Principal Engineer: Core Network Support – Signaling and Routing at Safaricom Kenya

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Core Network Support the position holder shall but is not limited to operation, maintenance, optimization, automation, transformation and implementation of Core Network Equipment & services and Solution design, which involves implementation of SS7, SIGTRAN, RADIUS, DIAMETER and other layer 6/7 services in EPC, 2G/3G/4G/5G, NBIOT, CS and IMS domains

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for implementation, Operation and Maintenance of EPC, 2G/3G/4G/5G, NBIOT, CS and IMS domains 
• Solution design and implementation of SS7, SIGTRAN, RADIUS, DIAMETER and other layer 6/7 services in WCDMA, LTE and 5G & IMS domains 
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions using appropriate signaling and (or) routing protocols, and deployment of the same to meet diverse customer requirements. 
• Use Signaling information to generate reports required for  network and customer data security enhancement, subscriber behavior analysis and signaling network dimensioning. 
• Design and implement policies such as gating control, traffic shaping, traffic policing, QoS updates, redirections, header enrichment online/offline charging policies: traffic based, time-based, event-based, etc. 
• Keeps current with technological developments with an emphasis on security within the industry. Monitors and evaluates competitive applications and products. Reviews literature, patents, standards, open source projects, and current practices relevant to the solution of assigned projects. 
• Assists with the design process and assists in guidance with regards to practices, procedures, and techniques. 
• Assists in tracking and evaluating performance metrics.  
• 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. 
• Designs and configures Core Network System

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems or related certification  
• At least 6 years related experience.  
• Strong understanding of Telco Signaling protocols (Diameter and SIGTRAN protocols including SCCP) 
• Knowledge of routing and switching technologies , strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to excellence. 
• Experience in managing complex and inter-functional projects.  
• EPC, 2G/3G/4G/5G, NBIOT, CS and IMS systems knowledge  
• Familiarity with Virtualization & cloud technologies 
• Possess creative ability, credibility, self-confidence and independence. 
• Able to work under pressure, make priority decisions and multi-task. 
• Knowledge of DevOps automations tools & scripting, Programming in Python is an advantage.