Optimization Engineer

About this opportunity

Join Ericsson as an Optimization Engineer and be part of a global team delivering cutting‑edge telecom solutions. This role focuses on the design, optimization, and performance of 2G/3G/4G/5G radio access networks, while also contributing to pre‑sales, customer engagement, and service delivery. You will combine strong technical expertise with customer‑facing responsibilities to drive network excellence and innovation.

An experienced, customer‑focused RAN engineer responsible for the design, tuning, and optimization of radio networks. You will lead technical deliverables, engage with customers and vendors, and ensure high‑quality network performance while resolving service‑impacting issues under pressure.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Lead RAN design and dimensioning activities aligned with customer requirements
• Plan and execute RF optimization to improve KPIs (throughput, accessibility, retainability, latency, coverage)
• Perform root‑cause analysis and resolve network performance issues and outages
• Engage with customers to identify improvements and present technical solutions
• Prepare proposals, optimization plans, and performance reports
• Conduct site acceptance, verification, and benchmarking (drive/walk tests)
• Configure and validate RAN parameters via OSS/NMS tools
• Support feature rollouts, refarming, upgrades, and integration projects
• Estimate cost of services and define scope of work for proposals
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing
• Ensure compliance with operational processes and support on‑call activities

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of hands‑on RAN experience in vendor or operator environments
• Strong experience in RAN design, optimization, and performance management
• Solid understanding of radio concepts, air interface technologies, and signaling
• Hands‑on experience with RAN tuning, neighbor relations, and handover optimization
• Familiarity with RF planning and drive‑test tools (Atoll, TEMS, Actix, Nemo)
• Experience with Ericsson or other vendor tools (Huawei, Nokia) and OSS/NMS platforms
• Knowledge of 5G (, EN‑DC, SA/NSA, MIMO) and multi‑technology environments
• Data analysis and automation skills (Python, SQL, Excel) are a plus
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and consultative skills
• Customer‑focused mindset with ability to manage multiple priorities

At Ericsson, you’ll have an outstanding opportunity. The chance to use your skills and imagination to push the boundaries of what’s possible to build solutions never seen before for some of the world’s toughest problems. You’ll be challenged, but you won’t be alone. You’ll be joining a team of diverse innovators, all driven to go beyond the status quo to craft what comes next.

Ericsson South Africa recruits in line with its Employment Equity plan and will therefore give preference to suitably qualified candidates who are members of designated groups. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

South Africa (ZA) — Woodmead