Senior 5G Systems Engineer

SUMMARY:
 
Department: Network Engineering / Technology
Reporting structure: GM: Network Systems

Job purpose:
Our client is seeking a Senior 5G Systems Engineer to lead the deployment, integration, and operational
support of Private 5G Standalone (5G SA) enterprise solutions. Positioned at the entry to mid-range of
their Senior engineering track, this hands-on role bridges Linux systems engineering, enterprise
networking, and 5G cellular core architecture.

You will be responsible for taking Private 5G networks from initial deployment to steady-state operations,
performing deep-stack troubleshooting—from the underlying Linux OS and transport layer up through the
gNodeB and 5G SA Core services.
 
Critical outputs:

• Deployment and Integration: Install, configure, and commission Private 5G SA Core and RAN components across customer sites and edge environments.
• Full-stack troubleshooting: Diagnose complex, end-to-end performance issues across the entire stack—from Linux kernel/OS networking parameters, IP routes, and firewall rules up to gNB connectivity, 5G SA Control Plane protocols (NGAP, NAS), and User Plane performance (UPF).
• Systems administration: Manage and optimize Linux-based hardware and virtualized runtime environments supporting 5G network functions (including containerized/K8s or virtualized deployments).
• L2/L3 network configuration: Configure, maintain, and support Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking infrastructure, VLANs, routing protocols, VPNs, and enterprise security integrations (firewalls/NAT) tied to the 5G transport network.
• Operations and support: Provide tier-3 escalation support for private cellular installations, ensuring maximum network uptime, strict SLA adherence, and prompt issue resolution.
• Documentation and handoff: Maintain accurate topology diagrams, configuration archives, deployment scripts, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for site installations.

• 
  5+ years of hands-on experience supporting and maintaining systems within a mobile/telecom environment, with direct exposure to 5G Standalone (5G SA) architecture.
• Linux systems engineering: Proficiency in Linux OS administration (Ubuntu/Debian, RHEL/CentOS), including system diagnostics, shell scripting, process management, and networking configuration (iproute2, iptables/nftables, systemd).
• L2/L3 enterprise networking: Strong foundational understanding of switching, routing (OSPF, BGP, static), VLANs, Subnetting, IPsec/VPNs, TCP/IP, and packet analysis using tools like Wireshark or tcpdump.
• 5G SA domain knowledge: Practical familiarity with 5G SA core network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF), RAN interfaces (N1, N2, N3), and session management workflows.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes/K8s) or cloud-native infrastructure platforms (OpenShift, MicroK8s, AWS EKS).
• Exposure to Private Wireless/Enterprise LTE/5G vendor hardware and software solutions (e.g., Celona, Druid Software, Aarna, Athonet, Ericsson, Nokia).
• Vendor or industry certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, Linux Foundation CKA/LFCS, or cellular-specific training).

• Methodical troubleshooting: A structured, analytical approach to isolating network vs. OS vs. application layer faults.
• Self-starter: Ability to drive field deployments and resolve production outages with minimal supervision.
• Clear communicator: Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills for interfacing with client IT teams and internal engineering leads.

POSITION INFO:
Department: Network Engineering \/ Technology Reporting structure: GM: Network Systems Job purpose: Our client is seeking a Senior 5G Systems Engineer to lead the deployment, integration, and operational support of Private 5G Standalone (5G SA) enterprise solutions. Positioned at the entry to mid-range of their Senior engineering track, this hands-on role bridges Linux systems engineering, enterprise networking, and 5G cellular core architecture. You will be responsible for taking Private 5G networks from initial deployment to steady-state operations, performing deep-stack troubleshooting-from the underlying Linux OS and transport layer up through the gNodeB and 5G SA Core services. Critical outputs: Deployment and Integration : Install, configure, and commission Private 5G SA Core and RAN components across customer sites and edge environments. Full-stack troubleshooting : Diagnose complex, end-to-end performance issues across the entire stack-from Linux kernel\/OS networking parameters, IP routes, and firewall rules up to gNB connectivity, 5G SA Control Plane protocols (NGAP, NAS), and User Plane performance (UPF). Systems administration : Manage and optimize Linux-based hardware and virtualized runtime environments supporting 5G network functions (including containerized\/K8s or virtualized deployments). L2\/L3 network configuration : Configure, maintain, and support Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking infrastructure, VLANs, routing protocols, VPNs, and enterprise security integrations (firewalls\/NAT) tied to the 5G transport network. Operations and support: Provide tier-3 escalation support for private cellular installations, ensuring maximum network uptime, strict SLA adherence, and prompt issue resolution. Documentation and handoff : Maintain accurate topology diagrams, configuration archives, deployment scripts, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for site installations. Minimum requirements: Must-haves: Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting and maintaining systems within a mobile\/telecom environment, with direct exposure to 5G Standalone (5G SA) architecture. Linux systems engineering : Proficiency in Linux OS administration (Ubuntu\/Debian, RHEL\/CentOS), including system diagnostics, shell scripting, process management, and networking configuration (iproute2, iptables\/nftables, systemd). L2\/L3 enterprise networking : Strong foundational understanding of switching, routing (OSPF, BGP, static), VLANs, Subnetting, IPsec\/VPNs, TCP\/IP, and packet analysis using tools like Wireshark or tcpdump. 5G SA domain knowledge : Practical familiarity with 5G SA core network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF), RAN interfaces (N1, N2, N3), and session management workflows. Education: Grade 12 \/ Matric Certificate. Mobility: Own reliable transport and a valid driver's license (required for potential customer site visits and deployments). Advantageous \/ nice-to-haves: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes\/K8s) or cloud-native infrastructure platforms (OpenShift, MicroK8s, AWS EKS). Exposure to Private Wireless\/Enterprise LTE\/5G vendor hardware and software solutions (e.g., Celona, Druid Software, Aarna, Athonet, Ericsson, Nokia). Vendor or industry certifications (e.g., CCNA\/CCNP, Linux Foundation CKA\/LFCS, or cellular-specific training). Technical and personal attributes: Methodical troubleshooting: A structured, analytical approach to isolating network vs. OS vs. application layer faults. Self-starter: Ability to drive field deployments and resolve production outages with minimal supervision. Clear communicator : Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills for interfacing with client IT teams and internal engineering leads.