Cellular Network Engineer

RF Connect is a team of industry leaders transforming connectivity. We invest in our team, have fun, and give back to our community. We lead the way in the design, deployment, and support of high performance wireless networks and solutions. Our philosophy is simple - hire the best people, do the best work, and set the standard for the industry. Due to our growth and national expansion, we are currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, customer-oriented team members who are looking for an organization where they can make a major contribution and be an integral part of continued growth.

Operator Services is a functional organization within RF Connect which focuses on solutions for Private Wireless Networks, Neutral Host Networks and Signal Source as a Service supporting traditional DAS deployments. 

We are seeking a skilled Cellular Network Engineer to design, deploy, and operate core components of our mobile network infrastructure. This role focuses on the end‑to‑end lifecycle of cellular packet core nodes, IP networking equipment, and Linux-based server environments. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in mobile core technologies with strong hands-on operational skills across routing, switching, firewalls, and system administration. Demonstrating core values such as respect, teamwork, integrity, and safety is essential.

In this role you will report directly to our General Manager of Operator Services in our Farmington Hills, MI headquarters office. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with regular weekly travel to the headquarters office, as outlined in our Hybrid/Remote Work Policy.

What You'll Do (responsibilities)

Cellular Packet Core Engineering

• Deploy, configure, and operate 4G/5G cellular packet core nodes (e.g., MME/AMF, SGW/UPF, PGW/SMF, HSS/UDM).
• Perform software upgrades, feature activations, and node scalability enhancements.
• Monitor and troubleshoot core network performance, QoS, and signaling flows.
• Assist with integration of RAN, IMS, and OSS systems as needed.
• System administration for any server systems deployed in customer projects.

IP Networking & Security

• Configure and maintain IP routers, switches, and firewalls supporting the mobile core.
• Implement routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, IS-IS) and traffic engineering policies.
• Ensure network security through firewall rule management, IPS/IDS support, and VPN/secure transport setups.
• Troubleshoot L2/L3 connectivity issues and perform root-cause analysis for outages.
• System administration for servers and systems.

Linux Systems Administration

• Manage Linux servers hosting core network applications and virtualized environments.
• Perform patching, system hardening, log analysis, and resource optimization.
• Support virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, KVM, OpenStack) used for core network deployment.
• Develop automation scripts (bash, Python, Ansible) to streamline operations.

Operations & Support

• Participate in on-call rotation for critical network services.
• Create and maintain documentation for deployments, configurations, and operational processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including RF engineering, security, IT operations, and vendor support.
• Support capacity planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure network reliability and performance.
• Additional related duties may be assigned as needed to support the business & customers.

Experience You Have

• At least three (3) years of experience with mobile packet core networks (4G EPC, 5G SA/NSA).
• Proficiency with IP networking concepts, routing protocols, and firewall administration.
• Strong Linux system administration skills (CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Experience with network monitoring tools and log analysis (e.g., Wireshark, syslog, Prometheus).
• Ability to understand and diagnose complex end-to-end network issues.
• Experience with virtualization and container technologies (KVM, VMware, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with network automation frameworks (Ansible, Terraform, Python scripting).
• Knowledge of IMS architecture and VoLTE/VoNR call flows.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across technical teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Educational/Vocational Training You Have

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience, certifications, or other technical training.
• Any other related certifications of formal training related to Network Architecture & Administration.

Environmental/Physical Demands

• Must be capable of lifting within regulatory limits
• This position sometimes operates in commercial construction sites, hospitals, and occupied commercial & government buildings. Some activities require the use of a ladder or lift and standing or walking for extended periods of time. When in the office uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.

Job Type: Full-time
Job Location: Farmington Hills, MI, USA; only US-based candidates with US work authorization considered, no outside recruiters 
Education Level: 4-year college degree (or equivalent)
Travel: Occasional national travel required, as needed to support the business/department & customer site locations

Compensation Package

• Competitive, commensurate with experience
• Health benefits
• HSA w/ company matching
• 401k w/ company matching
• PTO w/ rollover

All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.