Core Network Engineer at VDT Communications Ltd

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly skilled Core Network Engineer to design, implement, maintain, and optimize the IP/MPLS core infrastructure supporting our telecom, ISP, and enterprise network services.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring 24/7 high availability, capacity scalability, and robust security of our core networking systems across multiple POPs, data centers, and customer-facing services.

Key Responsibilities
Core Network Operations:

• Design and deploy scalable and redundant IP/MPLS core networks (dual-stack IPv4/IPv6).
• Operate and manage edge/core routers, aggregation switches, and broadband access systems.
• Maintain routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and ensure optimal peering policies.
• Manage interconnections with upstream providers, IXPs, and enterprise clients.
• Optimize traffic engineering using MPLS-TE, segment routing, and QoS strategies.

Network Availability & Monitoring:

• Ensure high availability (99.999%) of the core and aggregation network layers.
• Continuously monitor network health using SNMP/NMS tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Zabbix, Nagios).
• Troubleshoot network faults, conduct root cause analysis, and implement preventive measures.

Integration & Support:

• Support integration of broadband, mobile backhaul, voice, and cloud services into the core.
• Collaborate with NOC, Transmission, Security, and Access teams for service assurance.
• Provide L3/L4 escalation support and manage changes with minimal disruption.

Security & Compliance:

• Implement firewall policies, ACLs, route filters, DDoS protection, and network hardening.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO/IEC, NCC guidelines, etc.).
• Conduct network audits and support DR/BCP planning and implementation.

Documentation & Capacity Planning:

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of network architecture and configurations.
• Perform periodic capacity analysis and make recommendations for upgrades.
• Participate in infrastructure scaling, new site rollout, and POP expansion planning.

Requirements
Education & Certifications:

• B.Sc. in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Certifications: CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, HCIP/HCIE, or Nokia NRS-II preferred.

Industry Experience:

• 3 - 7 years of experience in Telecom, ISP, or large-scale Enterprise Network environments.
• Proven record of managing multi-vendor core networks and service provider-grade infrastructure.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong understanding of IP/MPLS, VRF, VLANs, L2/L3 VPNs, NAT, DNS, DHCP.
• Hands-on experience with equipment from Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, Nokia, or Mikrotik.
• Experience with transmission technologies: SDH, DWDM, Microwave (preferred).
• Familiarity with network automation tools: Python, Ansible, Netconf/YANG (advantageous).

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and analytical skills.
• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to work in high-pressure, mission-critical environments with 24/7 responsibilities.
• Proactive mindset with keen attention to detail.