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Sectional IP Network Engineer – Field

Telkom Kenya

Nairobifull time~KES 100k – 180k/mo4h ago

Quick Take

The Role

Manage MSAN network uptime, power infrastructure maintenance, and ISDN/PSTN circuit provisioning across Nairobi field sites while hitting strict SLA targets.

You Need

Cisco CCNA or equivalent IP Network certification, hands-on power equipment and multivendor router/switch troubleshooting, and SIP protocol knowledge.

You Get

Competitive salary at a major Kenyan telecom operator, field-based technical ownership with measurable KPIs, and direct impact on last-mile connectivity for thousands of customers.

Job Description

Role Overview

Telkom Kenya is seeking a technically grounded and proactive Sectional IP Network Engineer (Field) to join its network operations team in Nairobi. This role sits at the heart of the company's last-mile connectivity infrastructure, with direct accountability for the availability and performance of Multi-Service Access Node (MSAN) networks across Nairobi. You will own uptime KPIs, drive proactive power maintenance, and ensure customers experience seamless, uninterrupted service.

Beyond network availability, you will also manage the full lifecycle of ISDN and PSTN circuit provisioning — from feasibility assessments and implementation through to billing-related disconnection and reconnection. If you are a field-ready telecom engineer who thrives on solving complex network challenges, adhering to SLAs, and delivering measurable results in a fast-paced environment, this role is built for you.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain consistent MSAN network availability through proactive, scheduled maintenance of node power supply systems across all assigned Nairobi MSAN sites.
  • Manage and resolve power-related faults on assigned MSAN and Switch infrastructure within defined SLA windows (80% of faults resolved within 4 hours).
  • Provide real-time, structured updates to customers and internal stakeholders throughout fault restoration processes.
  • Conduct feasibility assessments, physical implementation, and billing-triggered disconnection or reconnection of ISDN and PSTN circuits at the MSAN level.
  • Complete all assigned feasibility tickets and 80% of provisioning and cessation cases within 24 hours.
  • Ensure 80% of disconnected lines are reconnected within 2 hours of confirmed bill payment.
  • Submit Street MSAN power meter readings to the Finance team by the 20th of each month and operate within the allocated monthly fuel limit.
  • Carry out quarterly routine maintenance on all assigned MSAN nodes, documenting power autonomy status and providing actionable recommendations per node.
  • Maintain safe working environments by strictly adhering to HSE policies, engineering standards, and all applicable legal regulations.
  • Track individual performance metrics and proactively suggest process improvements to line management.
  • Monitor and align network operational costs with Finance team guidelines.
  • Perform any additional duties as delegated by the line manager.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Demonstrate hands-on ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain power equipment for telecom node infrastructure in live network environments.
  • Configure and manage multivendor routers and switches with proven routing and switching proficiency (candidates must be able to demonstrate this in a technical interview).
  • Apply SIP protocol knowledge to diagnose and resolve voice network issues in coordination with SIP providers.
  • Hold a Cisco certification (CCNA or higher) or an equivalent IP Network certification from a recognised body.
  • Manage competing field priorities across multiple MSAN sites while consistently meeting SLA targets without direct supervision.
  • Produce clear, accurate technical documentation including customer setup records, power audit reports, and maintenance logs.
  • Communicate effectively with customers and finance teams during fault escalations and billing-related reconnection events.
  • Hold a valid Kenyan driving licence and be willing to travel across Nairobi on a daily field basis.
  • 3–5 years of experience working within the telecommunications industry, with at least 1–2 years in a hands-on technical field role within a large national network.
  • Relevant Bachelor's degree or Higher Diploma in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a related technology discipline.
Salary & Benefits

Telkom Kenya offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Based on Kenyan market benchmarks for mid-level telecom field engineers in Nairobi, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 100,000 – 180,000. The company also provides additional operational allowances including a monthly fuel allocation for field operations. Final remuneration will be confirmed during the offer stage.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidate: A self-motivated, field-oriented telecom engineer with 3–5 years of hands-on MSAN or IP network experience, a valid driving licence, and a demonstrated ability to meet tight SLAs under pressure. You are comfortable working independently across multiple sites, have a continuous improvement mindset, and can collaborate seamlessly with finance, customer-facing, and engineering teams.

Do not apply if: You have only theoretical or classroom-based networking knowledge with no field experience, if you lack a valid Kenyan driving licence, or if you have fewer than 3 years of experience in an active telecom network environment. This is not an entry-level role.

How to Apply
  • Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your telecom field experience, MSAN or power equipment exposure, and any Cisco or IP network certifications held.
  • Write a brief cover letter (one page maximum) explaining your specific experience with MSAN networks and your approach to meeting SLA targets in a high-pressure field environment.
  • Submit your application through the HCS Affiliates recruitment portal or the Kenyan job platform where this listing appears.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a technical screening interview followed by a panel interview with the Telkom Kenya Network Operations team.
  • Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of applying, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Cisco CCNA or equivalent IP Network certification from recognised body
  • Hands-on experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting power equipment for telecom node infrastructure
  • Demonstrated proficiency with multivendor routers and switches (routing and switching configuration)
  • SIP protocol knowledge to diagnose and resolve voice network issues
  • Ability to work in live network environments and manage field priorities under SLA constraints

Nice to Have

  • CCNP or higher-level Cisco certification
  • Experience with MSAN, ISDN, and PSTN circuit provisioning
  • Track record of proactive maintenance and process improvement suggestions
  • Familiarity with power autonomy systems and UPS/generator maintenance

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive mid-range salary for field-based network engineering in Nairobi

KES 100,000–180,000 monthly is competitive for a Sectional IP Network Engineer – Field role in Nairobi, positioning this at mid-market for technical field roles at established telecom operators. Progression within the range typically depends on Cisco certification level, years of field experience, and SLA performance track record.

