Core Network Lead

We are looking for a highly skilled, hands-on Technical Team Lead to lead the global build and technical integration of Full MVNO systems. In this role, you will lead a dedicated Build Team responsible for architecting, integrating, testing, and commissioning end-to-end Full MVNO capabilities across global markets.

Operating under a Build-to-Run model, you and your team will build new MVNO capabilities and host MNO integrations from the ground up, execute rigorous testing, and hand over stable, operational systems to a dedicated Run team after launch. This role is ideal for someone with deep technical expertise in Mobile Core networks across voice, VoLTE, data, and SMS, strong knowledge of telecommunications regulations, and experience leading engineering and QA teams.

What You'll Do:

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of around five engineers and QA specialists, owning sprint planning, task allocation and technical reviews across concurrent global rollout streams.
• Establish engineering best practices, integration templates, automated testing strategy and technical handover standards.
• Lead technical integrations with host mobile network operators globally, across signalling, packet core, voice and messaging.
• Own the architecture and setup of Full MVNO core components, from the subscriber database (HSS/HLR) through packet core, signalling routing and messaging platforms.
• Direct implementation and troubleshooting across the signalling stack, including Diameter and SS7.
• Own end-to-end service readiness across data, voice and SMS, covering session management, policy enforcement, data routing, VoLTE, legacy circuit-switched voice and international interconnects.
• Design and validate mobile number portability routing in line with country-specific regulatory frameworks.
• Own regulatory compliance for each market, covering lawful interception (ETSI ES 201 671 / TS 102 232, HI1/HI2/HI3) and emergency service routing such as e112, 911 and 999.
• Partner with QA on integration test plans, stress testing and acceptance testing, then drive Operational Readiness Reviews and clean documented handovers to the 24/7 Run team after launch.

What You'll Bring:

• 5+ years hands-on in mobile core networks
• 2+ years leading a team of engineers and/or QA specialists in an agile or delivery-focused environment.
• Strong working knowledge of both packet core and voice core, including the subscriber database (HSS/HLR), policy and charging, VoLTE and legacy circuit-switched voice.
• Expertise across the signalling stack, including Diameter, SS7 and SIP.
• Experience with messaging architecture and SMS routing, including interworking with other operators.
• Strong delivery mindset across multiple concurrent rollout streams, with clear communication and the ability to produce documentation good enough to hand a system over on.

Nice to have

• Automation experience: CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (Terraform, Ansible), containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes) or automated signalling test frameworks.
• Hands-on with core MVNO vendors such as Nokia, Ericsson, Mavenir, Oracle Communications, Cisco, Summa Networks, NetNumber or XIUS.
• Cloud-native or virtualised network functions on AWS, Azure, GCP or private cloud.
• Degree in telecommunications engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or similar.