RF Designer

The client is looking for an RF Designer (2G/4G/5G) to work in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Job Summary:

The client is seeking an experienced RF Designer to join their wireless network design team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in RF planning, link budget analysis, hardware dimensioning, and propagation modeling across 2G, 4G, and 5G technologies. This role involves ensuring optimal network performance, coverage, and quality while providing technical guidance and collaborating with internal teams and external customers.

Key Responsibilities:

RF Network Design (2G/4G/5G):

• Plan and design wireless networks with focus on coverage, capacity, and quality of service.
• Evaluate performance using KPIs and recommend design optimizations.
• Prepare RF deliverables including coverage maps, frequency plans, and sector configurations.
• Collaborate with Planning, Optimization, and Operations teams for seamless integration.
• Perform parameter tuning to ensure peak network performance.

RF Network Dimensioning:

• Conduct capacity analysis considering traffic forecasts and user growth.
• Calculate the required number of cells, sites, and sectors.
• Use dimensioning tools to forecast and allocate radio resources efficiently.
• Identify and resolve network capacity bottlenecks.

Link Budget Analysis:

• Perform accurate link budget calculations to ensure reliable coverage and signal quality.
• Account for transmission power, antenna gain, path loss, and noise margins.
• Adjust designs based on real-world performance and drive test data.

Propagation Modeling:

• Apply and customize models such as Hata, COST-231, and Okumura.
• Simulate propagation in diverse environments (urban, suburban, rural, indoor).
• Factor in building obstructions, terrain, and weather effects on radio signals.
• Optimize antenna height, tilt, and azimuth based on propagation analysis.

RF Design Tools Proficiency:

• Utilize industry-standard RF planning tools (e.g., Atoll, Planet, Mentum).
• Develop and maintain RF models and simulation databases.
• Generate detailed coverage, interference, and traffic reports.
• Deliver high-quality documentation for internal teams and client presentations.

Hardware Dimensioning:

• Analyze and define hardware needs based on RF specifications.
• Ensure proper base station configuration including TRXs, RRUs, and power systems.
• Work with procurement and deployment teams to align hardware with design goals.
• Conduct post-deployment audits to verify hardware meets RF requirements.

Leadership & Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers.
• Lead RF design projects and coordinate with field and implementation teams.
• Participate in design review sessions and contribute to performance enhancement strategies.

Customer Interaction:

• Interface with clients to gather requirements and provide design feedback.
• Present technical solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison to ensure customer satisfaction and resolve design-related issues.

Technology & Industry Awareness:

• Stay up to date with the latest in wireless technology, including 5G, network slicing, and IoT.
• Understand telecom standards, regulatory guidelines, and spectrum allocations.
• Apply protocol knowledge (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G NR) in real-world deployments.

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Telecommunications, or related field (required).
• Master’s degree is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in RF Design and Optimization (2G/4G/5G).
• Strong experience in link budget calculations, dimensioning, and propagation analysis.
• Familiarity with optimization tools and drive test analysis.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in RF planning tools: Atoll, Planet, Mentum, or similar.
• Solid knowledge of propagation models and link budget methodologies.
• Strong grasp of RAN hardware and configurations (antennas, TRXs, RRUs, amplifiers).

Soft Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Leadership & Customer Engagement:

• Proven ability to lead small teams and projects.
• Experience in customer-facing roles with good presentation and negotiation skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Familiarity with STC (Saudi Telecom Company) tools and processes.
• Hands-on experience in network rollout and field operations support.