Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health benefits

Development allowance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to join its fully remote engineering division, operating from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. The role centers on advancing RF propagation, antenna design, and RF circuit development for cutting-edge wireless systems.

Candidate will lead design efforts, perform simulations, validate hardware, and mentor junior engineers in a distributed team. Strong independence and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Electrical Engineering with specialization in electromagnetics/RF design.
• 8–10 years hands-on RF design for wireless systems.
• Expertise in RF propagation modeling and antenna design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of RF systems and components.
• Conduct RF simulations to predict and improve coverage and capacity.
• Develop RF hardware designs including filters, amplifiers, mixers, and antennas.
• Perform RF measurements using spectrum analyzers and network analyzers.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Define RF test strategies to ensure product quality and compliance.

Skills

RF design

RF simulations

Antenna design

Link budget

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS HFSS

CST Studio Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in wireless technology, is seeking a distinguished Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join their elite and fully remote engineering division. This critical role offers the opportunity to operate from anywhere in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, and to make significant contributions to the design and optimization of advanced wireless communication systems. You will be responsible for the theoretical and practical aspects of RF propagation, antenna design, and RF circuit design, pushing the boundaries of wireless performance. This is a senior position requiring deep technical expertise, a passion for innovation, and the ability to work autonomously within a collaborative, distributed team environment. If you are driven by challenges in RF engineering and thrive in a remote setting, this position is an exceptional career move.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of RF systems and components for wireless communication products.
• Conduct detailed RF simulations and analysis to predict and improve system performance, coverage, and capacity.
• Develop and validate RF hardware designs, including filters, amplifiers, mixers, and antenna systems.
• Perform RF measurements and testing using advanced equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex RF-related issues encountered during product development and field deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, and system engineers, to ensure seamless integration of RF components.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RF technology, wireless standards (e.g., 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6E), and competitive offerings.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and technical publications.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and provide technical leadership within the team.
• Define RF test strategies and procedures to ensure product quality and compliance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in electromagnetics or RF design.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of hands‑on experience in RF design and development for wireless systems.
• Expertise in RF propagation modeling, antenna design principles, and RF link budget calculations.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or similar.
• Strong understanding of wireless communication standards (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth).
• Experience with RF component characterization and board‑level RF design.
• Familiarity with measurement equipment and techniques for RF validation.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R per annum.
• Fully remote work opportunity, allowing flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous vacation and holiday leave.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, training, and further education.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge RF technologies and influence product direction.
• A stimulating and innovative remote work environment.
• Retirement savings plan.