Principal Engineer - Radio Access Planning & Design at Safaricom Kenya

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Manager - Access Network Planning & Design, the role holder is responsible for the Design, plan and optimization of the wireless radio access network communications systems, including radio propagation modelling and prediction, interference analysis, frequency coordination and parameter definition.

He/She will be required to formulate radio access design guidelines, forecasting and strategies as per Safaricom planning guidelines. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design: Design, Plans and optimization of wireless radio access network communications systems, including radio propagation modelling and prediction, interference analysis, frequency planning, parameter definition and ancillary equipment. Timely and accurate release of nominal, redesigns and integration parameters. Participate in MSVs, SAVs and IBS survey visits;
• Frequency Retunes: Continuously review the frequency/PSC/PCI plan to accommodate new sites and ensure overall reduction in interference levels.
• Network Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor new sites quality KPIs through performance monitoring and drive test analysis. Trigger corrective optimization plans and manage to completion. Analyze traffic trends, Resource utilization, redistribute capacity and optimize resources to guarantee quality.
• 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.
• Site database update and parameter standardization: Site database update and Standardization of all RAN Database. Maintain standards configuration rules on all radio database parameters
• Customer Complaints: Prioritize and attend to coverage related customer complaints and provide a solution /recommendation with the agreed time frame. Identify and forestall potential complaint areas.
• Processes and Coaching: Participate in developing internal process used for radio network design and Optimization. Collaborates with legal, SLT and CA to ensure regulatory compliance; Support other business units on technical evaluation of RF solutions on existing and emerging technology plans and strategies
• 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;

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
• 5 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.