Senior 4G/5G Core Network Engineer

Job Title: Senior 4G/5G Core Network Engineer

Location: Westlake, TX (Dallas) or Santa Clara, CA (San Francisco)

Contract

Job Description:

They are looking for resources with hands-on experience in 4G/5G core network area with ability in development, testing and deployment. This is all virtualized and containerized environment. Resources should be able to bring up new environment with Day 0, Day 1, Day N automation. Understanding complex issues and fix those issues/bugs. No hand holding, so we need experienced resources. Detailed JD thanks to Copilot below.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-sufficient Senior 4G/5G Core Network Engineer with deep expertise in cloud-native telecommunications environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on experience in the deployment, development, testing, troubleshooting, and operational support of 4G/5G core network platforms running in virtualized and containerized infrastructures.

This role requires an independent contributor who can design, deploy, automate, troubleshoot, and optimize complex network environments with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling Day 0, Day 1, and Day N operations through automation and advanced engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, and support 4G/5G Core Network functions in cloud-native environments.
• Build and bring up new network environments from the ground up, including Day 0 (initial deployment), Day 1 (configuration and validation), and Day N (ongoing operations, scaling, and optimization) activities.
• Develop and implement automation solutions to streamline deployment, provisioning, upgrades, and operational processes.
• Perform system integration, testing, validation, and performance tuning of core network components.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues across network, platform, application, and infrastructure layers.
• Analyze software defects, identify root causes, and implement fixes or work with development teams to resolve product issues.
• Support CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment methodologies within cloud-native environments.
• Participate in architecture reviews and provide recommendations for reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of deployed network solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, operations, and product teams to deliver robust telecommunications solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in telecommunications networking, with a strong focus on 4G/LTE and 5G Core technologies.
• Proven experience deploying and supporting virtualized and containerized network functions.
• Strong understanding of cloud-native architectures and network function virtualization (NFV).
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift, or similar container orchestration platforms.
• Expertise in automation frameworks and scripting languages such as Python, Ansible, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
• Hands-on experience with core network functions such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, NRF, UDM, HSS, MME, SGW, PGW, or equivalent components.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills across application, infrastructure, and network domains.
• Experience with software deployment, validation testing, and production support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or private cloud environments.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and DevOps methodologies.
• Understanding of observability, monitoring, and logging technologies.
• Experience supporting large-scale carrier-grade network deployments.
• Knowledge of telecom standards, protocols, and interfaces including 3GPP, Diameter, REST APIs, and service-based architecture (SBA).

Key Competencies

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience handling critical production issues and complex bug resolution.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, highly technical environments.
• Ownership mindset with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and operational excellence.