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Senior 5G Systems Engineer

Centurion, South AfricaFound today
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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.

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.

Desired Skills:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience

  • Linux systems engineering:

  • L2/L3 enterprise networking:

  • 5G SA domain knowledge:

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