Radio Frequency (RF) Planning Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Provident fund

Travel allowances

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced RF Planning Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to design and optimize mobile networks. You will perform RF planning for new sites, analyze propagation, and improve coverage and capacity across 4G/5G technologies.

You will work in a hybrid setup collaborating with vendors and technical teams, using Atoll/Planet tools, and staying compliant with local spectrum regulations. Excellent analytical skills and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on RF planning and optimization for mobile networks.
• Proficient with Atoll, Planet or similar RF planning software.
• Solid understanding of GSM, WCDMA, LTE and 5G NR.
• Experience with drive testing tools and data analysis.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hybrid work arrangement; strong communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform RF design and planning for new cellular sites and network expansions.
• Conduct RF propagation analysis and coverage predictions using specialized software.
• Optimize existing network performance to improve capacity, quality and coverage.
• Analyze drive test data and user feedback to identify and resolve RF issues.
• Develop RF site selection criteria and guidelines.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and technical teams on deployment and integration.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and spectrum management.
• Generate detailed RF planning reports and documentation.
• Stay updated with advancements in RF engineering and mobile technologies.
• Troubleshoot RF interference and performance issues.

Skills

RF planning

Drive testing

Data analysis

Propagation modelling

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Telecommunications

Tools

Atoll

Planet

RF planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications infrastructure company, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Radio Frequency (RF) Planning Engineer to join their growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role involves the planning, optimization, and design of mobile communication networks, focusing on ensuring optimal RF performance and coverage. You will utilize advanced planning tools and techniques to analyze network data, predict propagation characteristics, and recommend solutions for improving signal quality and capacity. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, a deep understanding of cellular technologies (e.g., 4G/LTE, 5G), and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The role offers a Hybrid work arrangement, blending office-based collaboration with remote flexibility, allowing for a dynamic work experience within the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of wireless communication services in the area.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform RF design and planning for new cellular sites and network expansions.
• Conduct RF propagation analysis and coverage predictions using specialized software.
• Optimize existing network performance to improve capacity, quality, and coverage.
• Analyze drive test data and user feedback to identify and resolve RF issues.
• Develop RF site selection criteria and guidelines.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and technical teams on network deployment and integration.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and spectrum management.
• Generate detailed RF planning reports and documentation.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in RF engineering and mobile network technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex RF interference and performance issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in RF planning and optimization for mobile networks.
• Proficiency with RF planning tools such as Atoll, Planet, or similar software.
• Solid understanding of mobile network technologies (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G NR).
• Experience with drive testing tools and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a Hybrid team.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory landscape for telecommunications is advantageous.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies in the dynamic telecom sector in Richards Bay .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Exposure to advanced RF planning tools and techniques.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Hybrid work model for better work-life balance.
• Contribution to medical aid and provident fund.
• Chance to work on significant infrastructure projects in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Travel allowances for site visits.