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Varinder Kumar Sharma

About Me

About Me

  • I'm a Technical Manager at Nokia Networks USA with over 23 years of experience transforming telecommunications infrastructure across the globe. My career has spanned the complete evolution of mobile networks—from GSM commissioning in India to pioneering 5G cloud-native deployments in the United States—serving 290+ million Americans through critical infrastructure for AT&T and T-Mobile.


    I'm a Technical Manager at Nokia Networks USA with over 23 years of experience transforming telecommunications infrastructure across the globe. My career has spanned the complete evolution of mobile networks—from GSM commissioning in India to pioneering 5G cloud-native deployments in the United States—serving 290+ million Americans through critical infrastructure for AT&T and T-Mobile.

Career Highlights

  • World's First Commercial VoLTE Launch

    Led the groundbreaking T-Mobile nationwide VoLTE rollout, establishing the foundation for modern voice-over-IP services used by millions of Americans today.

  • Multi-Billion Dollar Infrastructure Programs

    Managed and delivered critical network modernization initiatives for AT&T, ensuring seamless service delivery across major US regions.

  • Mission-Critical Event Support

    Provided technical leadership for high-profile deployments including Super Bowl network infrastructure, ensuring flawless connectivity for millions of concurrent users.

  • Nokia ACE Award Winner

    Recognized for technical excellence and documented customer appreciation from tier-one telecommunications carriers.

Professional Certifications

  • Cloud Computing -

    Professional Graduate Certificate (UT Austin)

  • Red Hat -

    Certified Linux Administrator

  • CCNA -

    Cisco Certified Network Associate

  • 5G & LTE -

    Advanced telecommunications certifications

Technical Expertise

  • Cloud Infrastructure & Platforms

    Deep expertise in deploying and validating cloud-native Nokia AirScale gNB/eNB using AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes platforms. Skilled in containerized network functions, microservices architecture, and Infrastructure-as-Code practices across hybrid cloud environments.

  • 5G/LTE Technologies

    End-to-end deployment and validation experience with Nokia RAN solutions, including feature integration with OEMs and chipset vendors (Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung, Apple). Proficient with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.

  • Network Protocols

    Expert-level knowledge of 3GPP protocol integration and analysis: S1AP, X2AP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PDCP, SCTP. Hands-on troubleshooting with industry-standard tools including QXDM, Wireshark, Sherpa, Emil, and distributed logging systems.

  • Programming & Development

    Proficient in Python, Java, C, and C++ for automation, testing frameworks, and infrastructure development.

Education & Continuous Learning

  • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (In Progress)

    The University of Texas at Austin

    Pursuing advanced coursework in reinforcement learning, deep learning, and AI/ML applications while working full-time. Current focus includes n-step temporal difference algorithms, policy gradient methods, and complex machine learning implementations.

  • Professional Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing (PGCCC)

    The University of Texas at Austin
    AWS & Azure specialization
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Texas A&M University
    Business strategy and management
  • Bachelor of Science in Networks & Communication Management

    DeVry University
    Technical foundation in telecommunications
  • Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering

    Technical Institute
    Technical education in electronics fundamentals

Achievements

Impact at a Glance

23
+
Years in Telecommunications
290
M+
Americans Served
20
+
Published Research Papers
56
Total Citations
15
+
Engineers Managed
20
+
International Speaking Engagements

Career Path

Professional Journey

  • Technical Manager

    Nokia Networks USA | Frisco, Texas
    February 2017 - Present

    Leading end-to-end deployment and validation of cloud-native 5G/LTE infrastructure using AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes. Managing cross-functional engineering teams of 15+ across T2/T3 support, achieving critical delivery milestones for AT&T and T-Mobile networks.

    Key Achievements:

    • Orchestrated RAN feature validation with major OEMs and chipset vendors
    • Implemented DevOps automation and CI/CD pipelines for accelerated deployment cycles
    • Served as primary technical contact for tier-one carriers with documented customer appreciation
    • Provided critical support for high-profile events including Super Bowl deployments
    • Mentored engineering teams on 3GPP specifications and troubleshooting best practices
  • Technical Support Engineer

    Nokia Networks USA | Texas
    January 2013 - February 2017

    Led LTE feature validation in customer and Nokia labs, developed comprehensive test cases, and managed customer escalations during deployment and care phases. Coordinated with local and overseas teams to provide seamless technical support.

  • Global Care Engineer

    Nokia Networks | Lisbon, Portugal
    June 2008 - January 2013

    Provided Level-3 technical support for WCDMA/LTE RAN products across European markets. Performed advanced troubleshooting, onsite support for new product introductions, and developed test cases for network features. Delivered 24x7 emergency support for global teams.

  • Radio Access Specialist

    Nokia Networks | Gurgaon, India
    May 2004 - June 2008

    Commissioned, integrated, and validated Nokia GSM (BSC, XCDR, BTS) and WCDMA RAN products. Analyzed call processing traces and performed advanced troubleshooting using network protocol analyzers and Nokia internal tools.

