Optimization Engineer

bout 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. Role summary: 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. Locations: Bloemfontein What you will do: * 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 The skills you bring: * 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 (NR, 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 --- ## Join our Team What happens once you apply?Click Here to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.We encourage you to consider applying to jobs where you might not meet all the criteria. We recognize that we all have transferrable skills, and we can support you with the skills that you need to develop.Encouraging a diverse and inclusive organization is core to our values at Ericsson, that's why we champion it in everything we do. We truly believe that by collaborating with people with different experiences we drive innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. learn more. Primary country and city: South Africa (ZA) || Woodmead Job details: Network Engineer Job Stage: Job Stage 5 Primary Recruiter: Dilay Güler Hiring Manager: Hamidreza Saligheh