Senior Radio Network Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Radio Network Engineer to design, deploy, and optimize our client’s radio access network across the region. You will drive RF planning, drive tests, and performance analysis to ensure high QoS and capacity.

The role requires a strong background in RF principles, 4G LTE, and 5G NR, with hands-on experience in planning tools. Based on-site in Pretoria with opportunities to work on cutting-edge mobile network projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of RF/RAN experience with focus on design and optimization.
• Hands-on experience with 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies and RF principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan new radio network sites including RF planning.
• Perform drive testing and network performance analysis to identify improvements.
• Optimize radio network parameters to enhance coverage, capacity, and QoS.
• Troubleshoot complex radio network issues including interference and call drops.
• Manage deployment and integration of new radio equipment and software upgrades.
• Develop and maintain RF design documentation and coverage maps.

Skills

RF principles

RAN design

Network optimization

Drive testing

Analytical thinking

Teamwork and communication

Education

Electrical Engineering

Telecommunications Engineering

Tools

Atoll

Planet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Radio Network Engineer to join their expanding team in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This is a critical on-site role focused on the design, deployment, optimization, and maintenance of our client's radio access network (RAN). You will be instrumental in ensuring the high performance, reliability, and capacity of our mobile network infrastructure across the region. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of radio frequency principles, mobile communication standards, and network optimization techniques. You will work closely with other engineering disciplines to deliver state-of-the‑art mobile communication services to our customers. This is an opportunity to shape the future of mobile connectivity in a key metropolitan area.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan new radio network sites, including site acquisition support and RF planning.
• Perform drive testing and network performance analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• Optimize radio network parameters to enhance coverage, capacity, and quality of service (QoS).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex radio network issues, including interference, call drops, and data throughput problems.
• Manage the deployment and integration of new radio equipment and software upgrades.
• Develop and maintain detailed RF design documentation, including coverage maps, antenna configurations, and parameter settings.
• Conduct capacity planning and forecasting for radio network growth.
• Collaborate with field operations teams to ensure successful site implementation and maintenance.
• Evaluate and recommend new radio technologies and vendor solutions.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in mobile network technology (e.g., 5G NR, LTE-Advanced).

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in radio network engineering, with a strong focus on RAN design and optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of RF principles, propagation models, and antenna theory.
• Proficiency with radio network planning tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet) and performance analysis tools.
• Hands‑on experience with 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies and equipment.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Experience working in a major metropolitan area like **Pretoria** is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement annuity, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a leading telecommunications company are readily available. You will be working with cutting‑edge technology and have the chance to make a significant impact on mobile communication services in **Gauteng**. Join a dedicated team committed to innovation and excellence in network engineering.