IP Core​/RAN Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced IP Core / RAN Engineer with 3 to 5 years of relevant field experience to join Tangent International for a 3-month extendable contract project based in Johannesburg, South Africa [cite: 2]. In this high-impact Back Office (BO) engineering role, you will take full technical ownership of bearer network deployment projects, core routing integration, and radio access network operations.

You will play a crucial part in designing, deploying, and optimizing robust mobile backhaul connectivity and IP/RAN infrastructure. If you possess a strong telecommunications background and are currently based in South Africa [cite: 2], we invite you to apply.

As an IP Core / RAN Engineer, you will work at the intersection of IP bearer networks and radio access infrastructures, ensuring seamless packet core connectivity and high-availability transmission links. Your daily responsibilities will involve deploying bearer networks, configuring routers and switches, troubleshooting IP/RAN routing protocols, and supporting network integration activities across Johannesburg [cite: 2]. Operating in a fast-paced contracting environment, you will collaborate closely with field teams, project managers, and back-office (BO) operations to resolve complex technical bottlenecks, perform root-cause analyses, and maintain rigorous engineering documentation.

• Execute end-to-end deployment, configuration, and integration of IP core and bearer network infrastructure projects [cite: 2].
• Configure and troubleshoot routing protocols, VLANs, subnets, and IP/RAN interconnectivity links across carrier networks.
• Perform routine monitoring, performance tuning, and corrective maintenance on IP core and radio access network nodes.
• Collaborate cross-currently with field deployment teams, back-office (BO) engineers, and NOC operators in Johannesburg [cite: 2].
• Troubleshoot and resolve packet loss, latency spikes, and network congestion issues across mobile backhaul links.
• Validate network configuration compliance against telecommunications engineering standards and operator quality KPIs.
• Participate in method of procedure (MOP) reviews and update deployment tracking systems with real-time progress data.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards and internal operational guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in relevant telecommunications fields, particularly with Bearer Network deployment projects [cite: 2].
• Solid working knowledge of IP core routing, switching, TCP/IP networking, and cellular transmission architectures.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience supporting IP/RAN integration and bearer network expansion initiatives.
• Must currently be based in South Africa [cite: 2] for immediate deployment on a 3-month extendable contract basis [cite: 2].
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, analytical aptitude, and attention to detail under tight project deadlines.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and teamwork skills in multicultural contractor environments.
• Proficiency in utilizing network diagnostic tools, protocol analyzers, and CLI management interfaces.

• Professional certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Huawei Certified ICT Professional (HCIP).
• Prior back-office (BO) or network operations center (NOC) support experience with Tier-1 mobile network operators.
• Experience integrating 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core network elements.
• Familiarity with automated scripting and Python for network monitoring…