Mike Chirchir

Senior Mobile Core Network Engineer with 10+ years of professional experience in the telecommunications industry, specializing in packet core network operations, IP backbone management, and next-generation mobile technologies. Proven expertise in the installation, commissioning, debugging, upgrades, cutovers, and maintenance of mobile core network elements (PS Core, vIMS, vEPC, SDM, OCS/CBS). Skilled in IP network design, routing protocols, and Linux-based network operations with hands-on experience supporting live operator environments.

Strong background in troubleshooting, protocol analysis, incident management, and preventive maintenance to ensure high network availability. Committed to delivering technical solutions, generating analytical reports, and providing training in fast-paced, specialized environments.

Mobile Network Engineer | Jamii Telecommunications Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya | Jan 2022 — Present (4 years)

• Core Network Operations & Maintenance: Deploy, integrate, and manage ZTE Common Core and vIMS solutions, including VNF onboarding on ElasticNet platform and OS-level troubleshooting in live operator environment.
• IP Backbone Management: Conduct advanced troubleshooting and issue resolution for ZXR10 router series forming the IP backbone for mobile core network (PS, IMS), ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery.
• Full Packet Core Portfolio: Hands-on experience across vEPC (PS core), vIMS, and USPP (SDM) platforms directly relevant to SGSN-MME, SGW/PGW, and HSS functional domains.
• Incident Management: Serve as primary point for fault registration, tracking, and resolution across core network; ensure rapid corrective action and minimal service disruption.
• Proactive Monitoring & Maintenance: Ensure high network availability through real-time alarm surveillance using ZTE EMS, preventive maintenance, and capacity planning.
• Linux & Database Operations: Apply working knowledge of Linux OS for network operations, system monitoring, log analysis; manage database backup verification and data restoration for critical network elements.
• Major Onsite Support & Cutovers: Lead execution of cutovers and major network milestones according to Method of Procedures (MOPs), successfully transitioning subscriber traffic with zero downtime.
• Technical Documentation & Training: Prepare documentation, reports, and technical communications for cross-functional stakeholders; provide guidance and support to customer engineers.
• International Collaboration: Facilitate effective collaboration with international teams and vendors through strong English communication skills.

Key Accomplishments

• Upgraded legacy mobile core network to cloud-native ZTE vEPC (v7), including integration, testing, and cutover activities — successfully transitioning subscriber traffic to the modernised platform while maintaining live services under responsibility.
• Played a key role in the migration of the Online Charging System (OCS) to the new Convergent Billing System (CBS), which unified all charging and billing functionalities.

Enterprise Customer Support Engineer | Jamii Telecommunications Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya | May 2018 — Dec 2021

• Complex Troubleshooting: Diagnosed and resolved complex network issues related to WAN/LAN solutions, including connectivity, application errors, database errors, and message flow skills transferable to packet core troubleshooting environments.
• Root Cause Analysis: Collaborated with internal and external teams to isolate root causes and implement timely corrective actions for unresolved issues.
• Client Training & Enablement: Trained clients on solution usage, ensuring effective utilisation, satisfaction, and knowledge transfer.
• SLA-Driven Support: Maintained detailed incident/issue reports, recommendations, and resolutions within defined Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators.
• Stakeholder Management: Developed strong customer relationships while delivering high-quality, proprietary solutions; actively monitored and resolved customer tickets.

Customer Care Executive | Jamii Telecommunications Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya | Feb 2016 — Apr 2018

• Managed inbound/outbound technical support, resolving customer issues and providing product recommendations.
• Contributed to customer satisfaction surveys and feedback programs, providing insights for service improvement.
• Participated in continuous training to enhance technical product knowledge and service skills.

Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication | Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya | 2015

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Core Network Operation and Maintenance — ZTE University
• VAS Product, Operation and Maintenance — ZTE University
• CCNA-level knowledge in routing and switching (OSPF, BGP, MPLS, HSRP) — practical experience via ZXR10 IP backbone management