Core Network Specialist

The HeadHunter Group is an innovative Staffing & Recruiting firm operating across Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Cyprus, Greece, and the USA. Our client, ONE Macedonia Telecommunications, is an international telecommunications group and part of the 4iG Group — one of the most significant and exciting foreign investments in North Macedonia's telecom sector. With a greenfield operation and the ambition to build full operational capacity, this is a rare opportunity to shape the core of a next-generation mobile network from the ground up. We are looking for a technically strong and delivery-focused Core Network Specialist to join a high-performing engineering team. This role is central to the planning, deployment, and continuous evolution of all core network platforms and services. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Core Network Planning & Operations Take ownership of all planning and operational activities related to core network platform elements, including CNIS/NVFI hardware platforms Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of core network services across all domains Contribute to the design and implementation of core network architecture aligned with business and technology objectives Support specialization within one or more Core Domains (IMS, PS, CDM, SDI) based on project needs Network Architecture & Vendor Management Collaborate closely with technology vendors to implement and validate network architecture solutions Manage vendor relationships throughout project lifecycle — from requirements definition through testing and go-live Evaluate new technologies, propose upgrades, and ensure timely delivery of vendor commitments Interconnection & Service Implementation Work with partners to plan and deliver interconnection solutions and new service implementations Ensure seamless integration of core network components with partner and third-party systems Support signaling, routing, and protocol-level configuration across core domains Cross-Domain Collaboration Cooperate with Radio, IT, OSS/BSS, and other network domains to ensure end-to-end service continuity Participate in cross-functional projects and support the delivery of new services across the live network Provide technical input and recommendations to support product, commercial, and operational teams Fault Management & Continuous Improvement Perform root cause analysis on core network incidents and implement permanent resolutions Monitor KPIs and network health metrics; proactively identify and address performance degradation Document configurations, processes, and lessons learned to build internal knowledge and operational resilience REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's or Master's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field 1–3 years of professional experience in core network planning, operations, or implementation Hands-on experience with one or more core network domains: IMS, EPC/5GC, CS Core, PS, HLR/HSS, or SDI Solid understanding of mobile network architecture across 2G/3G/4G and familiarity with 5G concepts Experience working with network vendors (Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, or equivalent) on technical deployments English proficiency at an Advanced / Business technical level PREFERRED SKILLS Experience with CNIS/NVFI hardware platforms or equivalent virtualized network infrastructure Familiarity with signaling protocols (SS7, Diameter, SIP, ISUP, SIGTRAN, M3UA, SCCP, H.248, 5G) and their application in live networks Knowledge of OSS/BSS systems and their integration with core network elements Exposure to network automation, orchestration, or cloud-native network functions (CNFs) Experience in greenfield or network launch environments CORE COMPETENCIES Execution and delivery focus — ability to drive tasks to completion in a structured, reliable manner Structured planning and prioritization in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Effective vendor and partner communication and relationship management Strong team player with active participation in cross-domain projects Clear and confident communication with senior management and technical stakeholders Proactive mindset with a focus on quality, reliability, and continuous improvement