Job Description:

About Organization:
Department Overview
Our mission is to drive Rakuten Mobile's technological innovation by leading cutting-edge R&D projects, encompassing government-funded initiatives, internal strategic developments, and robust quality assurance efforts. We collaborate extensively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, applying our technical expertise to pioneer new technologies and ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable solutions.

In this department, we are responsible for the technical leadership, project management, and rigorous quality assurance of our R&D portfolio. This involves spearheading the development of novel technologies, ensuring meticulous testing and validation of all research outcomes, and driving continuous improvement in our development processes. We solve complex technical challenges, optimize performance, and guarantee the reliability and security of our innovations through collaboration with external institutions and internal teams."

Why We Hire
This role offers extensive opportunities to broaden your technical knowledge and experience through engagement with experts across various domains, including R&D, quality assurance, and product development. You will refine your ability to explore advanced technologies, develop resilient solutions, and master technical management skills for large-scale R&D and quality assurance initiatives, all while deeply understanding our technical roadmap, project goals, and quality imperatives.
 

Position Details
1. Business Outline
This role focuses on the automation and integration of SMO modules, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and OSS platforms. It encompasses 4G/5G RAN auto-commissioning, as well as comprehensive RAN functional and performance verification. The position contributes to the next generation of RAN management through AI/ML-driven orchestration, O-RAN standards, and open interfaces, ensuring robust performance and reliability of RAN deployments.

2. Business Details
- Support OSS and SMO modules for provisioning, configuration, and lifecycle management of RAN nodes.
- Develop and execute RAN auto-commissioning workflows using Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP).
- Integrate RAN nodes (eNodeB/gNodeB) into OSS using Netconf/YANG, REST APIs, or vendor-specific protocols.
- Onboard and support RIC (Near-RT and Non-RT) for intelligent RAN optimization and control.
- Deploy and manage xApps/rApps on RIC for use cases such as traffic steering and anomaly detection.
- Automate routine network operations via scripting (Python, Shell) and orchestration tools (Ansible, others).
- Work closely with vendors and internal teams to support OSS/RIC integration and performance optimization.
- Design, implement, and execute comprehensive RAN functional and performance verification test plans and procedures to ensure functionality, performance, and compliance with specifications.
- Analyze RAN performance metrics, identify potential issues, and provide technical recommendations for optimization and troubleshooting.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of RAN architecture and operational processes based on verification results and field performance.

3. Stakeholders
- Internal Teams: RAN Development Teams, Network Operations Teams, Core Network Teams, Quality Assurance Teams, AI/ML Engineering Teams, Product Management.
- External Partners: RAN Vendors, OSS/SMO Solution Providers, O-RAN Alliance members, Research Institutions.

4. Business Procedures
The work involves a highly collaborative and agile approach.

It typically includes:
- Requirements Gathering & Analysis: Working with internal and external stakeholders to understand automation and verification needs for RAN.
- Design & Development: Architecting and implementing automation scripts, integration solutions, and test frameworks.
- Testing & Verification: Executing test plans, analyzing results, and identifying defects or areas for improvement in RAN functionality and performance.
- Deployment & Support: Assisting with the deployment of new features and providing ongoing support for integrated systems.
- Optimization & Improvement: Continuously monitoring system performance, analyzing data, and proposing enhancements to RAN management and verification processes.
- Collaboration: Regular communication and joint development efforts with vendors and internal teams.

5. Responsibilities
- Ensuring the successful automation and integration of SMO, RIC, and OSS platforms for RAN management.
- Delivering robust and reliable RAN auto-commissioning capabilities.
- Guaranteeing the quality, functional, and performance compliance of RAN deployments through thorough verification.
- Identifying and resolving technical issues related to RAN automation, integration, and performance.
- Contributing to the strategic evolution of RAN management through O-RAN standards and AI/ML technologies.

6. English Usage Situations
This role requires frequent use of English in various contexts, including:
- Written Communication: Technical documentation, email correspondence with international teams and vendors, bug reports, and project updates.
- Verbal Communication: Participation in global team meetings, discussions with international vendors, presentations, and technical deep-dives.
- Reading: Reviewing technical specifications (e.g., 3GPP, O-RAN Alliance), vendor documentation, and industry whitepapers."
 

Work Environment
Our department consists of five sections and has approximately 50 employees.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Work Experience
RAN Development & Integration:
- Development and execution of RAN auto-commissioning workflows using Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP).
- Integration of RAN nodes (eNodeB/gNodeB) into OSS using Netconf/YANG, REST APIs, or vendor-specific protocols.
- Onboarding and support of RIC (Near-RT and Non-RT) for intelligent RAN optimization and control.
- Deployment and management of xApps/rApps on RIC for use cases such as traffic steering and anomaly detection.
- Automation of routine network operations via scripting (Python, Shell) and orchestration tools (Ansible, etc.).
- Experience in RAN software development or feature implementation.
RAN Verification & Testing:
- Design and execution of comprehensive RAN functional and performance verification test plans and procedures.
- Analysis of RAN performance metrics, identification of potential issues, and provision of technical recommendations for optimization and troubleshooting.
- Hands-on experience with RAN test equipment and tools (e.g., network emulators, spectrum analyzers, drive test tools).
OSS/SMO Operations:
- Support for OSS and SMO modules for provisioning, configuration, and lifecycle management of RAN nodes.
- Collaboration with vendors and internal teams for OSS/RIC integration and performance optimization.

2. Years of Experience
5-10 years of experience in relevant fields is preferred.

3. Skills
Domain Knowledge:
- Deep knowledge of 4G/5G RAN architecture (including RU, DU, CU functionalities and interfaces).
- Strong understanding of 3GPP specifications and O-RAN Alliance standards.
- Extensive experience with RAN technologies.
- Knowledge of OSS/BSS systems and their interaction with RAN.
- Familiarity with SMO and O-RAN components including RIC architecture (Near-RT and Non-RT).
Interfaces & Protocols:
- Netconf, YANG, REST APIs, A1, E2, O1.
Tools:
- OSS-RC, NetAct, ENM, or equivalent SMO solutions.
Programming & Scripting:
- Python, Shell, and working with XML/JSON data structures.
Platforms & Environments:
- Understanding of containerized environments (Docker/Kubernetes) is a plus.
- Exposure to open-source RIC platforms (e.g., O-RAN SC, Open RIC, ONAP) (Nice to Have).
Other:
- Hands-on experience with xApp/rApp development or deployment (Nice to Have).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying and resolving RAN-related issues.

4. Industry of Origin
- Telecommunications
- Network Equipment Vendors
- Software/Cloud Solutions for Telecom

5. Qualifications & Education
Educational Qualification:
B.E./B.Tech in Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, or a relevant technical discipline.
Certifications:
Certifications in Telecom Networks, OSS, RAN, or Network Automation (Nice to Have).
 

Others:
Additional information on Location
Rakuten Crimson House, Tokyo

Additional information on Transfer
There is a possibility of domestic and overseas business travel and relocation.