RF Architect

Role Overview

The RF Architect is the primary technical expert for all wireless and radio frequency solution design within the MSI and ISP domains. The role covers macro/micro/in-building RF design, spectrum planning, 5G NR rollout, and private LTE/5G campus networks. The architect must combine deep RF engineering skills with the ability to represent complex radio solutions to operator and enterprise customers in pre-sales scenarios.

Key Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end RF network solutions for macro BTS, small cells, indoor DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), and private LTE/5G
• Perform RF link budget calculations, coverage & capacity planning, frequency reuse, and interference analysis
• Conduct site survey assessments and interpret propagation models (Okumura-Hata, COST 231, 3GPP models)
• Design 5G NR (SA/NSA) architectures C-RAN, O-RAN, Massive MIMO, beamforming, and mmWave considerations
• Architect In-Building Solutions (IBS): passive DAS, active DAS, Remote Radio Units (RRU), and small cell deployments
• Develop RF planning outputs using tools such as Atoll, Planet EV, iBwave, or equivalent
• Support OEM partnerships with Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, ZTE, Comba, CommScope, and Kathrein
• Produce BoQ, site specifications, integration plans, and RF KPI acceptance documents for delivery teams
• Represent solutions in pre-sales: RF design presentations, coverage simulation walk-throughs, and spectrum strategy advisory
• Advise on ICCC and smart city connectivity infrastructure public safety LTE, FirstNet equivalents, and critical communications

Technical Expertise Hands-On Requirements

• Hands-on RF planning: Atoll / Planet EV / iBwave coverage prediction, frequency planning, and interference analysis reports
• Technology stack: 2G/3G/4G LTE / 5G NR all layers from physical (PHY) to network architecture
• Massive MIMO, beamforming, PDCCH/PDSCH planning, and TDD/FDD frame structure knowledge
• CBRS / shared spectrum awareness; private LTE/5G campus deployments for industrial customers
• Drive test tools and post-processing: TEMS, NEMO, XCAL drive test data analysis and optimisation
• Antenna systems: active antennas, passive antennas, RET, AISG, tower-top amplifiers
• eCPRI/CPRI fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul dimensioning including microwave link budgets
• Integration with core network elements: EPC (LTE) / 5GC S1/N2/N3 interface awareness

Pre-Sales & Communication Skills

• Ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear, compelling business narratives for C-suite and non-technical stakeholders
• Candidates must demonstrate strong pre-sales aptitude and communication capability
• Experience in responding to RFPs, RFIs, and tenders — including solution write-ups, BOQs, and commercial inputs
• Skilled in conducting customer workshops, discovery sessions, and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations
• Ability to create high-quality solution presentations, architecture diagrams, and proposals independently
• Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences — from NOC engineers to CTO/CIO level executives
• Strong written English for proposal and documentation; proficiency in MS Office / Visio / draw.io
• Active listening skills to identify unstated customer pain points and shape solutions accordingly
• Experience working alongside sales teams in deal pursuit, customer engagement, and solution shaping

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes

• Self-driven professional with the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Collaborative team player who can mentor junior engineers and guide solution reviews
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, partner offices, and OEM briefings as required
• Intellectual curiosity — stays updated with emerging technologies and market trends
• Ability to engage with OEM vendor teams (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.) for deal support and design validation