Responsibilities

The RF Engineer is responsible for contributing in the RF Design, RF Optimization of the regional wireless network. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Analyze drive data and LTE KPIs; Identify optimization opportunities in RF design and Cell site parameter tuning
  • Working with the performance team to improve Key Performance Indicators within his/her area.
  • Working with traffic and implementation counterparts to understand capacity improvements needed in the network.
  • Create site design RFDS and complete plumbing diagrams.
  • Evaluate antennas and equipment for performance and future growth.
  • Performing radio engineering evaluations for system planning and site acquisition.
  • Evaluating coverage problems and requirements for coverage and capacity cells.
  • Utilizes propagation tools and other RF related equipment such as MapInfo, GeoPlan, ATOLL, Datapro for site candidate comparison, propagation and coverage review and selection, zoning and regulatory.
  • Review of cell sites and design for upgrades/modifications.
  • Generate and evaluate coverage and interference prediction maps.
  • Calculate and evaluate the effects on the received signal of path-related impairments.
  • Develop and analyze sectors, post construction, to optimize coverage and capacity.
  • Determine the required antennas for planned frequencies and their optimal positions.
  • Determine the required cable, antennas, and equipment to implement macro and small cell wireless network clusters.
  • Perform intermodulation analyses of antenna systems and components.
  • As needed, calculate link budgets to evaluate system performance and reliability based on received signal level and fade margin.
  • Calculate the efficiency of various multiple-antenna schemes, and analyze the tradeoffs involved in selecting from among them.
  • Evaluate the effects of path loss on the received signal strength in various signal propagation environments (examples might include flat terrain, rolling hills, urbanized areas, and indoor environments [such as buildings or tunnels] with losses caused by walls, ceilings, etc.).
  • Determine parameters related to antennas (examples might include pattern, beam width, gain, distance from an antenna or array at which far field conditions apply, spacing, beam forming, tilt, and sectorization) and analyze the effects of these parameters on coverage and capacity.
  • Analyze propagation modeling and “drive test” measurements and make recommendations for site optimizations.
  • Analyze design considerations and perform system design to eliminate coverage holes and to optimize capacity/coverage.
  • Evaluate site design efficiency related to handover/handoff management and inter-technology handover/handoff.

Personal Qualities Desired

  • Personal integrity
  • Timeliness
  • Self-starter
  • With initial guidance, ability to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision
  • Attention to detail
  • Proactive
  • Works well with others in a team environment
  • Excellent communication skills- written and verbal
  • Goal-oriented / mission focused
  • “Can-do” attitude
  • Flexibility
  • Superior organizational and project planning skills

Tools Experience Required

  • Geoplan
  • ATOLL
  • MapInfo thematic map creation
  • Microsoft Office suite of products (advanced experience level)
  • Google Earth / .kml import

  • Windcatcher; Actix Demonstrated Knowledge

  • 4G network design, deployment and optimization
  • Tasks and knowledge related to: antennas, RF engineering, transmission, reception, and propagation.
  • Firm understanding of band performance capabilities and limitations.
  • Demonstrated understanding of LTE KPI’s and impacts of design on them.
  • Planning factors for data and VoLTE.
  • Frequency planning / de-confliction.
  • Different types of losses and mitigation techniques.
  • Methods to calculate antenna gain and free space path loss.
  • The effects of outdoor terrain and indoor structures such as walls, floors, and ceilings on signal propagation.
  • Understanding and use of topographical maps and digital terrain databases.
  • Antenna system design and use including antenna types (examples might include Hex/Octo port panel, cross-pol array, etc.), antenna patterns, gain and EIRP, ERP, antenna size, antenna polarization, receive and transmit diversity, MIMO antenna systems, and proper antenna installation to provide for coverage and interference mitigation.
  • Macro site design considerations in urban, sub-urban, and rural environments.
  • Small cell design considerations in urban and sub-urban environments. Basically, we are looking for experienced RF design Engineer, 10-15 experience. Preferably the candidates have been working on LTE optimization projects recently. Understand LTE technology

Desired Skills and Experience

See application page for details