PS Core Engineer

Role Overview

The PS Core Engineer will be responsible for the design, configuration, optimization, integration, and troubleshooting of Packet Core solutions, including EPC and 5G Core networks. The role requires strong hands-on experience with Packet Core technologies and close collaboration with planning, operations, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of mobile broadband services.

Key Responsibilities
Perform daily health checks and monitor alarms on PS Core nodes, including MME, EPG, PCC/PCG, SAPC, SMF/UPF, NEF, ESOA, and related network elements.
Troubleshoot and resolve network faults, capacity issues, service-impacting incidents, and performance degradation.
Manage subscriber sessions, PDP contexts, bearer handling, and IMSI tracing.
Implement and configure APNs, IMSI ranges, rating groups, and QoS profiles.
Configure PCC rules and PDR/QER/FAR/URR policies and support integration with PCRF/SAPC.
Manage DNS, NAPTR, and SRV configurations for IMS and EPC services.
Support the integration of new Packet Core nodes, including virtualized EPG, MME, and UPF platforms deployed on cloud and Kubernetes environments.
Plan and implement software upgrades, patches, configuration changes, and capacity expansions.
Analyze network KPIs, including attach success rate, bearer setup success, handover success, latency, throughput, and session performance.
Develop and maintain scripts using Bash, Python, Expect, AWK, or similar tools for log analysis, KPI monitoring, troubleshooting, and automation.
Participate in network optimization, capacity planning, and service improvement activities.
Prepare technical documentation, incident reports, configuration records, and operational procedures.
Coordinate with NOC, RAN, Transport, IMS, IT, and other engineering teams to resolve complex network issues.
Required Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of Packet Core technologies, including SGSN/MME, EPG (GGSN/PGW/SGW), PCC/PCG, SAPC, DRA, SMF/UPF, NEF, and related network functions.
Strong understanding of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G call flows, including Attach, TAU, RAU, Handover, Session Establishment, and Session Management procedures.
Good knowledge of telecommunications protocols, including GTP-C/U, Diameter, RADIUS, HTTP/2, SIP, SCTP, TCP/UDP/IP.
Familiarity with virtualization and cloud technologies, including VMware, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Docker.
Hands-on experience with Packet Core CLI and configuration environments.
Proficiency in network management, OSS/BSS integration, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting tools.
Experience with tools such as ENM/NetAct, ENIQ, Wireshark, or equivalent network management and analysis platforms.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work under pressure and manage high-priority incidents within defined SLA requirements.
Good communication, reporting, and technical documentation skills.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional and multi-vendor engineering teams.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
4–8 years of relevant experience in Packet Core, EPC, or 5G Core networks.
Experience working with major telecom vendor Packet Core solutions is preferred.
Relevant vendor certifications in Packet Core or telecommunications technologies are an advantage.
Knowledge of cloud-native 5G Core, including dual-mode 5GC, CNIS, SMF/UPF integration, containerized network functions, and Kubernetes-based deployments, is an advantage.