The Packet Core Deployment Engineer is responsible for the hands-on installation, configuration, integration, and initial testing of packet core network elements. This role focuses on transforming high-level designs into fully operational, secure, and high-performance network functions. The ideal candidate is a technical expert with a proven track record of deploying 4G and 5G packet core solutions in a live carrier environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deployment & Implementation: Execute the end-to-end deployment of packet core network functions, including physical appliances and virtualized/cloud-native network functions (VNF/CNF). This includes:
  • 4G: MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF, SASN/SAEGW
  • 5G: AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM/UDR, AUSF, NRF, PCF
• Platform Provisioning: Deploy and configure underlying infrastructure for VNFs/CNFs, including installing and configuring servers, hypervisors (VMware, KVM), and container platforms (Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift).
• Configuration & Integration: Apply detailed configuration to network elements based on engineered design documents. Integrate nodes with each other and with the broader network, including connections to RAN, IMS, Transport, and Billing systems (OCS/OFCS).
• Scripting & Automation: Develop and utilize scripts (e.g., Python, Ansible, Bash) and APIs to automate deployment, configuration, and validation tasks, ensuring consistency and reducing deployment time.
• Testing & Validation: Perform initial integration testing, functional testing, and basic health checks to validate that deployments meet design specifications before formal handover to the operations and testing teams.
• Documentation: Create and maintain meticulous as-built documentation, detailed configuration records, network diagrams, and Method of Procedure (MOP) documents for all deployment activities.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex integration and configuration issues during the deployment phase, utilizing protocol analyzers (e.g., Wireshark) to trace protocols like GTP, PFCP, Diameter, and HTTP/2.
• Security Hardening: Implement foundational security postures on new nodes, including applying access control lists, managing certificates, and ensuring compliance with security policies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with network architects, design engineers, project managers, and operations teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of proven experience in deploying, integrating, and configuring 4G and/or 5G Packet Core network elements in a service provider environment.
• Hands-on experience with major vendor platforms (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Cisco, Mavenir, Affirmed Networks).
• Deep understanding of key packet core protocols and interfaces: GTPv2-C, GTPv1-U, PFCP, S1AP/NGAP, Diameter, NAS, and HTTP/2.
• Strong experience with virtualisation technologies: VMware ESXi, OpenStack, KVM, and/or containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Solid foundational knowledge of IP networking (TCP/IP, routing protocols like BGP/OSPF, VLANs, Subnetting).
• Scripting and automation skills (e.g., Python, Ansible, YAML, Bash).
• Experience with protocol analysis tools like Wireshark for troubleshooting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work methodically under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on creating clear technical documentation.