Radio Access Network (RAN) Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Hybrid work

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Radio Access Network (RAN) Specialist to join our client’s Mossel Bay team. The role combines on-site work for critical infrastructure with remote tasks for analysis, planning, and reporting, ensuring robust 4G/5G performance.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of RAN technologies, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality network performance in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering.
• 6+ years in RAN design, deployment, optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and deploy RAN solutions (4G/5G).
• Optimize RAN performance from metrics.
• Troubleshoot RAN issues including interference and coverage.
• Conduct site surveys and drive tests.
• Maintain network documentation and configurations.
• Collaborate with core network engineers for end-to-end delivery.
• Stay updated on RAN technologies and vendor solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate equipment/software.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and field staff.
• Ensure compliance with network standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

4G LTE

5G NR

eNodeB/gNB

O-RAN

vRAN

Atoll

Planet

RF principles

Drive testing

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering

Tools

Atoll

Planet

Drive test tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent telecommunications service provider, is looking for a skilled Radio Access Network (RAN) Specialist to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This hybrid position will involve a combination of on-site work for critical infrastructure projects and remote engagement for analysis, planning, and reporting. You will be responsible for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of our advanced RAN infrastructure, ensuring high performance, reliability, and coverage. This role is essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of our mobile network services for our diverse customer base. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of RAN technologies, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering exceptional network performance. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a vital industry and advance your career in a dynamic setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and deploy Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions, including 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies.
• Optimize RAN performance by analyzing key metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex RAN issues, including interference, coverage gaps, and capacity limitations.
• Conduct site surveys and drive tests to evaluate network performance and identify potential issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including network configurations, performance reports, and optimization plans.
• Collaborate with core network engineers to ensure seamless integration and end-to-end service delivery.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest RAN technologies, trends, and vendor solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new RAN equipment and software.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior RAN engineers and field technicians.
• Ensure compliance with network standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in RAN design, deployment, and optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of 4G LTE and 5G NR RAN principles, including eNodeB/gNB, O-RAN, and virtualized RAN (vRAN).
• Experience with RAN planning and optimization tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet).
• Proficiency in analyzing performance data and generating actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna systems, and propagation models.
• Experience with drive testing tools and techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Familiarity with relevant vendor equipment (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge mobile network technology.
• Company vehicle for site visits.