RF Performance / Optimization Engineer (LTE / 5G) | NextGen | Rolling Meadows, IL (Hybrid)

NextGen | GTA; Rolling Meadows (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A telecommunications company is seeking an RF Performance / Optimization Engineer to enhance LTE and 5G network performance. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators, optimizing network performance, and leading feature rollouts. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in RAN performance engineering and proficiency in SQL, Python, or R. This position is hybrid, based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and offers an opportunity to make significant contributions to network quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of LTE / 5G RAN performance engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of 3GPP standards for LTE, 5G NSA, and 5G SA.
• Deep knowledge of RAN architecture and signaling protocols.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize LTE and 5G NR networks using hourly and daily KPIs.
• Conduct drive test analysis and geo‑based performance analytics.
• Prepare technical reports, dashboards, and documentation.

Skills

LTE / 5G RAN performance engineering

3GPP standards

RAN architecture and signaling protocols

Ericsson / Nokia / Samsung tools

SQL / Python / R

Verbal communication and reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications or related field

Master's degree (Nice-to-Have)

Tools

SQL

Python

R

Ericsson tools

Nokia tools

Samsung tools

Job description

🔎 Job Title: RF Performance / Optimization Engineer (LTE / 5G) | NextGen | Rolling Meadows, IL (Hybrid)
🏢 Recruiting Company: NextGen
🌍 Job Location: Rolling Meadows, Illinois (Hybrid)
💼 Job Type: Contract
📧 Application Method: [e-mail]

Position Summary

The RF Performance / Optimization Engineer will play a pivotal role in enhancing LTE and 5G network performance across a major U.S. operator environment. This role is crucial for identifying performance bottlenecks, tuning RAN parameters, driving feature rollouts, and improving end‑to‑end network quality through data-driven analysis.

Detailed Job Description

In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring hourly/daily KPIs, optimizing LTE and 5G NR performance, conducting drive test evaluations, and troubleshooting hardware and RAN‑related issues. You will collaborate with engineering teams to integrate new nodes, deploy features, and support customer‑impact events. The role requires strong analytical capabilities with hands‑on experience using vendor tools from Ericsson, Nokia, or Samsung, supported by post‑processing expertise and advanced data analysis using SQL/Python/R.

Key Responsibilities

• ✓ Monitor and optimize LTE and 5G NR networks using hourly and daily KPIs.
• ✓ Perform end‑to‑end RAN troubleshooting including hardware, alarms, and parameter issues.
• ✓ Conduct drive test analysis, geo‑based performance analytics, and coverage optimization.
• ✓ Lead new feature rollouts, integrations, and RAN performance improvement initiatives.
• ✓ Support customer‑affecting incidents, degradations, and performance evaluations.
• ✓ Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams for capacity and KPI enhancements.
• ✓ Prepare technical reports, dashboards, and documentation for leadership and project teams.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• ✓ Minimum 5+ years of LTE / 5G RAN performance engineering experience.
• ✓ Strong understanding of 3GPP standards for LTE, 5G NSA, and 5G SA.
• ✓ Deep knowledge of RAN architecture and signaling protocols: RRC, S1AP, X2AP, NGAP.
• ✓ Hands‑on experience with Ericsson / Nokia / Samsung tools and optimization platforms.
• ✓ Strong drive test, post‑processing, and KPI analysis background.
• ✓ Ability to work with SQL / Python / R for advanced data analytics.
• ✓ Excellent verbal communication, reporting, and documentation skills.

Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• ✓ Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• ✓ Experience with vRAN / Open RAN performance analysis.
• ✓ Understanding of EPC / 5GC architecture and procedures.
• ✓ Relevant industry certifications (e.g., OEM certifications, RAN optimization certs).

Recruitment Pro Tip

Showcase real examples of KPI improvements, feature rollouts, or complex RAN troubleshooting cases you’ve handled—quantifiable performance gains help your profile stand out immediately for high‑demand RF optimization projects.