Core Network Engineer

Sanjeev Kumar Arora

Tel.no 214-***-**** (M) E-mail: *******.********@*****.***

Summary:

25+ years of experience in the wireless industry, spanning Engineering, Integration, Performance, Planning, Testing, and Core Network Support across multi-vendor environments (Verizon, Spirent, NetScout, AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson).

Strong understanding of 3GPP standards including 5G, LTE, IMS, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM networks.

Proficient in NFV concepts and platforms, including OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Docker.

Experienced in testing embedded Linux systems, including firmware validation, system level debugging and software integration.

Working within Agile software development environments, contributing to sprints, standups, and iterative delivery

Dedicated and detail-oriented professionals, able to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proven success in cross-functional collaboration.

Hands-on experience with DOS commands and shell scripting in Linux and Windows environments

Experienced in problem-solving and root cause analysis, working with engineers and technical leadership to resolve operational challenges.

Track record of developing systems and procedures that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve quality assurance.

Adept at project estimation, scheduling, and execution, consistently meeting timelines and deliverables.

Highly motivated, adaptable, and quick learner, thriving under pressure while maintaining focus and accuracy.

Area of expertise:

Deep domain expertise in VoIP, 5G, LTE, IMS, EPC, and telecom core network protocols.

Extensive Python automation and CI/CD pipeline development skills.

Strong proficiency in Linux and Unix operating systems and virtualization/cloud platforms.

Robust networking knowledge and hands-on experience with packet analysis tools like Wireshark.

Solid Agile and defect management experience using Jira and other tools.

Skills:

Telecom: 5G (AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, UDR, NRF, PCF, gNB), VOLTE using EPC (eNodeB, MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF), HSS, IMS (P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, MGCF, interfaces and applications), Diameter protocols and QCI

Technologies: JSON, Test Automation

Programming: Python, Linux, DOS, SHELL, XML/HTML, Visual Basic, Assembly Language, Machine/Binary coding.

Routing: IP protocols (TCP, UDP), APN (Access Point Name)

Tools: Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, Jenkins, Net pulse, Web ride, Spirent Landslide, Wireshark, IRIS, EMS

Training: Hands-on comprehensive Training with 5G SA, End-to-end VOLTE, EPC (eNB, MME, S-GW, P-GW, PCRF) and IMS Core (P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, MGCF and MGW).

Certification:

NRS1 (Alcatel-Lucent Network Routing Specialist 1)

Extensive Training on 5G & LTE (EPC and IMS) from authorised Vendor

Work History:

Verizon (Feb 2023 – Feb 2026)

Core Network Engineer

Developed and executed JSON-based API tests in VS Code using GitHub Copilot, improving script creation speed by ~30%. Built REST Assured automation frameworks for API testing, enabling reliable validation and seamless CI/CD integration. Implemented Jenkins-based test automation pipelines, reducing manual effort and accelerating release cycles. Designed and developed automation test script in Python to validate end-to-end 5G Core call flows including Registration, Authentication, PDU Session Setup, Mobility, and Session Release.

Integrated Python-based automated health checks into CI/CD pipelines to continuously validate 5G Core readiness, monitor NF state (AMF/SMF/UPF/NRF/SLF/CHF/PCF/UDM/UDR), verify REST/SBI API functionality, and detect failures prior to E2E call-flow execution.

Developed and maintained comprehensive network test plans, test cases, and technical documents outlining 5G Core validation strategies and execution procedures. Documented and analyzed test results, managed and updated automation test repositories, and troubleshoot test case failures to improve test stability and accuracy.

Performed packet analysis using Wireshark and IRIS View to troubleshoot attach failures, call drops, signaling issues and validate 5G call flows. Built and maintained automated workflows that support continuous testing, operational monitoring, and proactive fault detection across multi-vendor 5G Core environments.

Managed defect reporting, prioritization, and tracking in Jira, collaborating with development teams to resolve issues efficiently. Utilized strong analytical and debugging skills to investigate packet flows, analyze logs, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions for automation and 5G network issues.

Spirent (Nov 2019 – Feb 2023)

System Engineer

Performed 5G NSA/SA network interface verification and end to end validation for Verizon and Comcast, ensuring compliance with carrier requirements and network performance standards.

Designed and executed system level and functional test cases for 4G and 5G networks, covering mobility, protocol, and performance scenarios.

Developed and maintained test plans, methodologies, and execution frameworks using Spirent Landslide to support large scale validation efforts. Collaborated with cross functional product development teams to design and implement comprehensive test strategies aligned with release milestones.

Utilized deep knowledge of 3GPP for LTE and 5G -NSA and SA standards to support protocol debugging, EN DC performance testing, and successful carrier acceptance of Customer Premises Equipment solutions.

