IOT​/Network Manager

Our client is transforming public transport by delivering rich digital experiences through a connected WiFi platform. Their custom hardware powers connectivity in thousands of taxis across South Africa. As they scale, uptime, network performance, and device reliability are critical to delivering uninterrupted value to commuters and partners.

We’re looking for an IoT / Networking Manager to take full ownership of the hardware ecosystem and network infrastructure. You will manage a distributed fleet of routers, oversee firmware integrity, maintain connectivity layers, and ensure uptime across all deployed devices. This role requires hands-on technical depth across embedded systems, Linux environments, and networking principles. You’ll also interface with third-party vendors, ISPs, and internal stakeholders to drive consistent delivery and technical excellence.

• Manage and monitor our national fleet of routers (OpenWRT-based).
• Maintain and deploy firmware updates, working with developers to QA and release changes.
• Track firmware versions, debug devices in the field, and ensure seamless rollouts.
• Ensure consistent uptime of WiFi services and router heartbeat signals.
• Configure and maintain APNs, VPNs, and other connectivity channels.
• Optimise networking parameters for throughput, security, and latency.
• Deep familiarity with the router stack:
  • OpenWRT firmware
  • Bash and Lua scripts
  • Chilli query for captive portal and access control
• Coordinate with our networking partner to ensure VPN connectivity with L2TP and TINC protocols
• Interface with SIM/APN/VPN partners, network providers, and firmware vendors.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Product, Ops, Customer Success) to surface and resolve fleet issues.
• Act as a technical escalation point for device and connectivity-related challenges.
• Set up alerting, uptime monitoring, and fleet health dashboards.
• Track key KPIs (router uptime, firmware coverage, connectivity success rate).
• Report on partner SLA performance and recommend improvements.

• Proven experience managing IoT devices or embedded Linux systems at scale.
• Strong Linux CLI fluency; certifications (e.g., LPIC-1, RHCSA) are a plus.
• Proficiency in Bash/shell scripting and network diagnostics tools.
• VPN configuration
• Lua and uhttpd web stacks (Not required but a bones)
• Chilli Query or similar captive portal systems
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and operationally rigorous.
• Clear communicator able to translate technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• Comfortable managing third-party relationships and vendor SLAs.
• Router uptime consistently >98% across the fleet.
• Resolution of field issues within SLA targets