Senior RF Engineer - Cellular Networks

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Company vehicle

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join our Paarl operations. The role focuses on designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting RF networks to ensure optimal coverage, capacity, and performance for mobile operators.

You will conduct RF surveys, drive tests, and performance analysis, collaborating with planning, operations, and field teams. A strong background in 4G/5G and RF tooling is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Telecommunications or related field is required.
• 7+ years of RF engineering experience in cellular networks (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G).
• Strong knowledge of RF propagation, antenna theory, and network performance tuning.
• Experience with RF planning/optimization tools (Atoll, Planet, TEMS, Nemo).
• Able to travel within Paarl, Western Cape area as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize RF networks including site acquisition support and antenna configuration.
• Conduct RF surveys, drive tests, and performance analysis to identify coverage gaps and capacity issues.
• Troubleshoot RF problems such as interference, weak signals, and dropped calls.
• Develop RF optimization strategies to improve network quality and user experience.
• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate new RF technologies and solutions.
• Ensure RF regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Maintain detailed RF documentation and network plans.
• Mentor junior RF engineers with technical guidance.
• Stay current with 4G/5G RF technology and network evolution.

Skills

RF design

RF optimization

RF surveys

Drive tests

Data analysis

Wireless networks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering

Tools

Atoll

Planet

TEMS

Nemo

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior RF Engineer to join their expanding operations in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of our client's radio frequency (RF) systems and cellular networks. You will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, coverage, and capacity of our mobile network infrastructure, utilizing advanced RF engineering principles and tools. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RF professional to contribute to the deployment and enhancement of cutting-edge wireless technologies in the scenic Paarl region. You will work closely with network planning, operations, and field teams to deliver best-in-class wireless services. If you have a passion for radio frequencies and a proven ability to enhance cellular network performance, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize RF networks, including site acquisition support, antenna selection, and parameter configuration.
• Conduct RF surveys, drive tests, and network performance analysis to identify coverage gaps and capacity issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF-related problems, such as interference, weak signals, and dropped calls.
• Develop and execute RF optimization strategies to improve network quality, capacity, and user experience.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors to evaluate new RF technologies and solutions.
• Ensure compliance with RF regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed RF documentation, including network plans, site configurations, and performance reports.
• Mentor junior RF engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in cellular RF technology (4G/LTE, 5G NR).
• Participate in capacity planning and future network evolution discussions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in RF engineering for cellular networks (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G).
• In-depth knowledge of RF propagation, antenna theory, cellular network architecture, and performance tuning.
• Proficiency with RF planning and optimization tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet, TEMS, Nemo).
• Experience with RF measurement equipment and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of interference analysis, handover optimization, and capacity management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to travel within the Paarl, Western Cape area as needed.
• Relevant certifications are an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced RF training.
• Company vehicle for work-related travel.
• Generous paid time off.
• A challenging and rewarding role contributing to telecommunications advancement in Paarl, Western Cape .