Senior Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Professional development & conferences

Hybrid work model

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Radio Access Network Engineer in Port Elizabeth to lead LTE and 5G RAN design, planning and optimization. The role combines office collaboration with focused remote work in our hybrid model.

You will drive performance improvements, analyze RAN data, and work with planning, engineering and field teams to deploy robust, scalable networks. A deep LTE/5G NR background and vendor familiarity are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mobile network engineering experience with strong RAN focus.
• Deep knowledge of LTE and 5G NR technologies, radio protocols, interfaces and parameters.
• Experience with RAN optimization tools for performance analysis and improvement.
• Familiarity with RAN hardware and software from major vendors (Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei).
• Understanding of NFV and SDN concepts as applied to RAN and related architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and configuration of LTE and 5G RAN, including base station hardware and software.
• Develop and implement RAN optimization strategies to improve performance and user experience.
• Conduct performance analysis, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis for RAN issues.
• Collaborate with planning teams to define cell site requirements and deployment strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new RAN technologies and equipment.
• Stay current with LTE, 5G NR developments and future wireless tech.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation for RAN configurations.
• Participate in testing and validation of new RAN features and software releases.
• Provide technical guidance and support to field engineers and operations teams.
• Contribute to network roadmaps and long-term RAN strategy.

Skills

RAN optimization

LTE knowledge

5G NR knowledge

Vendor relations

NFV/SDN concepts

RF planning tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Ericsson hardware

Nokia hardware

Huawei hardware

RAN software tools

RF planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent telecommunications operator based in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and optimization of our advanced mobile network infrastructure, ensuring high-quality service delivery to our customers. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of collaborative work in our Port Elizabeth office and focused remote work. You will play a key role in shaping the future of mobile connectivity, working with cutting‑edge RAN technologies. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of LTE and 5G RAN, including aspects like performance tuning, feature deployment, and troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with engineering, planning, and field operations teams to maintain and enhance network performance. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolution of mobile communications in the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and configuration of Radio Access Networks (LTE and 5G), including base station hardware and software.
• Develop and implement RAN optimization strategies to improve network performance, capacity, and user experience.
• Conduct performance analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis for RAN-related issues.
• Collaborate with planning teams to define cell site requirements and deployment strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new RAN technologies and equipment.
• Stay current with the latest developments in LTE, 5G NR, and future wireless technologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation for RAN configurations and procedures.
• Participate in the testing and validation of new RAN features and software releases.
• Provide technical guidance and support to field engineers and operations teams.
• Contribute to the development of network roadmaps and long‑term RAN strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mobile network engineering, with a strong focus on Radio Access Networks (RAN).
• In‑depth knowledge of LTE and 5G NR technologies, including radio protocols, interfaces, and parameters.
• Experience with RAN optimization tools and techniques for performance analysis and improvement.
• Familiarity with RAN hardware and software from major vendors (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei).
• Understanding of network virtualization (NFV) and software‑defined networking (SDN) concepts as applied to RAN.
• Experience with RF planning and propagation tools is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Relevant certifications in mobile technologies are advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees.
• This includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• An annual bonus is awarded based on performance.
• Employees benefit from a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences, are readily available.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing for a balance between office‑based collaboration in Port Elizabeth and remote work.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays, is provided.
• You will gain exposure to the latest advancements in wireless technology and contribute to building a future‑ready network.
• Join our team in Port Elizabeth and help shape the future of mobile connectivity.