Wireless Network RF Engineer II

GCI Communication Corp•Anchorage, AK

13h

About The Position

GCI's Wireless Network RF Engineer II will a pply 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 databases or equivalent. Well-developed computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros and SQL programming Additional Job Requirements: This is an intermediate level position within the discipline demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderately complex tasks and job duties, receiving general instruction on routine work and new assignments. Completes engineering calculations for further review by senior staff and functions as the Project Engineer for small projects. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment. Essential Duties: Perform advanced monitoring and review of radio network Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Participate in the development of inter and intra team processes for system performance. Effectively apply RF principles to performance activities. Support engineering and technical staff. Work with the operations team to troubleshoot site network problems. Review data to assist with determining the cause of faulty equipment. Address customer and employee complaints received through the Cell Desk. Work with other RF Engineers to evaluate and resolve issues. Update databases with resolution or actions taken. Perform coverage design, capacity, and performance activities. Use RF prediction software to assist with optimization and design tasks. Participate with federal, state and local jurisdictions to ensure regulatory and zoning compliance. 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 and acts as developer and resource for planning and performance tools as needed. Additional Competencies: Ability to make and implement routine operation decisions. Capable of participating in larger projects and completing specific engineering tasks on time and within budget. Comprehensive understanding of telecommunications operations and functions. Familiarity with FCC regulations with respect to emission requirements and limits such as the FCC OET Bulletin 65. Solid understanding of RF propagation principles, cellular theory, RF engineering tools and antenna theory. Knowledge of Ericsson GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G platforms and product lines and their 3GPP specifications. Knowledge of Ericsson OSS, ENIQ STATS and ENIQ EVENTS. Excellent computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros, and SQL programming preferred). MapInfo and Atoll skills.

Requirements

ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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 databases or equivalent. Well-developed computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros and SQL programming
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.
Minimum of four (4) years of relevant engineering experience in wireless telecommunications systems troubleshooting, optimizing, and designing wireless communications sites.

Nice To Haves

Telecommunications experience.
Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.
Ability to make and implement routine operation decisions.
Capable of participating in larger projects and completing specific engineering tasks on time and within budget.
Comprehensive understanding of telecommunications operations and functions.
Familiarity with FCC regulations with respect to emission requirements and limits such as the FCC OET Bulletin 65.
Solid understanding of RF propagation principles, cellular theory, RF engineering tools and antenna theory.
Knowledge of Ericsson GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G platforms and product lines and their 3GPP specifications.
Knowledge of Ericsson OSS, ENIQ STATS and ENIQ EVENTS.
Excellent computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros, and SQL programming preferred).
MapInfo and Atoll skills.

Responsibilities

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.
Perform advanced monitoring and review of radio network Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
Participate in the development of inter and intra team processes for system performance.
Effectively apply RF principles to performance activities.
Support engineering and technical staff.
Work with the operations team to troubleshoot site network problems.
Review data to assist with determining the cause of faulty equipment.
Address customer and employee complaints received through the Cell Desk.
Work with other RF Engineers to evaluate and resolve issues.
Update databases with resolution or actions taken.
Perform coverage design, capacity, and performance activities.
Use RF prediction software to assist with optimization and design tasks.
Participate with federal, state and local jurisdictions to ensure regulatory and zoning compliance.
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 and acts as developer and resource for planning and performance tools as needed.