  • Assistant Manager & Network Operations Engineer

    Escotel Mobile & Essar Cellphone | India
    October 2001 - May 2004

    Commissioned and integrated GSM network elements, planned microwave radio backhaul networks, and led preventative maintenance activities. Supported network optimization and resolved coverage gaps.

Global Recognition

International Speaking Engagements

International Conference on Computing and Communication Networks (ICCCNet-2024)

Role: Invited Speaker & Distinguished Delegate

Organizer: Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Date: October 17-18, 2024

Partners: Springer, EAI (European Alliance for Innovation), MDPI

3rd International Conference on Smart Technologies and Sustainable Development (ICSTSD2024)

Role: Keynote Speaker

Organizer: ScienceTech Xplore

Date: May 25, 2024

Focus: 5G/LTE systems, AI/ML integration, cloud infrastructure, and next-generation network deployment

Presentation Topics

Cloud-native RAN deployment in multi-cloud production environments
AI/ML applications in 5G network operations and optimization
Integration of 3GPP protocols with cloud platforms and AI/ML workflows
Practical lessons from two decades of telecommunications evolution
DevOps automation and containerized network management

Research & Publications

Books in Progress

  • Deep Learning Applications -

    Making deep learning accessible to practitioners

  • 5G Technologies

    Practical guide to next-generation network deployment

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Published 20+ research papers across multiple international journals covering:

  • IoT security and blockchain integration

  • Cloud-edge AI for Industrial IoT

  • Software-defined networking (SDN) optimization

  • 5G network slicing and AI-driven architectures

  • Microservices and serverless computing

  • Edge computing for low-latency applications

Research Impact

  • Total Citations:

    56 across published works

  • Peer Reviews Completed:

    20+ manuscripts across multiple international journals

  • Publication Span:

    2019-2025 in leading technology journals

Research Topics

IoT security and blockchain integration
Cloud-edge AI for Industrial IoT
Software-defined networking (SDN) optimization
5G network slicing and AI-driven architectures
Microservices and serverless computing
Edge computing for low-latency applications

Achievements

Professional Recognition & Memberships

IEEE Senior Member

  • Member ID: 93133898
  • Section: Dallas Section
  • Duration: 3+ years
  • Organization: ISCSITR
  • Member ID: ISCSITR_RFM_QSN3VK238
  • Date: Issued June 13, 2023
  • Recognition: Outstanding professional accomplishments, dedication to excellence, and proven leadership abilities
  • Organization: IAEME Publication
  • Member ID: IAEME_AM_2024_QS1655VK
  • Date: Issued October 18, 2024
  • Recognition: Qualifications, experience, research, and expertise in telecommunications

Recognition for technical leadership, customer excellence, and outstanding contributions to network infrastructure delivery

  • Recognition for technical leadership
  • Customer excellence
  • Outstanding contributions to network infrastructure

Technical Skills

Core Expertise

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5G/LTE Network Architecture

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Cloud-Native Infrastructure

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AI/ML Integration

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Multi-Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure)

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Kubernetes & Docker

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3GPP Protocol Standards

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DevOps & CI/CD Pipelines

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Technical Leadership

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Program Management

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Cross-Functional Collaboration

What I'm Working On

Current Focus

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Academic Pursuits

Completing advanced AI coursework at UT Austin with focus on reinforcement learning and deep learning applications. Recent work includes implementing n-step temporal difference algorithms, policy gradient methods, and neural network architectures for complex decision-making systems.

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Technical Writing

Authoring two books on Deep Learning and 5G technologies, transforming complex concepts into accessible educational content with proper academic citations and real-world applications.

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Infrastructure Leadership

Managing critical telecommunications infrastructure projects including 5G modernization initiatives, Super Bowl event support, and cloud-native network deployments for major US carriers.

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Research & Peer Review

Active participation in academic community through manuscript peer review, research paper publication, and contribution to international conferences on telecommunications and AI/ML integration.

Leadership Philosophy

Throughout my career, I've learned that exceptional technical leadership requires more than deep expertise—it demands the ability to mentor, collaborate, and inspire teams across cultures and time zones.

My approach centers on:

  • Technical Excellence

    Maintaining deep hands-on expertise while leading teams through complex deployments

  • Knowledge Transfer

    Actively mentoring engineers on 3GPP specifications, troubleshooting methodologies, and best practices

  • Customer Partnership

    Serving as a trusted technical advisor to tier-one carriers, translating technical complexity into business value

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

    Coordinating seamlessly with R&D, Care, and global test teams to deliver solutions across multiple domains

  • Continuous Innovation

    Bridging traditional telecommunications with emerging AI/ML technologies to drive industry advancement

Let's Connect

I'm always excited to connect with fellow professionals, discuss emerging trends in telecommunications and AI, or explore collaboration opportunities. Whether you're interested in 5G/LTE infrastructure, cloud-native architectures, AI/ML applications in telecom, or technical leadership, I'd love to hear from you.

Let's Talk