Core Network Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by First Point Group
Negotiable
Undetermined
Remote
United Kingdom
Summary: The Core Network Engineer role at First Point Group requires expertise in operational support and optimization of IMS and 5G core networks, specifically with experience in Virgin Media/VMO2 and BT/EE projects. The position is fully remote and focuses on maintaining service availability, performance monitoring, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates must reside in the UK and have valid work rights, as sponsorship is not available. The role involves hands-on management of core network nodes and troubleshooting complex issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform daily configuration, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of IMS Core network nodes to ensure continuous service availability.
- Monitor network KPIs and proactively provide performance improvement recommendations across internal and external IMS Core platforms.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams using automation and analytics tools to improve operational efficiency.
- Execute parameter configuration changes on the 5G Standalone Core platform, including cloud-native core environments and subscriber data platforms.
- Manage performance monitoring and alerting for 5G SA Core networks using modern observability tools (metrics, logging, and alert management).
- Conduct service validation, acceptance testing, and end-to-end functional testing for IMS and 5G SA services.
- Audit core network nodes and services to ensure maximum availability, resilience, and compliance with operational standards.
- Lead capacity planning activities for Core network elements, ensuring scalability and alignment with traffic growth and service demand.
- Handle end-to-end KPI and KQI analysis across Core and interdependent network domains.
- Diagnose and resolve complex IMS Core network issues related to configuration, software, hardware, products, and services.
- Support the integration, commissioning, and acceptance of new Core network nodes and services, including project and vendor coordination.
- Provide L2/L3 operational support and escalation handling for Core network incidents, including roaming-related issues.
- Perform pre- and post-implementation analysis of IMS Core KPIs following network changes and optimisation activities.
- Manage product and software lifecycle activities across all Core network nodes, including upgrades, patches, and decommissioning.
Key Skills:
- Strong hands-on experience with IMS Core and 5G Core network environments.
- Proven expertise in Core network operations, performance management, and troubleshooting.
- Experience working with cloud-native Core architectures and automation-driven operations.
- Solid understanding of KPIs, KQIs, and end-to-end service assurance.
- Ability to manage complex incidents and collaborate across engineering, operations, and vendor teams.
- Experience supporting live production networks in a high-availability environment.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: undetermined
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: remote
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: IT
First Point Group is recruiting for a Core Network Engineer (Ericsson/Nokia) with specific previous experience working on Virgin Media / VMO2 and/or BT/EE networks and projects. The successful candidate will have extensive experience within operational support, optimisation, and evolution of a next-generation IMS and 5G core network. This is a fully remote role based on a daily rate contract. Please note - sponsorship cannot be provided, so candidates must live in the UK with valid rights to work.
Responsibilities
- Perform daily configuration, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of IMS Core network nodes to ensure continuous service availability.
- Monitor network KPIs and proactively provide performance improvement recommendations across internal and external IMS Core platforms.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams using automation and analytics tools to improve operational efficiency.
- Execute parameter configuration changes on the 5G Standalone Core platform, including cloud-native core environments and subscriber data platforms.
- Manage performance monitoring and alerting for 5G SA Core networks using modern observability tools (metrics, logging, and alert management).
- Conduct service validation, acceptance testing, and end-to-end functional testing for IMS and 5G SA services.
- Audit core network nodes and services to ensure maximum availability, resilience, and compliance with operational standards.
- Lead capacity planning activities for Core network elements, ensuring scalability and alignment with traffic growth and service demand.
- Handle end-to-end KPI and KQI analysis across Core and interdependent network domains.
- Diagnose and resolve complex IMS Core network issues related to configuration, software, hardware, products, and services.
- Support the integration, commissioning, and acceptance of new Core network nodes and services, including project and vendor coordination.
- Provide L2/L3 operational support and escalation handling for Core network incidents, including roaming-related issues.
- Perform pre- and post-implementation analysis of IMS Core KPIs following network changes and optimisation activities.
- Manage product and software lifecycle activities across all Core network nodes, including upgrades, patches, and decommissioning.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong hands-on experience with IMS Core and 5G Core network environments
- Proven expertise in Core network operations, performance management, and troubleshooting
- Experience working with cloud-native Core architectures and automation-driven operations
- Solid understanding of KPIs, KQIs, and end-to-end service assurance
- Ability to manage complex incidents and collaborate across engineering, operations, and vendor teams
- Experience supporting live production networks in a high-availability environment