Rf Engineer (Cellular Antennas)

Network Contracting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Africa seeks an experienced Radio Frequency Engineer to design and optimize cellular antennas. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-performance standards and compliance with industry regulations. Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience in RF design and testing. Join our dynamic team to contribute to cutting-edge wireless communication technologies.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in RF design and testing, focusing on cellular technologies.
• Experience optimizing antenna performance including VSWR and gain.
• Familiarity with ruggedized/outdoor antenna applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and model cellular antennas using software tools.
• Perform lab measurements and validate antenna performance.
• Build and refine antenna prototypes.
• Diagnose and optimize performance issues.

Skills

Hands-on experience in RF design and testing

Strong background in antenna theory

Proficiency with simulation tools

Experience with RF test equipment

Knowledge of compliance standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Specialized coursework in RF engineering

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

HFSS

ADS

FEKO

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Job description

Job & Company Description :

Looking for an outside-the-box thinking professional to join a diversified team of go getters on as a Radio Frequency Engineer (Cellular Antennas).

The successful candidate to fill this role will compile reports, research, design, and develop Antennas, and be a part of the development of tools for obtaining, processing, and simulation results.

This person will be the liaison between the Lead RF Engineer and the rest of the research and development team.

Key responsibilities include :

Antenna Design & Simulation

Use software tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, ADS) to design and model cellular antennas (2G, 3G, 4G / LTE, 5G).

Optimise antenna parameters such as VSWR, gain, directivity, radiation patterns, bandwidth, efficiency, and MIMO configurations.

Testing & Measurement

Perform lab measurements using RF test equipment (vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, anechoic chambers).

Validate antenna performance against design simulations and industry standards (ETSI, 3GPP, FCC).

Conduct over-the-air (OTA) testing to verify real-world performance.

Prototyping & Development

Build and refine antenna prototypes (PCB antennas, patch antennas, omni / sector panels, base station antennas).

Work with mechanical engineers to integrate antennas into enclosures while maintaining performance.

Troubleshooting & Optimisation

Diagnose performance issues such as poor return loss, low efficiency, or pattern distortion.

Recommend design modifications and retest until specifications are met.

Documentation & Reporting

Prepare technical documentation (test reports, design notes, compliance reports).

Support certification processes by compiling compliance test data.

Collaboration & Project Support

Work closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and sales).

Support customer-specific antenna requirements or customisation projects.

Provide technical support during product deployment and field trials.

The requirements :

Education & Qualifications

Bachelors degree in electrical / Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field (Masters advantageous).

Specialized coursework or certifications in RF engineering, antenna design, or wireless communications.

Technical Skills and Experience :

35+ years of hands‑on experience in RF design and testing, with a focus on cellular technologies (2G, 3G, 4G / LTE, 5G).

Strong background in antenna theory, propagation, and design methodologies.

Proficiency with simulation and modelling tools such as CST Microwave Studio, HFSS, ADS, or FEKO.

Experience with RF test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, anechoic chambers).

Knowledge of compliance standards and certification processes for cellular antennas (e.g., ETSI, 3GPP, FCC).

Practical experience in optimizing antenna performance (VSWR, gain, efficiency, MIMO, beamforming).

Familiarity with ruggedized / outdoor antenna applications for industries like defence, mining, or telecom.

Apply now!