Radio Frequency (RF) Planning Engineer

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced RF Planning Engineer for a remote role focused on South Africa. You will design and optimize RAN coverage and capacity for 4G/5G networks, using Atoll, Planet FM, and TEMS Investigation to support high-quality mobile services.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years in RF planning, strong data analysis, and knowledge of 3GPP standards, with the ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in RF planning and optimization for mobile networks (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G).
• Proficiency with RF planning tools: Atoll, Planet FM, TEMS Investigation.
• Strong understanding of propagation, antenna theory, interference mitigation.
• Experience with drive test data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design RF network coverage and capacity for new sites and upgrades.
• Conduct RF drive tests and analyze propagation data for optimization.
• Plan and optimize RAN parameters to improve KPIs (dropped calls, CS, throughput).
• Generate RF planning reports, coverage maps, and capacity analyses.
• Collaborate with deployment and operations teams for successful changes.
• Stay updated on 3GPP releases, RF tech, and vendor equipment.

Skills

RF planning

Drive testing

Data analysis

3GPP standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Atoll

Planet FM

TEMS Investigation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding telecommunications company, is looking for a skilled Radio Frequency (RF) Planning Engineer to join their team in Welkom, Free State . This role is pivotal in designing and optimizing the radio access network (RAN) to ensure superior coverage, capacity, and quality for mobile services. You will be responsible for performing RF planning, drive testing, data analysis, and network tuning. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, proficiency in RF planning tools, and a comprehensive understanding of mobile network technologies (4G/LTE, 5G). This is a remote position, offering flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa while contributing to a vital network infrastructure project.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design RF network coverage and capacity for new sites and existing network enhancements using specialized planning tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet).
• Conduct RF drive tests, analyze propagation data, and identify areas for network optimization.
• Perform parameter planning and optimization for RAN elements to improve KPIs such as dropped call rate, call setup success rate, and data throughput.
• Generate RF planning reports, coverage maps, and capacity analysis documents.
• Collaborate with network deployment and operations teams to ensure successful implementation of planned network changes.
• Stay updated with the latest RF technologies, standards (e.g., 3GPP releases), and vendor equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues and propose effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for RF planning processes and network configurations.
• Participate in capacity planning exercises to forecast future network needs.
• Evaluate new technologies and their potential impact on network performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in RF planning and optimization for mobile networks (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G).
• Proficiency with RF planning and simulation software (e.g., Atoll, Planet FM, TEMS Investigation).
• Strong understanding of radio propagation principles, antenna theory, and interference mitigation techniques.
• Experience with drive test data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with network KPIs and optimization strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of 3GPP standards and latest mobile network technologies.
• Experience with scripting for data analysis automation is a plus.

Benefits

This remote position offers a competitive salary, annual bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional growth through advanced training programs and international certifications. Enjoy the flexibility of working from home while being a key contributor to a leading telecommunications network. The role based out of Welkom, Free State , ensures you remain connected to regional developments while enjoying remote work advantages.