Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical benefits

Training

Travel coverage

RF tools access

Career path

Supportive environment

Critical infra projects

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom is seeking a skilled RF Engineer to design, optimize, and analyze wireless networks, including cellular systems. You will work on field-based optimization and office-based design, ensuring high-quality coverage, capacity, and user experience.

The role requires strong RF theory and hands-on experience with planning tools, drive tests, and interference mitigation. You will contribute to network expansion and upgrades in a hybrid work environment, collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• 3–5 years RF engineering experience in mobile networks (GSM/LTE/5G).
• Proficiency with RF planning tools (Atoll, Planet) and post-processing tools.
• Strong knowledge of radio propagation and antenna theory.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan RF network deployments including cell site selection.
• Optimize RF networks to improve coverage, capacity, and QoS.
• Conduct drive tests and analyze RF performance data.
• Troubleshoot RF-related network issues.
• Develop RF design guidelines and best practices.
• Perform interference analysis and mitigation.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams on network planning and integration.
• Generate detailed RF performance reports and recommendations.
• Stay updated on the latest RF technologies and industry trends.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of new RF equipment and technologies.

Skills

RF planning

Drive testing

Propagation theory

Antenna theory

Network optimization

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Telecommunications

Tools

Atoll

Planet

Post-processing tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major telecommunications infrastructure company, is seeking a skilled Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join their team in Welkom. This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between field-based optimization and office-based design and analysis. You will be responsible for the design, optimization, and performance analysis of wireless communication networks, including cellular and other RF-based systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of RF principles and practical experience in using RF planning and optimization tools. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring high-quality signal coverage, capacity, and user experience for our mobile network clients. We are looking for a proactive individual who can identify performance issues, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the strategic planning of network expansion and upgrades. This role demands analytical prowess, technical depth, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Join us to shape the future of wireless communication in the Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan RF network deployments, including cell site selection and parameter configuration.
• Optimize existing RF networks to improve coverage, capacity, and quality of service.
• Conduct drive tests and analyze RF performance data using specialized tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF-related network issues.
• Develop and maintain RF design guidelines and best practices.
• Perform interference analysis and implement mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams on network planning and integration.
• Generate detailed RF performance reports and recommendations.
• Stay updated on the latest RF technologies and industry trends.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of new RF equipment and technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in RF engineering, preferably in mobile networks (GSM, LTE, 5G).
• Proficiency with RF planning tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet) and optimization software.
• Strong understanding of radio propagation, antenna theory, and wireless technologies.
• Experience with drive test tools and post-processing analysis.
• Familiarity with cellular network architecture and protocols.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory standards is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package: R per annum.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Medical and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Travel expenses covered for field activities.
• Access to advanced RF engineering tools and software.
• A challenging and rewarding career path.
• Supportive work environment with experienced colleagues.
• Contribution to critical communication infrastructure projects.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements.