Network Engineer Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

Our Vision: Be the best at what we do. Our Mission: Improve lives through technology.
Summary:
Customer Inspired isn't our slogan - it's our driving force, and C Spire team members live it. We aim to engage the exceptional and embrace operational excellence to best deliver connectivity and technology solutions that advance our communities and customer's lives. It's a challenging goal, but we have a winning team that is looking to grow.
As a Services Engineer - Packet Core, you will play a critical role in designing, deploying, integrating, optimizing, and supporting C Spire's mobile packet core infrastructure across LTE EPC, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) environments. Your work will help ensure highly available, secure, and scalable mobile services while supporting the evolution of C Spire's wireless network through collaboration with engineering, operations, and technology teams.
Responsibilities:
What You Will Do
In all of your duties, you will have a relentless, obsessive, yet disciplined approach to manage all details to perfection and deliver desired results.
For positions at level I, your duties would include:
• Assist with the design, deployment, configuration, and maintenance of LTE EPC and 5G packet core network elements.
• Support integration and testing of packet core components with RAN, transport, and IP/MPLS infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain Methods of Procedure (MOPs), network documentation, and configuration records.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot service issues, and assist with root cause analysis activities.
• Collaborate with Network Operations, Engineering, and vendor partners to maintain reliable network performance.
• Participate in capacity planning, software upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
For positions at level II, your duties would include:
• Design, deploy, configure, and optimize EPC and 5G NSA packet core environments.
• Coordinate implementation of packet core upgrades, migrations, and maintenance activities.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting utilizing packet capture and protocol analysis tools.
• Support integration of packet core functions with transport, RAN, charging, and policy platforms.
• Develop project timelines, capacity plans, and implementation estimates.
• Drive operational improvements through automation, configuration management, and process enhancements.
For positions at level III, your duties would include:
• Lead the architecture, deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management of LTE EPC and 5G Standalone core infrastructure.
• Serve as the technical lead for packet core projects, including software upgrades, capacity expansions, and network modernization initiatives.
• Guide EPC-to-5GC migration strategies, interworking, network slicing, QoS, and policy management.
• Mentor engineers, provide technical leadership, and influence architectural decisions across multiple engineering teams.
• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts across multi-vendor packet core environments while coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Drive network automation, cloud-native deployment strategies, and continuous operational improvements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
This position is an exceptional introduction to mobile core network engineering, as there is plenty of room to grow and learn from outstanding individuals in the field. From Services Engineer you will have a perfect springboard into all areas of C Spire and develop robust engineering, automation, and leadership skills.
Qualifications:
What You Will Bring
As a C Spire team member you will bring a relentless obsession to be the best in our industry and a winning mentality, determined to outsmart and outdo competitors. You will have a single-minded commitment to unbeatable internal customer and external candidate experience. To support our Network Engineering team you will have an unapologetic passion for innovation and technology and an uncompromising drive toward continuous improvement.
In addition to that, we require for Services Engineer I:
• Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or equivalent professional experience.
• Foundational knowledge of LTE EPC architecture, IP networking, and mobile core concepts.
• Understanding of IPv4/IPv6 networking, Layer 2/3 technologies, and GTP protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
We will give special consideration to candidates who have:
• RHCSA, Nokia Gateway, or comparable entry-level networking certification.
• Familiarity with 5G NR architecture and 3GPP standards.
• Linux or UNIX command-line experience.
• Basic knowledge of mobile network security.
For Services Engineer II we require:
• Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience configuring and supporting EPC network functions including MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, and PCRF.
• Working knowledge of 5G NSA architecture, Diameter, GTP, RADIUS, and mobile transport technologies.
• Experience using packet analysis tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump.
• Strong understanding of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and high-availability networking environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
We will give special consideration to candidates who have:
• CCNP or comparable professional networking certification.
• Experience supporting 5G Standalone core network functions.
• Experience with cloud-native network functions, Kubernetes, OpenStack, or Linux administration.
• Experience with Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, Huawei, Mavenir, or similar vendor platforms.
For Services Engineer III we require:
• Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or equivalent professional experience.
• Expert-level experience supporting LTE EPC and 5G Standalone core architectures.
• Advanced knowledge of 3GPP standards, EPC-to-5GC interworking, network slicing, and mobile core protocols.
• Experience leading packet core deployments, modernization projects, and complex engineering initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native networking, virtualization, automation, and network lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
We will give special consideration to candidates who have:
• CCNP Service Provider, CCIE, JNCIP-SP, or comparable expert-level certification.
• Experience with Open RAN, MEC, network automation, CI/CD, Terraform, or Ansible.
• Experience with Nokia NFM-P/NFM-T or other carrier-grade OSS platforms.
• Expertise in QoS optimization, traffic engineering, and mobile core performance management.
What You Will Gain
A great workplace needs more than dental coverage, though we provide that and excellent health insurance. But that's just the start. We make sure working at C Spire is the best career experience around. And Forbes has named us one of America's Best Midsize Employers multiple times because of it. We also offer:
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Complimentary Wireless Service & Device*
• 401k Match
• Teladoc Telemedicine
• WellBeacon Wellness Program
• Paid Talent Referral Opportunities
• Tailored learning paths for every position
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Must be able to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and/or mouse while viewing a computer screen. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule shared by other department members, which may include normal and differential shift schedules. Must be available for on-call network support, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
*Complimentary wireless service and device available to team members in our wireless footprint.
If you want to work hard, achieve a lot, and make a difference, then C Spire is the place for you.