Principal RF Design Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Generous PTO and state-of-the-art labs

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Principal RF Design Engineer to lead RF system design for cutting-edge wireless products. You will conceptualize, design, and optimize RF components, mentor junior engineers, and drive key design initiatives in a hybrid Durban office.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in EE with 10+ years in RF, deep theoretical and hands-on experience, and proficiency with HFSS and CST, plus RF test equipment.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Electrical Engineering with RF specialization.
• Over 10 years’ hands-on RF design experience in telecoms.
• Proficiency in RF simulation tools and antenna design.
• Strong knowledge of cellular tech (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G NR).
• Experience with RF test equipment and measurements.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF system design for antennas, transceivers, and RF front-ends.
• Perform RF simulations to predict and optimize performance.
• Develop RF specifications and ensure standards compliance.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to integrate RF components.
• Oversee testing, validation, and lab measurements.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and guide best practices.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and R&D efforts.

Skills

RF design

Antenna design

Signal analysis

RF simulation

Leadership

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering (RF)

Tools

HFSS

CST Studio Suite

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the wireless communications sector, is looking for a highly experienced Principal RF Design Engineer to join their team in Durban. This critical role involves the conceptualization, design, and optimization of radio frequency (RF) systems for cutting‑edge wireless products and networks. You will be at the forefront of innovation, working with advanced technologies to ensure superior signal quality, coverage, and performance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding of RF principles coupled with practical, hands‑on experience in a challenging environment. This position offers the chance to lead significant design initiatives and mentor junior engineers, contributing directly to our client's technological leadership in the competitive telecommunications market. Join us in Durban and help shape the future of wireless communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of RF systems, including antennas, transceivers, and RF front‑end modules, for cellular and other wireless applications.
• Perform complex RF simulations and analyses using industry‑standard software tools to predict and optimize system performance.
• Develop detailed RF system specifications and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE).
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineering teams to integrate RF components and ensure seamless system functionality.
• Oversee the testing and validation of RF designs, including laboratory measurements and field trials.
• Troubleshoot and resolve challenging RF‑related issues encountered during design, testing, or deployment phases.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RF technology, including new modulation techniques, antenna designs, and spectral efficiency improvements.
• Mentor and guide junior RF engineers, providing technical expertise and fostering best practices.
• Contribute to strategic technology roadmapping and R&D efforts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in RF and Microwave Engineering.
• Over 10 years of hands‑on experience in RF design and development within the telecommunications industry.
• Expertise in RF circuit design, electromagnetic theory, and propagation principles.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Studio Suite, or similar.
• Strong understanding of cellular technologies (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G NR) and their RF aspects.
• Experience with RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
• Knowledge of antenna design and measurement techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model, based in our Durban office.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training and conference attendance, are readily available.
• Employees also enjoy generous paid time off and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility while keeping you connected to the innovative team culture in Durban . Join a company that values technical excellence and provides a platform for impactful career growth in RF engineering.