RF Engineer

Position Title:  RF Engineer (P3                                            

Company Summary

Crown Castle is the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure: towers, small cells and fiber. It all works together to meet unprecedented demand—connecting people and communities and transforming the way we do business. Whenever you make a call, track a workout or stream music and videos, we’re the ones providing the communications infrastructure that makes it all possible. From 5G and the internet of things to drones, autonomous vehicles and AR/VR, we enable the technologies that help people stay safe, connected and ready for the future.   Crown Castle is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (CCI), is part of the S&P 500 and is one of the largest Real Estate Investment Trusts in the US.      

We offer a total benefits package and professional growth development for teammates in any stage of their career. Along with caring for our teammates, we’re an active member in the communities where we live, work and do business. We have a responsibility to give back, which we do through our Connected by Good program. Giving back allows us to improve public spaces where people connect, promote public safety and advance access to education and technology.

Role

Using sound engineering principles and planning tools, this position supports the RF Engineering team with the small cell sales process, project implementation, and the ongoing maintenance and modification of DAS and Small Cell Networks (SCN).

Responsibilities 

• Support sales, provide technical guidance and utilize sales process workflow systems.
• Interface with customer, cultivate relationships with their engineering teams and understand their needs.
• Work closely with customer personnel regarding system design, performance, optimization, and recommendation of configuration changes.
• Be able to support the life cycle of the oDAS, iDAS, DRAN, repeater solutions, and small cell nodes from proposal to deployment.
• Work with Operations, Wireless Service Provider’s RF Engineering Teams to troubleshoot and resolve any performance issues post launch.
• Experience with node selections for network design including familiarity with utility and jurisdictional requirements.
• Collaborate with Wireless Service Provider’s RF Engineering Team’s on new small cell design and future network planning.
• Create oDAS, small cell network and iDAS designs using Atoll and iBwave.
• Conduct site surveys, CW tests, analyze data, and prepare documentation for customer approval.
• