Telecom Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Life insurance

Ongoing training and development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an experienced RF Engineer to design, optimize, and support 4G/LTE and 5G wireless networks in Nelspruit. You will plan cell sites, analyze propagation, and perform drive tests to improve coverage and KPIs.

The role requires a BEng/BSc in EE or Telecommunications and at least four years in mobile RF, with hands-on experience using Atoll or Planet, TEMS or Nemo, and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of RF engineering experience in mobile telecom.
• Strong RF knowledge: propagation, antenna theory & network architectures.
• Experience with RF planning tools Atoll and Planet.
• Experience with drive testing tools TEMS, Nemo.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan RF network elements, including cell site locations and frequency planning.
• Perform RF site surveys and data analysis to optimize coverage and performance.
• Conduct drive testing and post-processing analysis to identify RF issues.
• Optimize network parameters to improve KPIs such as throughput and call drop rates.
• Collaborate with deployment teams to ensure accurate RF designs.
• Analyze performance reports and propose capacity upgrades and improvements.

Skills

RF design

Drive testing

Network planning

Propagation models

Antenna theory

Education

BEng/BSc in EE

Tools

Atoll

Planet

TEMS

Nemo

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the telecommunications sector, is looking for a talented Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join their expanding team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is central to the design, optimization, and performance enhancement of wireless networks, including 4G/LTE and emerging 5G technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in RF principles, practical experience with network planning tools, and a keen eye for detail. You will be instrumental in ensuring optimal signal coverage, capacity, and quality for our client's mobile network users. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path within a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of mobile communication technology in South Africa. We seek an individual passionate about wireless technology, eager to contribute to network evolution, and capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan RF network elements, including cell site locations, antenna configurations, and frequency planning.
• Perform RF site surveys and analyze propagation data to optimize network coverage and performance.
• Conduct drive testing and post-processing analysis to identify and resolve RF interference and coverage issues.
• Optimize network parameters to improve KPIs such as throughput, latency, and call drop rates.
• Collaborate with network deployment teams to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of RF designs.
• Analyze network performance reports and propose solutions for capacity enhancements and upgrades.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in RF engineering, wireless technologies (4G, 5G), and equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex RF-related problems and provide technical expertise to support teams.
• Develop and maintain RF documentation, including network diagrams, coverage maps, and optimization reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in RF engineering within the mobile telecommunications industry.
• Strong understanding of RF principles, propagation models, antenna theory, and cellular network architectures (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G).
• Proficiency with RF planning and optimization tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet).
• Experience with drive testing tools and data analysis (e.g., TEMS, Nemo).
• Knowledge of interference mitigation techniques and spectrum management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations.
• Relevant RF certifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Medical aid.
• Retirement savings.
• Life insurance.
• Ongoing training and development programs to enhance skills and career progression.
• Stimulating work environment in Nelspruit, encouraging innovation and professional growth.