Principal 4G/5G Core Engineer

Iridium is seeking a motivated Principal 4G/5G Core Engineer to join our Network Engineering Team. In this role, you will function as the Core Systems Engineer on various Iridium projects. As the Principal 4G/5G Core Engineer, your primary focus will be all technical aspects relating to the design and requirements management of assigned projects. You’ll be successful in this role if you have extensive experience in Core Systems Engineering and in-depth knowledge of both space and ground networks.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and maintain network infrastructure, including automation and security
• Administer and manage 4G/5G Core Network
• Manage Linux and/or Debian GNU/Linux environments
• Handle multi-user environment/system management
• Define, prepare, and maintain CI/CD architecture
• Manage backups and Disaster Recovery processes
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation
• Perform requirements analysis, definition, decomposition and management for projects based services, conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, and detailed trade studies
• Provide support to the integration and test group
• Manage the coordination and delivery of multiple or complex technical assignments designed with end goals in mind, including managing shifting priorities
• Demonstrate the ability to understand how complex issues are affecting project operations and identify and design the formation of innovative solutions from concept through to completion

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Be a strategic thinker who demonstrates good judgment and decisiveness
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information, project status, results, and analysis positively and effectively to both peers and management in various departments
• An analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or develop solutions
• Adaptable to a dynamic environment and ready to take on new tasks

Things You Must Bring to the Table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field of study
• 10+ years related experience in SysOPS and/or DevOps for complex technical projects
• Experience engineering and operating a 4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF, HSS, and SCEF)
• Strong knowledge of 4G core network call flows
• Knowledge of network protocols, including but not limited to the Diameter, GTP, DNS, SS7/MAP, and HTTP
• Experience analyzing and troubleshooting 4G/5G call flows using network diagnostic tools (i.e. Wireshark, IrisView, Netscout, etc.)
• IP network and routing experience
• Proficient in Git, CI/CD, containerization, IaC: GitLab, Harbor, Helm, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible
• Proficient in Linux and/or Debian GNU/Linux operating systems (administration, kernel parameters)
• Implementation and configuration of networks (Routing, Switching, Firewalls)
• Proficient with monitoring tools and log servers (e.g., Elasticsearch, Prometheus, Splunk)
• Experience with backups and Disaster Recovery
• Coding skills in Bash and Python

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Experience engineering and operating a cloud native 4G/5G Core Network
• 5G Core Experience (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDR/UDM, AUSF, and NEF)
• Experience engineering and maintaining an SMSC and associated components
• Experience with implementing and supporting 4G roaming services using an IPX carrier (i.e. Syniverse, BICS, etc.)
• NB-IoT or LTE CAT-M experience

We’ll Also Need You To:

• Be willing and able to travel up to 25%
• Due to ITAR, US Citizenship is required

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in the company office or in a home office. The position is largely sedentary with the majority of the position sitting in a chair and working with a computer. The role uses basic office equipment including a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as a protected veteran. EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability and other protected categories.