Packet Core LTE, NR Telecom Test Engineer

• Test Planning & Strategy: Develop detailed test plans and strategies for new features, network integrations, node upgrades, and capacity expansions in the packet core environment.
• Test Execution: Perform functional, integration, system, regression, and performance/load testing on packet core network elements, including:

• 4G: MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF/PCF
• 5G: AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM/UDR, NRF, PCF
• Common: DRA, DNS, NTP
• Protocol Analysis: Utilise protocol analysers (e.g., Wireshark) to capture and decode key protocols such as GTPv2-C, GTPv1-U, PFCP, DIAMETER, S1AP, NGAP, NAS, and HTTP/2 to diagnose data session issues.
• Lab Environment Management: Configure and maintain a complex packet core test lab, including setting up network simulators (e.g., UEs, RAN) and traffic generators.
• Defect Management: Identify, document, and track defects through to resolution using issue tracking systems like JIRA. Collaborate with design and development teams to troubleshoot and verify fixes.
• Performance Benchmarking: Conduct load, stress, and high-availability tests to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) like throughput, latency, session setup success rate, and capacity limits.
• Automation: Develop and maintain automated test scripts using tools and languages (e.g., Python, Tcl, Robot Framework, Spirent/IXIA APIs) to automate regression and feature testing.
• Documentation: Create detailed test reports, Method of Procedures (MOPs), and knowledge base articles.
• Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, architecture, and operations teams to ensure the delivery of a high-quality network.

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in testing and validating 4G and/or 5G packet core networks.
• In-depth knowledge of packet core architecture and call flows (e.g., LTE Attach, PDN Connection Establishment, 5G Registration, PDU Session Establishment).
• Strong expertise in core mobile data protocols: GTP (v1-C, v2-C, v1-U), PFCP, DIAMETER, S1AP, NGAP, and NAS.
• Proven experience with protocol analysis tools like Wireshark (must-have) and other troubleshooting tools.
• Hands-on experience with test tools and traffic generators such as Spirent Landslide, Ixia BreakingPoint, SARA, or similar.
• Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls).
• Experience in creating detailed test plans, test cases, and defect reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience with 5G Core (5GC) and Standalone (SA) architecture.
• Programming/scripting skills for test automation (e.g., Python, Bash, Tcl, Robot Framework).
• Experience with cloud-native technologies and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker, OpenStack) and testing VNFs/CNFs.
• Knowledge of network security principles within the packet core (e.g., firewall policies, DDoS protection).
• Understanding of policy control (PCRF/PCF) and charging functions (OCS, OFCS).
• Familiarity with 3GPP standards related to the packet core.
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment.

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