• Perform packet tracing and complex logs analysis for Packet Core Nodes in the 2G,3G,4G & 5G EPC domains
• Exceptional troubleshooting skill is required to solve the customer issues before involving to the equipment vendor/manufacturers.
• Use of automation tools for routine tasks.
• Proactive maintenance and monitoring of key network and system to ensure adherence to KPI agreements.
• Configuration management and strict adherence to underlying governance structures
• Perform BCP exercises and documentation as per BCP calendar.
• Develop and implement predictive analysis to avert system faults/incidents.
• Fault/incident resolution within SLA while adherence to underlying governance
• Assist with the design process and assists in guidance with regards to practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Works with Business Agile teams and technology teams to determine if Core Network infrastructure and applications fit specification and technical requirements.
• Tests and evaluates systems, subsystems, and components.
• Acts as a technical contact and liaison for outside vendors and/or customers.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex Core network issues affecting customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems or  related certification 
• Generally requires 3-5 years related experience 
• Hands-on knowledge in the following areas:
  • Cisco and/or Huawei routing and switching.
    Knowledge of Packet Core components in 2/3/4/5G:SGSN/MME, GGSN/PGW/SGW, PCRF
  • Telco Cloud implementations of EPC using virtualized network functions, cloud- network functions, physical network functions.
  • Strong telecommunication callflow know-how in IP,LTE ePC, 5G, NBIOT
  • VoLTE/VoWiFi/VoBB callflow and applications.
• Practical (testing, troubleshooting, application) knowledge of above technologies
• Knowledge and experience in using various test, packet capture and measurement tools.
• Knowledge and experience in using automation tools for routine tasks.
• Hands-on knowledge of linux administration

We are the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities and people to information. We keep over 42 million customers connected and play a critical role in the society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly while our total economic value was estimated at KES 362 Billion ($ 3.2 billion) for the 12 months through March 2021. We are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and with annual revenues of close to KES 298 Billion ($2.5 billion) as at March 2022. We were founded in 1997 as a fully owned subsidiary of Telkom Kenya before a 40 percent acquisition by Vodafone Group PLC in May 2000, and a public offering of 25 percent shares through the NSE in 2008. Under the management of Vodafone Group PLC, we welcomed Michael Joseph, as our first CEO, a few months later in July of 2000. He led the company’s growth to accommodate 16.71 million subscribers from the previous 20,000, largely owing to innovative products like M-PESA in 2007.