About Us
Zinkworks is a global leader in innovation, headquartered in Athlone, Ireland, with three office locations worldwide. We utilise the latest cutting-edge technologies to bring industry-leading expertise to our Telecommunication and Financial Services clients. We are adept at developing custom innovations that streamline our clients' workflows and improve operational efficiency. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we have earned a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable software services.
We are seeking a highly skilled
Radio Access Network (RAN) Ericsson Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME)
to join our dynamic
Mobile Automation Team
. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Ericsson RAN platforms and equipment, along with a strong understanding of
Network Automation and Orchestration
. As a key player in the team, you will drive the design, architecture, and optimization of automation solutions for our mobile network, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
* Technical Expertise: Serve as the primary technical authority on RAN-related topics, with a focus on Ericsson RAN platforms and equipment.
* Automation Design: Architect, design, and implement RAN automation solutions to streamline network operations, including provisioning, fault management, and performance optimization.
* Network Orchestration: Support and enhance orchestration capabilities, integrating RAN functionalities into broader service orchestration frameworks.
* RAN Optimization: Analyze RAN network KPIs and troubleshoot degradation issues. Proactively identify areas of improvement in RAN, such as coverage, hotspots, handover success rates, and other performance-related aspects.
* Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams (core network, IT, and field operations) to ensure alignment on automation goals.
* Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve RAN automation processes, tools, and technologies, keeping pace with industry advancements.
* Future Contributions (as the role matures):
* Contribute to service orchestration strategies, ensuring seamless integration of RAN services.
* Provide 3rd-line technical support for automated RAN systems, resolving complex issues and ensuring high availability.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
* Proven expertise with Ericsson RAN platforms and equipment.
* Strong understanding of RAN architectures, including 4G LTE and 5G NR.
* Experience with network automation tools and platforms.
* Familiarity with network orchestration concepts (NFV, SDN, MANO, ETSI frameworks).
* Solid understanding of OSS/BSS systems, especially Ericsson ENM, AMOS, and APIs.
* Experience with bulk provisioning scripting into ENM and knowledge of conflict/overload handling.
* Understanding of O-RAN Alliance interfaces (O1, A1, O2, M-Plane/R1) and rApp capability in multi-RAT / multi-vendor environments.
* Awareness of how the Telecom Security Act (TSA) may impact RAN automation.
* Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and cross-functional engagement skills.
Desirable Skills
* Experience in planning and rollout of new sites (a strong advantage).
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines for automation workflows.
* Hands-on experience with scripting languages such as Python, Ansible, or similar tools.
* Knowledge of cloud-native architectures and virtualized RAN (vRAN).
* Familiarity with DevOps practices and Agile methodologies.
* Industry certifications, e.g., Ericsson Certified Associate.
Educational Requirements
* Degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
* Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
Zinkworks is a trusted partner to Telecoms and Financial Services organizations around the world. We help modernize legacy systems, move mission-critical systems into the cloud, and exploit the power of AI-driven automation. Our people thrive in technically complex environments where our commitment to quality and our expertise in software innovation and cutting-edge technologies helps our clients prepare for the future, accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency. We build long-lasting relationships with our customers to accompany them through their innovation journey.