Network Engineering Lead

Network Engineering Lead

Fieldbase Services Limited is a provider of integrated communication, navigation, and surveillance sales and support services to African industries such as Maritime, Oil & Gas, Mining, and NGOs. The company has offices located in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

Network Engineering Lead Job Type Full Time Qualification BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA Experience 7 years Location Lagos Job Field Engineering / Technical

ROLE OVERVIEW The Network Engineering Lead will spearhead the design, implementation, operational management, performance tuning, and strategy for Fieldbase's LTE infrastructure and upcoming 5G network expansion. This role requires deep expertise in Mobile Core Networks, combined with strong knowledge of Radio Access Networks (RAN), Transport Networks, IP/MPLS, Microwave Systems, OSS/BSS Integration, and Network Operations. The successful candidate will have spent at least 7 years within a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or a Tier 1 telecommunications vendor, and will play a pivotal role in building Fieldbase's telecommunications network engineering capability from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Strategy, Design & Architecture

• Core Network Architecture: Design, dimension, and implement a highly scalable, secure Evolved Packet Core (EPC) / 5G Core (5GC).

• RAN Integration: Lead RF planning, dimensioning, and deployment of Band 40 (2.3 GHz) TDD-LTE infrastructure, including macro cells, small cells, and base stations.

• Hybrid Backhaul Integration: Architect backhaul routing strategies leveraging Fieldbase's Starlink capabilities and terrestrial fiber to ensure resilient, low-latency connectivity.

• Deployment & Project Management

• Vendor & Partner Management: Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with OEM vendors (e.g., Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, or Mavenir/OpenRAN partners) for Core, RAN, and SIM/eSIM provisioning systems.

• Site Engineering: Oversee physical site surveys, tower installations, power systems, and equipment commissioning for regional network rollouts.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all network designs comply with NCC guidelines, spectrum emission limits, and data privacy laws.

• Operations & Lifecycle Management

• Network Operations (NOC): Establish operational workflows, KPIs, monitoring tools, and SLAs to ensure 99.99% uptime for enterprise clients.

• Optimization: Continuously monitor and tune RF parameters, core routing, and QoS policies to optimize network performance and user experience.

• Security & Troubleshooting: Serve as the Level 3 escalation point for complex core network failures, security breaches, or performance degradation.

Private LTE Solutions: Design secure Layer 2 and Layer 3 Private LTE solutions for enterprise customers, including:

• Oil & Gas

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Financial Services

• Critical Infrastructure Operators

• Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead the Network Engineering function, including Core Network, RAN, Transport, NOC, and Field Engineering teams.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering talent.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Candidate Requirement

• Must-Have

• Minimum of 7 years' telecommunications engineering experience, including proven tenure within a Mobile Network Operator (MNO).

• At least 3 years of hands-on Core Network Engineering experience.

• Core Network Expertise: Strong experience with LTE EPC and/or 5G Core elements, including MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, PCRF, and 5G Core Network Functions.

• Radio Access Network Expertise: Practical experience in RF planning & optimization, frequency planning, cell site dimensioning, LTE network design, and TDD-LTE Band 40 (2.3GHz) deployment strategies.

• Demonstrated experience leading or building a technical team, with direct people-management responsibility.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Strongly Preferred

• Experience with Starlink or satellite backhaul integration.

• Prior involvement in a network build-out from the ground up (greenfield deployment), rather than only operating an established network.

• Exposure to Private LTE/5G deployments for enterprise or industrial customers.

• Certifications (any of the following a plus, not required)

• CCNP Service Provider / CCIE Service Provider

• Nokia, Ericsson, or Huawei Core Network Certifications

• RF Planning Certifications

• Additional Technical Skills

• IP Networking: OSPF, BGP, MPLS

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs

• Network Security

• NFV and SDN

• Kubernetes and OpenStack

• SIM/eSIM Provisioning, OTA Management, HSS Administration