The HeadHunter Group is an innovative Staffing & Recruiting firm operating across Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Cyprus, Greece, and the USA.

Our client, ONE Macedonia Telecommunications, is an international telecommunications group and part of the 4iG Group — one of the most significant and exciting foreign investments in North Macedonia's telecom sector. With a greenfield operation and the ambition to build full operational capacity, this is a rare opportunity to shape the core of a next-generation mobile network from the ground up.

We are looking for a technically strong and delivery-focused Core Network Specialist to join a high-performing engineering team. This role is central to the planning, deployment, and continuous evolution of all core network platforms and services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Network Planning & Operations

• Take ownership of all planning and operational activities related to core network platform elements, including CNIS/NVFI hardware platforms
• Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of core network services across all domains
• Contribute to the design and implementation of core network architecture aligned with business and technology objectives
• Support specialization within one or more Core Domains (IMS, PS, CDM, SDI) based on project needs

Network Architecture & Vendor Management

• Collaborate closely with technology vendors to implement and validate network architecture solutions
• Manage vendor relationships throughout project lifecycle — from requirements definition through testing and go-live
• Evaluate new technologies, propose upgrades, and ensure timely delivery of vendor commitments

Interconnection & Service Implementation

• Work with partners to plan and deliver interconnection solutions and new service implementations
• Ensure seamless integration of core network components with partner and third-party systems
• Support signaling, routing, and protocol-level configuration across core domains

Cross-Domain Collaboration

• Cooperate with Radio, IT, OSS/BSS, and other network domains to ensure end-to-end service continuity
• Participate in cross-functional projects and support the delivery of new services across the live network
• Provide technical input and recommendations to support product, commercial, and operational teams

Fault Management & Continuous Improvement

• Perform root cause analysis on core network incidents and implement permanent resolutions
• Monitor KPIs and network health metrics; proactively identify and address performance degradation
• Document configurations, processes, and lessons learned to build internal knowledge and operational resilience

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 1–3 years of professional experience in core network planning, operations, or implementation
• Hands-on experience with one or more core network domains: IMS, EPC/5GC, CS Core, PS, HLR/HSS, or SDI
• Solid understanding of mobile network architecture across 2G/3G/4G and familiarity with 5G concepts
• Experience working with network vendors on technical deployments
• English proficiency at an Advanced / Business technical level

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience with CNIS/NVFI hardware platforms or equivalent virtualized network infrastructure
• Familiarity with signaling protocols (SS7, Diameter, SIP, ISUP, SIGTRAN, M3UA, SCCP, H.248, 5G) and their application in live networks 
• Knowledge of OSS/BSS systems and their integration with core network elements
• Exposure to network automation, orchestration, or cloud-native network functions (CNFs)
• Experience in greenfield or network launch environments

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Execution and delivery focus — ability to drive tasks to completion in a structured, reliable manner
• Structured planning and prioritization in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Effective vendor and partner communication and relationship management
• Strong team player with active participation in cross-domain projects
• Clear and confident communication with senior management and technical stakeholders
• Proactive mindset with a focus on quality, reliability, and continuous improvement