Engineer- RAN Evolution Planning & Deployment at Safaricom Kenya

Brief Description

Reporting to the Manager - RAN Evolution Planning & Deployment, the role holder is responsible for smart Network coverage and capacity Planning using NPS, CQI, Customer Segmentation data, network performance statistics, CDRs, Geo location data, crowd sourcing data, products pricing data and data forecasting tools to work out a data-growth propensity model mapped to revenue. The output will be site prioritization based on customer value and traffic.

He/She will be responsible for the planning and execution of new Technologies in line with the RAN evolution strategy and work closely with the Technology Strategy team to deliver on the Tech Strategy.

Job Responsibilities

• Smart Planning: Generate of Smart Capacity, coverage and Upgrade plans based on customer value. Ensure Proactive generation of smart coverage nominals to maximize business revenue and increase competitive edge of business.
• New Features: Performs development, testing, and validation of RF (HW &SW) feature plan proposals. Provides input in defining implementation guidelines for approved new features and technologies. Coordinate trial testing for new features.
• Process Automation: Participate in developing internal process used for radio network design and Optimization. Monitoring processes, tools and behaviors for Automation opportunity identification.
• Innovation: Continuously researching and engaging key stake holders on new technologies, processes to enhance network. Engages Vendors and Strategy team on hardware and software roadmaps and new RF technologies; 
• Architecture and Design: Translates business and customer requirements into technology requirements using data and research to make decisions that are competitively and financially robust. Define the architecture and design of RAN systems and solutions to meet current and future business needs.
• Testing and Evaluation: Defines test cases and acceptance criteria based on user requirements   Reports and interprets test results. Assesses the effectiveness of tests and testing tools.
• Optimisation: Monitors RAN systems and services to identify performance issues. Troubleshoots and resolves complex network issues end-to-end.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication Engineering, computer science, IT  or any technical related field
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to details, Communication and interpersonal skills, Excellent trouble shooting and problem-solving skills
• 3 years’ experience in telecommunication with hands–on experience in Radio Network planning.
• Practical knowledge on use of radio planning tools and capacity planning tools, MySQL, M2000, NetAct, Advanced Excel, Erlang-B etc.
• Experience in process automation and database audits interfacing with planning tools.
• SQL database queries and scripting for data manipulation, GIS and crowd source analytics is an added advantage.
• Candidates with experience in Nokia or Huawei RAN equipment will have an added advantage.
• Practical knowledge of all RATs and interoperability is must.
• Thorough knowledge in traffic modeling, coverage and capacity forecasting& management. 
• Knowledge of Core access planning, Paging and LAC dimensioning.