Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental/vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Opportunity to attend internationalCon

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal RF Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and evolution of wireless networks from a Durban-based, remote-first position. You will guide RF planning, drive testing, and spectrum management while collaborating with cross-functional teams on next-generation technologies.

The role demands 10+ years in RF engineering within mobile telecom, with strong leadership and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 10+ years hands-on RF engineering experience in mobile telecommunications.
• Deep understanding of wireless propagation, fading, and interference mitigation.
• Proficiency in RF planning tools such as Atoll, Planet.
• Expertise in GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G NR.
• Strong antenna theory, RF filter design, and transmission line knowledge.
• Experience with spectrum analysis, measurement equipment, and network simulators.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and track record of leading technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF design, simulation, and optimization for macro, micro, and small cell deployments.
• Develop and refine RF planning tools and propagation models to improve coverage.
• Conduct RF site surveys, data analysis, and interference assessments.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to define RF requirements.
• Manage RF spectrum allocation and licensing in compliance with regulations.
• Provide expert technical consultation on RF issues to cross-functional teams.
• Develop strategies for 5G and network evolution.
• Perform drive testing and post-processing to assess network quality.
• Author technical documentation and white papers on RF technologies.
• Mentor and train junior RF engineers.

Skills

RF design

Propagation modeling

Spectrum management

5G NR knowledge

Antenna theory

Drive testing

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in EE or related

Tools

Atoll

Planet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in mobile network technology, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join their innovative team based in Durban . This position is crucial for the development and optimization of our client’s cutting-edge wireless communication systems. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in RF design, propagation modeling, and spectrum management, with a passion for driving the future of mobile connectivity. This is a remote-first opportunity, allowing for maximum flexibility while contributing to a globally impactful project.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation, and optimization of RF networks, including macro, micro, and small cell deployments.
• Develop and refine RF planning tools and propagation models to enhance network performance and coverage accuracy.
• Conduct in-depth RF site surveys, data analysis, and interference assessments to identify optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineering teams to define RF performance requirements and validate new equipment.
• Manage RF spectrum allocation and licensing, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert technical consultation and guidance on RF-related issues to cross-functional teams.
• Develop strategies for new technology introduction (e.g., 5G, LTE Advanced) and network evolution.
• Perform detailed drive testing and post-processing analysis to assess network quality and user experience.
• Author technical documentation, white papers, and presentations on RF technologies and strategies.
• Mentor and train junior RF engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of hands-on experience in RF engineering, specifically within the mobile telecommunications industry.
• Deep understanding of wireless propagation principles, fading mechanisms, and interference mitigation techniques.
• Proficiency in RF planning and optimization tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet).
• Expertise in cellular technologies such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G NR.
• Strong knowledge of antenna theory, RF filter design, and transmission line theory.
• Experience with spectrum analysis, measurement equipment, and network simulators.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and a track record of successfully leading technical projects.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses. Employees enjoy comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and retirement savings plans. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, attending international conferences, and working with a team of world-class engineers. The remote nature of the position offers unparalleled work-life balance.