Validated 5G Core network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, UDR, CHF, HSS, NRF, PCF, SLF, SCP) across multiple vendors to ensure interoperability and standards compliance. Served as technical lead, facilitating vendor and operator debugging sessions to resolve complex issues within Verizon and Comcast lab environments.

Designed, developed, and executed automation scripts to improve test efficiency, repeatability, and coverage.

Administered Spirent Landslide, performing daily maintenance, software upgrades, and license management to ensure continuous test readiness. Troubleshot network and call flow issues using Wireshark and other diagnostic tools, identifying root causes and driving resolution across engineering teams.

AT&T (Jun 2017 – Nov 2019)

Telecom Cloud Test Engineer

Managed and executed the test process, analyzed system requirements specifications and developed appropriate test plans and test cases. Executed test cases (manual and automation) and validate actual results with expected results for Physical and Virtual (LTE/Core/IMS) elements. Participated in all stages of testing lifecycle events including troubleshooting and resolution. Develop testing strategy & execute test plans for regression and load performance testing of VoIP applications. Executed effective processes for system testing functions as per established procedures.

Design validation, lab testing and optimization of a cloud based IMS solution for Business VoIP clients.

Testing redundancy and failovers to ensure high availability of the nodes.

Troubleshoot any identified network related or call flow issues using tools such as Wireshark and NetScout IRIS

Agile test planning and execution covering Acceptance, Unit, Continuous Integration, Functional, Service and Performance tests. Provide Production/Lab Environment Test Support. Test SIP call traces and LTE/IMS call flow.

Develop Method of Procedure for Lab/field implementation. Attend weekly project meetings to review system and test requirements. Test result update in TMATS tool. Reporting Defect raising/tracking using HPQC tool.

NetScout (Nov 2015 – June 2017)

System Engineer

Technical support, Integration and configuration of Geoblade, G10, Irisview suite, Iris protocol analyzer, System health, Iris traffic analyzer, Iris session analyzer, and Iris performance intelligence on Verizon LTE 4g network

Analyzed Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for performance degradation of LTE Network and IP transport network.

Provide deployment and technical service for Network Monitoring systems.

Work closely with customers to understand their telecommunication network and perform configuration of products to ensure the systems meet customers' needs.

Integration, testing, administration and troubleshooting of telecommunications hardware and software systems.

Research and studies subject matter, and participate in meetings, seminars, or training sessions to obtain a greater understanding of products and applications. Provides after-hours support as necessary (rotating on-call support)

Provide information regarding assigned projects to Program and Account manager.

Works proactively using System Health tools to ensure customers systems are functioning properly. Take corrective action as needed. Develop and update procedures for installation, integration, test, and administration of systems.

Conduct system acceptance testing with customers. Train customers in the usage and administration of systems.

Verify installation documentation and configuration and analyze cycle time for installation and upgrade standard work, including configuration management.

AT&T (Jan 2015 – Oct 2015)

Virtualization Test Engineer

VNF onboarding, installing and upgrading mobile network applications on OpenStack, VMware.

E2E testing, Virtual Machines (Cloud), IP connectivity, IMS, SIP.

Application Testing including (Fail-over/Local Redundancy, Load Balancing, Alarms, Logs, Performance Management data, Security, Subscriber Provisioning, Integration with IT Systems, Application Feature testing, Log-in Administration, Gold Standards validation.

VM and vNF configuration/re-configuration, Software upgrades, Configuration updates.

E2E service testing including writing test cases. Performance Testing (Load/Capacity, Call success rate, Delays, Latency, Voice/Video quality, VM/vNF instantiation metrics, Geo-Redundancy). Broadsoft Vendor (Bug Fix & Software Upgrade prioritization/scheduling, Vendor Documentation). Lab Connectivity / Integration. Troubleshooting skills utilizing protocol analysis applications such as Tektronix IRIS and Wireshark. Test result update in TMATS tool. Interworking scenario testing between HC subscribers and PSTN. Defect raising/tracking using HPQC tool.

Additional Experience:

Product System Engineer (Sep 2005 – July 2014) -Alcatel-Lucent

Network Operations Engineer (Aug 1999 – Aug 2005) - ERICSSON INC / EXI / Cingular.

Certified Training:

5G Networks and Services (Award Solution)

VOLTE (LTW558W)

EPC and IMS Core

ALCNF LTE Technology Overview (TMO18491E)

LTE Overview (TMO21054W)

9360 Small Cells Concepts and 9360 Small Cell Solution Features

5060 Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Education:

Graduated - Bachelor in Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas. Richardson TX. (August 98)

References: Available upon request

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