Telecom Engineer II - Wireless Core at GCI Communication Corp

United States

GCI's Telecom Engineer II will apply engineering principles across Technology Planning & Engineering to design, implement, optimize, and support telecommunications network architectures that meet industry standards and business needs. Responsible for delivering scalable, reliable, and secure solutions, supporting project execution, maintaining accurate network documentation, and monitoring and optimizing network performance while resolving complex deployment and operational issues. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Design and Implementation * Define, design and implement network architectures for core, transport, and access systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and adherence to internal standards, company policies, and industry protocols. * Plan, manage, and execute engineering projects, ensuring on-time delivery, adherence to budget, compliance with quality standards, and effective risk mitigation. * Monitor, analyze, and optimize network performance using KPIs and monitoring tools to detect and resolve outages, congestion, and service degradations. * Maintain accurate and up-to-date network diagrams, configuration files, databases of record, and process documentation to support operational consistency and knowledge sharing. * Ensure network architectures comply with internal standards, security policies, and industry best practices. Project Planning & Execution * Plan and manage engineering projects from concept through deployment, ensuring delivery meets scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives. * Coordinate cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders to drive project milestones and resolve delivery risks. * Lead technical reviews, implementation readiness assessments, and post-deployment validations to ensure solutions meet engineering, operational, and quality standards. * Monitor project progress, financials, and performance metrics, adjusting plans and priorities as necessary to maintain alignment with commitments and service objectives. * Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and resource forecasts while providing regular status reports, milestone updates, and risk assessments to stakeholders. * Represent the engineering team in technical meetings and cross-functional forums as needed. Engineering Standards & Governance * Ensure all network designs, implementations, and changes comply with established engineering standards, architectural guidelines, and company policies. * Apply standard engineering principles to maintain network reliability, scalability, security, and operational consistency. * Review and validate engineering designs, configurations, and implementation plans for technical accuracy and compliance. * Ensure solutions adhere to applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and security controls. * Support audits, assessments, and peer reviews to confirm ongoing compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Network Performance and Optimization * Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement within network systems and facilities to enhance performance, resiliency, and operational efficiency. * Monitor network performance metrics, KPIs, and alarms to proactively identify and address issues affecting service quality. * Optimize network performance by tuning configurations, implementing best practices, and recommending infrastructure improvements. * Document performance findings, optimization activities, and recommendations for continuous improvement. Network Documentation and Records Management * Create, maintain, and update detailed network diagrams reflecting current architecture, topology, and connectivity. * Maintain the network database of record to ensure accurate tracking of assets, configurations, and design standards. * Develop and update technical procedures, build guides, and implementation standards to ensure consistency across deployments. * Support audits, compliance and operational readiness by maintaining accurate and timely network records for troubleshooting, reporting, and capacity planning. Wireless Core Additional Job Requirements: * Solid understanding of 5G Core architecture (PCC/PCG, AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, NRF, NSSF, NEF). * Strong working knowledge of 4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) and experience supporting migration strategies to 5G core environments. * Working proficiency of 3G Core architecture (MSC, MediaGateway, SGSN, and GGSN) and familiarity with circuit switch and packet switch topologies. * Experience supporting IMS-based services including VoLTE, VoWiFi, and VoNR, with exposure to service integration and optimization. * Functional knowledge of ancillary telecom systems such as SMSC/MMSC, Prepaid platforms (OCS, IVR, CAMEL), Voicemail/VVM, and RTT/TTY, with experience supporting integrations, monitoring service performance, and troubleshooting service impacts. * Familiarity with network slicing and cloud-native or virtualized core deployments. * Proficiency with core protocols including Diameter, IP, SIP, GTP-C/U, PFCP, SCTP, HTTP/2, and TLS, with the ability to troubleshoot protocol-level issues. * Ability to contribute to end-to-end core network designs and implementations. Protocols & Standards: SIP MAP/I VoLTE VoNR Diameter QoS HTTP2/S2 SMTP SIGTRAN VoWiFi UDP RTP/RTCP SS7 SCTP IP TCP Hardware & Software: EPC BSP CNIS eSMLC Linux KVM PCC/PCG CUPD IMS MSC MediaGwy CALEA         Preferred Certifications: Linux Ericsson IMS VMware SIP (SSCA) Kubernetes Docker   COMPETENCIES: * ACCOUNTABILITY - Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. * BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. * COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. * COMMUNICATION - Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate clear and accurate information to internal and external stakeholders. * Produces clear, concise, accurate written information that is appropriate for the intended audience. * Accurately translates technical information to a range of technical and non-technical audiences. * COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. * CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. * RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. * RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. * Effectively identifies, analyzes, reports, and resolves technical problems, schedule changes, and cost increases. * Successfully works on multiple assignments with changing priorities in a fast-evolving technology environment.  * Conducts root-cause analysis for technical problems and situations using sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience that leads to relevant insights and optimal solutions. * Demonstrates strong time management skills and professionally manages projects on time and within budget. * Knowledge of software and hardware installation, integration, operation, and routing and translations within the wireless switches and other core network elements (Routing and Translations in Ericsson, Nortel and Star-Solutions MSC Nodes). * Understanding of engineering principles such as high availability, redundancy, reliability, security, testing, and standards. * SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. * TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively. * Demonstrated ability to work with Visio, MS-Project, Adobe Acrobat, Vender Element Managers. Additional Job Requirements: This is an intermediate level position within the discipline demonstrating broad knowledge and proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderately complex tasks and job duties, receiving general instruction on routine work and new assignments. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment. Supports higher level staff in implementing more complex projects. Provides training and guidance to lower-level staff. * Participate in larger projects and function as project engineer for smaller projects. * Manage multiple projects on time and within budget. Additional Competencies: * Strong understanding of engineering principles such as high availability, redundancy, reliability, security, testing, and standards. Minimum Qualifications: Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis * High School diploma or equivalent. * Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or relevant field. * * Minimum of four (4) years of progressive engineering experience in information technology, development, and managing moderate to complex technical projects within telecom environments, or related background. * Preferred:  * Experience within the telecommunications industry. * Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.  DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:  * This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   * Some travel to remote sites throughout Alaska and to lower 48 States may be required. * Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. * Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. * Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. * Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively. * Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.  * Ability to work flexible schedules as required by business/customer needs.  * Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.  * Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. * Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements. The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.