Explore cutting-edge O/RAN SME with ONAP Background jobs and discover a pivotal role at the forefront of next-generation telecommunications. Professionals in this high-demand niche act as critical architects and integrators, bridging the gap between open, disaggregated radio access networks (O-RAN) and intelligent, cloud-native automation platforms. They are the key enablers for mobile network operators seeking to leverage open standards, reduce vendor lock-in, and introduce unprecedented levels of automation, agility, and intelligence into their 5G and future 6G networks. An O/RAN Subject Matter Expert (SME) with a background in the Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) typically operates at the intersection of RAN intelligence, software development, and network orchestration. Their core mission is to design, implement, and optimize automated control loops for the RAN using ONAP's robust framework and the O-RAN Alliance's RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) architecture. This involves translating complex RAN performance and optimization goals—such as traffic steering, capacity management, and energy savings—into executable automation policies and blueprints within ONAP. They are responsible for developing and integrating rApps and xApps (applications on the RIC) that leverage near-real-time and non-real-time data to make the RAN self-optimizing and self-healing. Common responsibilities for individuals in these roles include analyzing RAN requirements to define automation use cases, designing ONAP service models and workflows for RAN functions, and ensuring seamless integration between the SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) layer, the RIC, and underlying network elements. They develop and validate network slicing definitions for 5G services through the automation platform, ensuring resources are allocated dynamically based on intent. Troubleshooting complex issues across the ONAP, RIC, and RAN interface is a key part of the role, as is providing deep technical guidance to engineering teams and collaborating with vendors and system integrators on multi-domain solutions. Typical skills and requirements for these specialized jobs are extensive. Candidates generally possess a strong foundation in both 5G and O-RAN principles, including a deep understanding of the RAN architecture, interfaces (like A1, O1, O2), and key concepts like Open Fronthaul. This is coupled with hands-on expertise in ONAP's architecture, components (like SDC, SO, DCAE), and development lifecycle. Proficiency in cloud-native technologies (Kubernetes, Docker), programming languages (Python, Java, Go), and model-driven engineering (YANG, TOSCA) is highly valued. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to translate operator intent into automated actions. Excellent communication skills are also critical for collaborating across diverse technical teams and stakeholders. For those with this rare blend of expertise, O/RAN SME with ONAP Background jobs offer a unique opportunity to shape the autonomous, efficient, and open networks of the future.