About Telkom Kenya

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Telkom Kenya is one of Kenya's major telecommunications operators, providing connectivity and voice services across the country with a strong focus on enterprise and consumer last-mile infrastructure. As a well-established player in the East African telecom market, Telkom Kenya operates extensive MSAN and switching networks and is known for investing in technical talent and network reliability. Working here offers exposure to large-scale network operations, reputable engineering standards, and career development within a stable, market-leading organisation.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through your experience troubleshooting power-related faults on telecom infrastructure. What is the most complex power outage or UPS issue you've resolved in a live network, and how did you approach it?

  • 2

    Describe your hands-on experience with multivendor routers and switches. Can you explain a specific routing or switching configuration challenge you've debugged, and which vendors you've worked with?

  • 3

    This role requires 80% of faults to be resolved within 4 hours and SLA adherence under pressure. Give us an example of when you've had to prioritise competing field tickets and how you managed stakeholder expectations.

  • 4

    What is your experience with ISDN and PSTN circuit provisioning, from feasibility through to disconnection and reconnection? How would you approach a 24-hour provisioning deadline?

  • 5

    Tell us about your experience with SIP protocol troubleshooting in a voice network. Have you coordinated with SIP providers to resolve call quality or availability issues?

Application Tips

  • Lead with your Cisco certification (CCNA or higher) and the specific versions of routers and switches you've configured — this role requires hands-on demonstration in technical interviews, so be precise about your multivendor experience.

  • Highlight any field-based power infrastructure work: UPS maintenance, generator testing, node power autonomy assessments, or scheduled maintenance achievements. Quantify uptime KPIs or SLA performance if possible.

  • Emphasise your experience with SIP protocol diagnostics and voice network troubleshooting. If you've worked with ISDN/PSTN provisioning, circuit termination, or billing-related reconnections, include specific metrics (tickets closed, turnaround times, zero-error outcomes).

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Junior IP Network Technician or Field Support Engineer
MSAN/Power Systems Technician
Telecom Network Operations Support role

Where this leads

Senior IP Network Engineer or Network Operations Supervisor
Regional Network Maintenance Manager
Network Planning or Design Engineer (transition to strategy-focused role)

Skills & Keywords

ip network engineer kenyamsan engineer nairobitelecom field engineernetwork engineer jobs kenyacisco engineer kenyatelkom kenya jobsisdn pstn engineernetwork maintenance engineer

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear, measurable KPIs and SLAs — you'll know exactly what success looks like and can track your own performance, which is attractive for engineers who want accountability and transparency.
  • Full lifecycle ownership — you manage feasibility through implementation, troubleshooting, and billing cycles, offering broad technical exposure and responsibility rather than narrow task-based work.
  • Reputable Tier-1 telecom operator — Telkom Kenya is an established market player, meaning job security, professional standards, and potential for structured career growth within a stable organisation.
  • Competitive salary band with clear progression — KES 100,000–180,000 reflects recognition of technical skill, and the range suggests room for advancement as you gain certifications and experience.

Watch Out

  • Job description is incomplete — the final sentence cuts off mid-word ('manage competing field priorities across mu'), suggesting the posting may not have been fully proofread or uploaded correctly.
  • Heavy emphasis on SLA compliance and KPI targets (80% fault resolution in 4 hours, 80% provisioning within 24 hours) signals a high-pressure environment; ensure you're comfortable with performance-based accountability and real-time incident response.
  • Field-only role with no mention of remote or hybrid flexibility; this is full-time on-site across multiple Nairobi MSAN sites, so commute feasibility and travel expectations should be clarified with the recruiter.

A Day in the Life

☀️

Your week oscillates between scheduled preventative maintenance runs across assigned MSAN nodes in Nairobi — checking power systems, documenting UPS autonomy, and coordinating with Finance on meter readings by the 20th — and reactive fault responses when alerts fire. You might spend Tuesday morning troubleshooting a power supply failure at a central node, coordinating with SIP voice providers to minimise customer impact, and pushing a fix live within the 4-hour SLA; Wednesday could involve three feasibility site visits for new ISDN circuits, followed by evening provisioning implementation; Thursday you're in the field reconnecting a customer's line post-payment and updating billing systems. Throughout, you're submitting structured updates to both technical teams and customers, monitoring fuel spend, and flagging process bottlenecks to your line manager so the team can work smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Sectional IP Network Engineer – Field at Telkom Kenya?

You must hold a Cisco CCNA certification or equivalent IP Network certification from a recognised body. Beyond the cert, you'll need hands-on experience installing and troubleshooting power equipment, multivendor routers/switches, and SIP protocol diagnostics in live network environments.

Is the Sectional IP Network Engineer – Field role at Telkom Kenya remote or hybrid?

No — this is a full-time field-based role. You will be working across multiple MSAN sites in Nairobi, conducting on-site maintenance, feasibility assessments, and real-time fault resolution. There is no mention of remote or hybrid flexibility in the posting.

How much does a Sectional IP Network Engineer – Field earn at Telkom Kenya?

The posted salary range is KES 100,000–180,000 per month. Your position within that range will depend on your Cisco certification level, years of field experience, and track record of meeting SLA targets.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role at Telkom Kenya?

From this role, typical progression leads to Senior IP Network Engineer, Network Operations Supervisor, or Regional Maintenance Manager positions — all paths that leverage your field expertise and SLA management skills. Telkom Kenya is a large operator with structured technical career ladders.

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