Core Network Support Engineer - Packet Core at Safaricom Kenya

Detailed Description 

Reporting to the Manager – Core Network Data Support, the position holder will be responsible for but is not limited operation, maintenance, optimization, automation, transformation, implementation & support of Mobile Packet Core Network equipment and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementation, Operation and optimization of IP network elements: routers, switches and firewalls.
• Integration and optimization 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 
• 3-5 years of 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