PS Core Engineer

Role Overview
The PS Core Engineer will be responsible for the design, configuration, optimization, integration, and troubleshooting of Packet Core network solutions, including EPC and 5G Core environments. The role requires strong hands-on experience with mobile core network technologies and interfaces with planning, operations, transmission, cloud, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of mobile broadband services.

Key Responsibilities
Perform daily health checks and monitor alarms across Packet Core network nodes, including MME, EPG, PCC/PCG, DRA, SMF, UPF, NEF, and related network functions.

Troubleshoot and resolve network faults, capacity issues, service-impacting incidents, and performance degradation.

Manage subscriber sessions, PDP/PDN contexts, bearer handling, and subscriber tracing.

Implement and maintain APNs, IMSI ranges, rating groups, QoS profiles, and related subscriber configurations.

Configure and manage policy and charging rules, including PDR, QER, FAR, and URR policies.

Support integration and interoperability with PCRF, PCF, authentication, charging, DNS, and other core network platforms.

Manage DNS configurations, including NAPTR and SRV records, for IMS, EPC, and 5G Core services.

Support the integration and deployment of new Packet Core network functions in virtualized and cloud-native environments.

Participate in software upgrades, patches, migrations, network expansions, and technology refresh activities.

Monitor and analyze network KPIs, including attach success rate, bearer/session establishment, handover success, latency, throughput, signaling performance, and resource utilization.

Perform detailed analysis of signaling and protocol traces to identify root causes of network issues.

Develop and maintain automation scripts using Bash, Python, Expect, AWK, or similar scripting languages for log analysis, KPI monitoring, reporting, and operational automation.

Participate in incident, problem, and change management activities in accordance with operational procedures.

Prepare technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, network reports, and implementation plans.

Coordinate with NOC, SOC, RAN, IP, Transmission, Cloud, IMS, IT, and other engineering teams for end-to-end issue resolution.

Support 24×7 operations, planned maintenance activities, and high-priority incident resolution when required.

Required Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of Packet Core technologies, including MME, SGSN, SGW, PGW/GGSN, PCC/PCG, DRA, PCRF/PCF, SMF, UPF, NEF, and related network functions.

Strong understanding of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G call flows, including Attach, TAU, RAU, Handover, Session Establishment, Registration, and PDU Session procedures.

Good knowledge of mobile core protocols, including:

GTP-C / GTP-U

Diameter

RADIUS

HTTP/2

SIP

SCTP

TCP/UDP/IP

Experience with virtualization and cloud technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Docker.

Hands-on experience with Packet Core network management and command-line interfaces.

Familiarity with OSS/BSS integration and network management/monitoring platforms.

Experience with protocol analysis and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark and equivalent network trace-analysis tools.

Strong understanding of IP networking, routing, DNS, VLANs, and network security concepts.

Experience with cloud-native and virtualized 5G Core architectures is highly desirable.

Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Bash, AWK, Expect, or similar tools.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage high-priority network incidents.

Good communication, reporting, and technical documentation skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and cross-functional engineering teams.

Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.

4–8 years of relevant experience in Packet Core, EPC, Mobile Core, or 5G Core networks.

Practical experience with one or more major telecom network vendors is preferred.

Experience supporting live production mobile networks is highly desirable.

Knowledge of cloud-native 5G Core, including 5GC architecture, SMF/UPF, service-based architecture, and containerized network functions, is an advantage.

Relevant telecommunications, cloud, networking, or vendor certifications are a plus.

Preferred Experience
Experience with virtualized and cloud-native Packet Core deployments.

Experience with Kubernetes-based telecom environments.

Exposure to 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures.

Knowledge of network automation and orchestration.

Experience with capacity planning, performance optimization, and network migration projects.

Experience working in a 24×7 telecom operations or managed-services environment.