Role Overview
The IBM Netcool Probe Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, customization, and support of IBM Netcool probes and event management solutions in large-scale telecom environments. The role focuses on reliable event ingestion, correlation, and automation across multi-vendor network management systems, ensuring high availability, performance, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, deploy, configure, and support IBM Netcool probes, including SNMP, CORBA, Kafka, JMS, and vendor-specific EMS integrations (Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, ZTE, Cisco, Samsung).).
- Customize and enhance probe rules, lookup files, and enrichment logic to ensure accurate alarm normalization, deduplication, and severity mapping.
- Implement and support Netcool architectures (2-Tier and 3-Tier) involving ObjectServer (Primary/Backup), DSD, WebGUI, Impact, and database components.
- Develop and maintain ObjectServer automations (triggers, procedures) and Impact policies for correlation, enrichment, root cause analysis, and auto-ticketing.
- Optimize ObjectServer and database performance through SQL tuning, indexing, and housekeeping.
- Support CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Docker, and Groovy for Netcool configurations and artifacts.
- Automate deployments and operational tasks using Shell scripting, Perl, Python, and Ansible.
- Design and support custom integrations and utilities using Core Java, where required for EMS, middleware, or supporting applications.
- Configure and enhance WebGUI event lists, filters, tools, and dashboards for operational usability.
- Perform root cause analysis for event ingestion issues, alarm delays, missing events, and alarm floods.
- Execute functional, regression, and performance testing for probe and platform enhancements.
- Collaborate with customers, EMS vendors, and internal teams to analyze network requirements and deliver scalable event management solutions.
- Provide L2/L3 operational support for mission-critical production environments.
Required Skills & Experience
- 8+ years of Strong hands-on experience with IBM Netcool probes, especially SNMP, CORBA, Kafka, JMS, Rest API.
- Proven expertise in telecom EMS/NMS integrations across multi-vendor environments.
- In-depth knowledge of ObjectServer automations and Impact policy development.
- Hands-on experience in Core Java application development.
- Basic knowledge of database concepts and SQL.
- Experience implementing high-availability Netcool architectures.
- Strong scripting and automation skills (Shell, Perl, Python, Ansible).
- Working knowledge of CI/CD tools (Jenkins, Docker).
- Solid understanding of Telecom FCAPS and fault management processes.
- Good knowledge of Linux, networking fundamentals, and NetScaler/Citrix environments.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
