4G/5G Wireless Network Optimization Engineer

Tangent (International) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,004,000 - 1,674,000; Full time

Job summary

Tangent (International) Ltd is seeking a senior Wireless Network Optimization Engineer for a 3-month rolling contract based in Johannesburg. You will lead end-to-end optimization for 4G LTE and 5G NR networks, owning RAN performance and leveraging ZTE platforms to deliver improvements.

The role requires expert knowledge of ZTE tools (UME, NGI, NetMax, WNG) and the ability to analyze protocols, perform deep-dive troubleshooting, and present executive-level findings.

Qualifications

• Experience with LTE and 5G NR air interface technologies.
• Strong analytical skills to identify root causes and optimize RAN performance.
• Proficiency with data analytics and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI).

Responsibilities

• ZTE RAN optimization across 4G/5G to improve network quality.
• Monitor KPIs, identify bottlenecks and apply corrective actions.
• Collaborate with planning, implementation and operations teams.
• Prepare KPI reports and technical presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

LTE/5G NR knowledge

RAN optimization

Data analysis (TEMS/Power BI)

Tools

TEMS

NGI

NetMax

WNG (ZTE)

Job description

The client is looking for a 4G/5G Wireless Network Optimization Engineer to work a 3 month rolling contract based in South Africa (Johannesburg).

Position Summary:

• The client is seeking a senior-level Wireless Network Optimization Engineer to spearhead end-to-end multi-technology optimization for our 4G LTE and 5G NR networks. Operating from a strategic tier, this individual will take full ownership of RAN performance across the network, driving advanced parameter configurations and deep-dive protocol trace analysis.
• The role requires a technical expert capable of leveraging proprietary ZTE optimization platforms to maximize network quality, handle complex operator escalations, and deliver executive-level performance insights.

Job Responsibilities:

• ZTE RAN Optimization: Analyze and optimize 4G/5G radio network performance using the ZTE product suite to improve overall network quality and customer experience.
• KPI Management & Troubleshooting: Monitor and analyze network KPIs, identify performance degradation, bottlenecks, and interference, and implement corrective optimization actions.
• Protocol & Call Flow Analysis: Apply a strong understanding of call flow, handover flow, mobility management, and wireless communication technologies across CS, VoLTE, and PS RAN to isolate root causes.
• Parameter & Feature Tuning: Perform deep-dive radio network troubleshooting, parameter tuning, and ZTE RAN software feature implementation.
• Data Analysis & Tooling: Perform post-processing using TEMS, ZTE WNG, and analysis through MR-based tools such as NGI, NetMax, and CEMS to identify coverage, quality, and throughput issues, and provide targeted optimization solutions.
• Escalation & Complaints: Investigate high-level customer complaints and provide technical resolutions related to coverage and service quality issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with planning, implementation, transmission, and customer teams to support network modernization and drive continuous network improvement initiatives.
• Reporting & Analytics: Prepare KPI reports, automated dashboards (Power BI/Excel), optimization analysis, and technical presentations for management and stakeholders.

Job Requirements:

• Technical Expertise: Strong expertise in LTE and 5G NR air interface technologies, mobility management, root-cause analysis, and mitigation techniques with a solid understanding of RAN principles.
• ZTE Vendor Expertise: Hands-on experience with proprietary ZTE tools, explicitly UME, NGI, NetMax and WNG, along with ZTE-specific parameter sets and feature configurations.
• Analytics & Software Tools: Proficiency in data analytics and report generation using Microsoft Excel and Power BI, alongside standard optimization tools (TEMS, Nemo, QGIS, or Google Earth).