Senior RF Planning Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement funds

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking a seasoned Senior RF Planning Engineer to design and optimize mobile networks. You will lead RF planning activities, perform site surveys, and employ tools such as Atoll, Planet, and TEMS to model coverage and capacity.

Collaboration with deployment and operations teams is essential to deliver reliable service. The role demands strong RF theory knowledge, drive-testing experience, and the ability to analyze performance data to recommend improvements,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of RF planning experience for mobile networks.
• Proficiency with Atoll, Planet, TEMS.
• Strong RF propagation knowledge: antennas and interference.
• Drive testing, post-processing and performance analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize RF network plans including site acquisition and frequency planning.
• Conduct RF site surveys and drive tests to assess performance.
• Use Atoll/Planet for network simulation, capacity planning, and coverage analysis.
• Collaborate with deployment and operations teams for effective implementation.
• Analyze KPIs and propose optimization strategies.
• Stay updated on LTE/5G technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management.
• Mentor junior RF engineers.

Skills

RF planning

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Telecommunications Engineering

Master's degree or RF certification (plus)

Tools

Atoll

Planet

TEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the South African telecommunications landscape, is seeking an experienced Senior RF Planning Engineer to join their strategic planning division in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This role is instrumental in the design and optimization of radio frequency (RF) networks, ensuring optimal coverage, capacity, and quality of service for our client's mobile network users. The successful candidate will leverage advanced planning tools and deep expertise in RF engineering principles to shape the future evolution of the network. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the technological advancement of mobile communications in a key region. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for radio technology and network performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize RF network plans, including site acquisition, antenna configuration, and frequency planning.
• Conduct RF site surveys, drive tests, and data analysis to assess network performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Utilize advanced RF planning tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet) for network simulation, capacity planning, and coverage analysis.
• Collaborate with network deployment and operations teams to ensure effective implementation of RF designs.
• Analyze network performance metrics and KPIs, proposing and implementing optimization strategies.
• Stay updated on the latest RF technologies, standards (e.g., LTE, 5G NR), and competitive landscape.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management, outlining network plans, performance analysis, and recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior RF engineers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and spectrum management policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in RF planning and optimization for mobile networks (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G).
• Proficiency with industry-standard RF planning and optimization tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet, TEMS).
• Strong understanding of radio propagation principles, antenna theory, and RF interference management.
• Experience with drive testing, post-processing, and network performance analysis.
• Familiarity with network planning processes, including site acquisition and permitting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience working within the **telecoms** industry in **Gauteng** or surrounding regions is advantageous.
• Master's degree or relevant RF certifications are a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement funds, and excellent opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. This remote-first role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within **South Africa** while contributing to significant projects in **Pretoria**. You will be part of a forward-thinking team driving innovation in mobile network technology. Join a company that values technical expertise and provides a platform for impactful contributions to the **telecoms** sector.