Principal RF Engineer (5G/LTE)

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Annual bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, South Africa, seeks a Principal RF Engineer with 10+ years of hands-on experience to lead RF design for 5G and LTE, optimize antennas, and drive system performance.

You will perform RF simulations with ADS, HFSS and CST, conduct link budgets, mentor engineers, collaborate across hardware, software, and systems teams, and contribute to documentation and testing.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in RF/EE with 10+ years hands-on experience.
• Expertise in RF system design (filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, antennas).
• Proven experience with 4G/LTE and 5G NR air interfaces; mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF components design for 5G/LTE wireless systems.
• Conduct RF link budget analysis and performance modeling.
• Develop and execute comprehensive RF test plans and validation.
• Troubleshoot RF issues in lab and field environments.
• Optimize RF system performance including antenna placement and network capacity.
• Collaborate with hardware, software and systems teams to integrate RF solutions.
• Stay current with RF technology and standards developments.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to strategic RF technology direction and roadmaps.
• Author design specifications, test reports and white papers.

Skills

RF engineering

Antenna design

MIMO beamforming

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

CST

Spectrum Analyzers

Network Analyzers

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier provider of advanced wireless solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal RF Engineer to join their elite team. This role is integral to the design, development, and optimization of our next‑generation wireless communication systems, with a strong emphasis on 5G and LTE technologies. You will be responsible for tackling complex radio frequency challenges, driving innovation in antenna design, signal propagation, and RF system performance. This is a critical, on‑site position located in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , requiring hands‑on work with cutting‑edge hardware and testing equipment. We are looking for a thought leader with a deep technical understanding of RF principles and a passion for delivering unparalleled wireless performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of RF components and subsystems for 5G and LTE wireless systems.
• Conduct detailed RF link budget analysis, interference analysis, and performance modeling.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for RF hardware and systems, ensuring compliance with standards and specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex RF issues in both laboratory and field environments.
• Optimize RF system performance, including antenna placement, signal quality, and network capacity.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and system architects to integrate RF solutions into larger products and systems.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RF technology, wireless standards, and competitive landscape.
• Mentor junior RF engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of RF technology development within the company.
• Author technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and white papers.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in RF engineering, specifically within the wireless telecommunications industry.
• Expertise in RF system design, including filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, and antennas.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST) and measurement equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
• Deep understanding of 4G/LTE and 5G NR air interface technologies and standards.
• Experience with MIMO, beamforming, and other advanced antenna techniques.
• Proven ability to analyze complex RF problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory and wave propagation.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and hands‑on environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• An attractive annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.

This on‑site role in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , provides the opportunity to work with leading‑edge technology and contribute to industry‑defining projects.

We foster a culture of innovation and professional growth, offering continuous learning opportunities and career advancement paths.