Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer to join the team in Welkom, Free State. You will design, implement, optimize, and maintain 4G/5G RAN infrastructure to ensure performance and reliability across the network.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or Computer Science and 3–5 years of RAN experience with LTE/UMTS and 5G NR, plus hands-on experience with major vendor equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3–5 years hands-on experience in Radio Access Network engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of LTE, UMTS, and preferably 5G NR.
• Experience with RAN equipment from major vendors (Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia).
• Proficiency in RF planning and optimization tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of cellular network architecture and protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy RAN equipment and related software.
• Perform RF planning, optimization, and performance analysis for coverage and capacity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve RAN-related network issues and incidents.
• Conduct site surveys, equipment installations, and commissioning for new cell sites.
• Monitor RAN performance metrics and implement tuning strategies.
• Collaborate with core and transport teams for end-to-end service delivery.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams and operational procedures.
• Stay updated with 5G NR features and small cell solutions.
• Participate in capacity planning and technology roadmap development for the RAN.

Skills

RAN engineering

LTE/UMTS/5G NR

RF planning

Vendor equipment

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or Computer Science

Tools

RF planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer to join their expanding technical team in Welkom, Free State. This role is instrumental in the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of the company's wireless network infrastructure. You will be responsible for ensuring the performance, availability, and scalability of our 4G and 5G RAN, contributing directly to the delivery of superior mobile broadband services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of wireless communication principles, RF planning, and network troubleshooting. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to work with cutting‑edge mobile network technologies and influence the future of wireless connectivity in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy RAN equipment and related software.
• Perform RF planning, optimization, and performance analysis to ensure optimal network coverage and capacity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, incidents, and performance degradations related to the RAN.
• Conduct site surveys, equipment installations, and commissioning for new cell sites.
• Monitor RAN performance metrics and implement tuning strategies for improvement.
• Collaborate with other network teams (core, transport) to ensure seamless end‑to‑end service delivery.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including network diagrams and operational procedures.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in RAN technology, including 5G NR features and small cell solutions.
• Participate in capacity planning and technology roadmap development for the RAN.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in Radio Access Network engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of wireless technologies such as LTE, UMTS, and preferably 5G NR.
• Experience with RAN equipment from major vendors (e.g., Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia).
• Proficiency in RF planning and optimization tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of cellular network architecture and protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training in 5G and other emerging technologies.
• Hybrid work arrangement for improved work‑life balance.
• Exposure to a leading telecommunications network.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Contribution to enhancing mobile connectivity in the Free State.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off.