Wireless Network RF Engineer IV

Job Description

GCI's Wireless Network RF Engineer will apply engineering principles to design wireless network coverage, configure wireless network, and integrate and commission wireless sites with optimal performance, and capacity. Responsible for engineering design of 5G, LTE, UMTS/HSPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi and CDMA/EFDO radio Networks and functions as a technical expert regarding wireless technologies/specifications. Support internal business unit personnel engaged in the site development, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems in field installations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:
•  Responsible for the engineering design, capacity, configuration, and system performance of the GSM, UMTS/HSPA, LTE and 5G Radio Networks.
•  Apply engineering principles to design and optimize network coverage, performance, and capacity.
•  Remotely support field staff in troubleshooting, by implementing applicable network configuration changes during daytime or maintenance windows.
•  Perform cell site dimensioning and configuration evaluation based on vendor offering.
•  Participate in developing internal processes used for radio network design that meet regulatory and zoning compliance.
•  Analyze RAN network data to identify performance issues, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
•  Diagnose and resolve RAN network faults, perform routine maintenance tasks, and manage network upgrades.
•  Oversee/manage capacity requirement of the RAN network.
•  Identify causes of RF interference and troubleshooting.
•  Provide input to management regarding tactical and strategic issues.
•  Functions as developer and resource for planning and performance tools as needed. COMPETENCIES:
•  ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
•  Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences.
•  Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports.
•  Proficient technical writing and documentation skills.
•  Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work under pressure meeting deadlines.
•  Knowledge of basic RF propagation principles, cellular theory, RF engineering tools and antenna theory.
•  Knowledge of GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G technologies and 3GPP specifications.
•  Knowledge of RF propagation/prediction tools such as Mentum Planet and/or Atoll.
•  Knowledge of drive test validation tools such as TEMS Discovery/Investigation.
•  BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI's Code of Conduct for Employees - the Basic Principles.
•  COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
•  COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
•  COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI's Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
•  CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
•  RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
•  RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
•  SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
•  TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into database or equivalent.
•  Well-developed computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros and SQL programming Additional Job Requirements:

This is a senior level position within the discipline functioning in a lead role as the subject matter expert (SME). Demonstrates advanced knowledge and proficiency in all areas of responsibility with strong knowledge of other Engineering disciplines. Performs highly complex and unique tasks and job duties, receiving minimal to no instruction on routine work and new assignments. Makes technical decisions independently on significant engineering problems and functions as Project Engineer for major, complex projects. Works under minimal supervision with wide latitude for independent judgment.

Essential Duties:
•  Serve as a technical expert within the discipline with respect to wireless technologies/specifications and make technical decisions independently.
•  Serve as SME on radio engineering evaluation for system planning and site acquisition.
•  Provide guidance and mentorship to engineers within the team and across other engineering teams.
•  Create and use RF propagation and planning tools.
•  Conduct and oversee field tests for potential green field sites.
•  Perform planning frequency assignments and identify technical parameters for network growth.
•  Perform RF systems design of new cellular sites.
•  Configure and optimize newly implemented sites.
•  Coordinate equipment delivery and installation activities.
•  Maintain current systems to design standards, upgrade and modify as required.
•  Develop and audit RAN integration scripts.
•  Perform Cell site dimensioning and configuration evaluation based on different vendor equipment offering.
•  Evaluate manufacturers' products for use in cellular RF systems, and specify the equipment used in these sites.
•  Serve as SME to interpret 3GPP/ 3GPP2/ IEEE/ GSMA Call flows and standards.
•  Represent GCI in technical GSMA discussions.
•  Perform coverage design, capacity, and performance activities.
•  Participate in developing the internal processes used for radio network design.
•  Participate with federal, state and local jurisdictions to ensure regulatory and zoning compliance.
•  Work with the operations team to troubleshoot site network problems.
•  Review data to assist with determining the cause of faulty equipment.
•  Identify causes of RF interference and troubleshooting interference problems with system performance.
•  Evaluate capacity requirements of radio network and work with other departments to meet growth needs.
•  Perform development, testing, and validation of RF feature plan proposals.
•  Provide input in defining implementation guidelines for approved new features and technologies.
•  Provide input to management on tactical and strategic issues, technical leadership and functions as developer and resource for planning and performance tools (as applicable).
•  Support other company personnel engaged in the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems in field installations.
•  Mentor junior engineers and technicians for technical growth. Additional Competencies:
•  Ability to perform highly complex and diverse design, plans, analysis, and implementation of networks with minimal oversight.
•  Ability to do in-depth analysis of new features and technologies related to wireless RAN.
•  Ability to make independent engineering decisions and provide technical direction and resolutions.
•  Capable of directing, assisting, mentoring, and providing technical direction to junior engineers and supporting technicians.
•  Familiarity with FCC regulations with respect to emission requirements and limits such as the FCC OET Bulletin 65
•  Advanced knowledge of software tools such as Atoll and Mentum Planet, MapInfo, ASCOM TEMS Investigation/Discovery, Microsoft Excel.
•  Excellent computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros and SQL programming preferred).
•  Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
•  Superior technical writing/documentation skills.
•  Excellent organization and presentation skills.
•  Ability to effectively communicate and interface with customers, subcontractors, vendors, technicians, and other team personnel.
•  Expert level knowledge of RF wireless technologies such as 5G, LTE, UMTS/HSPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and CDMA/EVDO.
•  Advanced knowledge of Ericsson OSS, ENM, EPP ENIQ STATS and ENIQ EVENTS
•  Expert level knowledge of Ericsson GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G platforms, product lines, and their associated 3GPP specifications.
•  Expert level knowledge of RF optimal design concepts such as cell site selection and the optimal planning of frequencies, PSCs, PCI, RRSP, BCCH et al.
•  Advanced level understanding of RF propagation principles, cellular theory, and antenna theory. Minimum Qualifications:

Required: A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis
•  High School diploma or equivalent.
•  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Telecommunications, or related field click apply for full job details