Senior Private LTE / 5G Core Network Architect

The Opportunity

The Senior Private LTE / 5G Core Network Architect is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, cybersecurity, and lifecycle support of utility-focused Private LTE (PLTE) and Private 5G network environments. This role provides technical leadership across LTE EPC, 5G Core, RAN integration, backhaul transport networks, and operational readiness for mission-critical utility communications. 

The position operates at the intersection of wireless communications, carrier-grade IP networking, operational technology (OT), cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure operations. The successful candidate will work with clients, vendors, cybersecurity teams, engineering disciplines, and operations stakeholders to deliver secure, resilient, scalable, and supportable private wireless solutions. 

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Leadership 

• Represent Black & Veatch as a recognized industry subject matter expert for private LTE and 5G core technologies, engaging with clients, industry forums, standards organizations, vendor partners, and project teams to influence strategy, promote best practices, and advance utility communications architectures. 
• Lead architecture workshops, design reviews, security reviews, vendor evaluations, RFP support, and solution strategy discussions. 
• Translate complex PLTE, 5G Core, RAN, transport, and cybersecurity topics into clear recommendations for technical and executive audiences. 
• Mentor engineers and project team members to build technical depth in private wireless, mobile core, transport, and utility cybersecurity disciplines. 

Private LTE / 5G Core Architecture 

• Lead architecture and design efforts for LTE EPC and 5G Core environments supporting utility operations and grid modernization initiatives. 
• Define core network architecture for LTE and 5G functions such as MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, PCRF, AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, and related subscriber, policy, and mobility services. 
• Develop end-to-end designs for APNs, DNNs, IP address planning, SIM/eSIM strategy, subscriber management, QoS, network slicing, traffic steering, and service segmentation. 
• Create architecture standards, reference diagrams, implementation plans, operational procedures, and decision documentation. 

Transport & Backhaul Engineering 

• Define transport and backhaul requirements for PLTE/5G deployments, ensuring alignment between core network services, radio access networks, and utility communications objectives. 
• Collaborate with transport, routing, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams to develop architectures that support PLTE/5G network performance, resiliency, scalability, synchronization, and operational requirements. 
• Evaluate transport network designs for latency, QoS, redundancy, traffic engineering, timing, and service availability impacts on critical LTE and 5G core functions. 

RAN, RF, & Wireless Integration 

• Support integration of eNodeB and gNodeB infrastructure with private LTE and private 5G core networks. 
• Collaborate with RF engineering teams on coverage, capacity, mobility, performance, and service quality objectives. 
• Evaluate emerging RAN, Open RAN, and private wireless technologies for utility use cases. 

PLTE/5G Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure Security 

• Develop cybersecurity architectures for Private LTE and Private 5G networks used in critical infrastructure and utility OT environments. 
• Evaluate and influence security architecture strategies for private LTE and 5G networks, ensuring appropriate integration of security controls across core, transport, cloud, and operational technology environments 
• Align PLTE designs with utility cybersecurity expectations, defense-in-depth principles, Zero Trust concepts, and applicable NERC CIP considerations when the environment supports Bulk Electric System or other regulated operational functions. 

Operational Readiness & Performance Management 

• Provide architectural guidance for monitoring, alarming, KPI, and reporting frameworks supporting PLTE core, RAN, transport, security, and operational systems. 
• Advise on lifecycle management strategies, technology roadmaps, capacity planning approaches, software maintenance considerations, and platform evolution initiatives. 
• Evaluate service-impacting events and performance trends to identify architectural improvements that enhance reliability, resiliency, and operational effectiveness. 

Preferred Qualifications

Technical Experience 

• Demonstrated experience with LTE EPC, 5G Core, Private LTE, Private 5G, RAN integration, and mobile packet core technologies. 
• Strong knowledge of 3GPP LTE/5G architecture, call flows, subscriber management, APNs/DNNs, QoS, network slicing, and mobility. 
• Experience with IP/MPLS routing, backhaul, and transport architecture in carrier, utility, or industrial environments. 
• Working knowledge of Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or equivalent wireless, routing, switching, and security platforms, including their roles within private LTE and 5G network architectures. 
• Experience with cloud-native network functions, virtualized infrastructure, Kubernetes-based deployments, and network management platforms preferred. 
• Utility, energy, public safety, mining, industrial, or critical infrastructure experience strongly preferred. 

Cybersecurity Experience 

• Experience securing PLTE, Private 5G, and related communications infrastructure or critical infrastructure network environments. 
• Knowledge of network segmentation, secure remote access, PKI, IPSec, certificate management, logging, SIEM integration, vulnerability management, and secure configuration baselines. 
• Familiarity with NERC CIP, IEC 62443, Zero Trust, defense-in-depth, and utility cybersecurity principles preferred. 
• Experience with security architecture reviews, threat modeling, incident response support, and vulnerability remediation preferred. 

Certifications Preferred 

• CISSP, CCNP, CCIE, Nokia NRS, Nokia 5G Core Architect, Ericsson wireless certifications, CBRS CPI, Fortinet, Palo Alto, or equivalent industry certifications. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering technology or sciences preferred or any other degree, specialized training, or experience, that makes the individual uniquely qualified to perform the job responsibilities. Minimum of 10 years of related work experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands