Sr Engineer, Systems Architecture - 5G Core Packet Gateways

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Job Overview
This role develops and evolves technical network and service architectures to support the organization’s technology portfolio, with a focus on packet core systems providing data and voice connectivity. The position combines architecture design with hands-on engineering to support deployment and integration of 5G Core and EPC technologies. Success is measured by the effectiveness of architecture designs, technical documentation quality, and the ability to improve deployment efficiency and reduce reliance on external vendors. The work impacts organizational technology capabilities and customer service delivery through improved network and service architectures.

Job Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of packet core network solutions across 5G (SA/NSA) & 4G EPC environments, including SMF, UPF, SGW, and PGW
• Design and support deployment of containerized packet core elements on platforms such as Kubernetes/OpenShift
• Perform hands-on configuration and initial setup (“day 0”) of packet core gateway platforms, including system bring-up, service provisioning, routing, and policy configuration
• Support repeatable deployment and integration of packet core platforms into the network, working across engineering and operations teams
• Design scalable and resilient solutions aligned with 3GPP standards and existing architecture frameworks
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to translate business and service requirements into deployable network solutions
• Analyze signaling and user-plane behavior to troubleshoot performance, interoperability, and service issues
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture designs, implementation procedures, and operational guidelines
• Evaluate network simulations, test results, and platform performance to inform design improvements
• Apply scripting and automation to improve deployment efficiency, configuration consistency, and operational workflows
• Mentor and support associate engineers through technical guidance and knowledge sharing
• Also responsible for other duties/projects as assigned by business management as needed

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of related work experience OR Advanced degree with 3 years of related experience (Required)
• Acceptable areas of study include Computer Science or Engineering or related field (Required)
• 5+ years of technical engineering experience with focus on mobile or packet core networks (Required)

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with packet core technologies across 4G EPC and/or 5G core networks
• Hands-on experience with packet gateway platforms (e.g., Cisco, Nokia or similar), including system configuration and deployment
• Strong understanding of packet core interfaces and protocols such as HTTP/2, GTP, PFCP, and IP networking fundamentals
• Experience supporting deployment and integration of network platforms in production environments
• Familiarity with cloud-native or containerized environments (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Strong troubleshooting skills using logs, traces, packet captures, and performance metrics
• Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python, Bash, or Ansible

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with containerized network functions (CNFs) and cloud-native packet core deployments
• Exposure to automation frameworks or AI-assisted operational tools
• Experience working in vendor or service provider environments supporting packet core deployments

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Focus: Able to communicate goals in support of the business' mission (Required)
• Drive: Self-motivated and able to work well under pressure (Required)
• Teamwork: Ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team. Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships that can provide information, assistance, and support. (Re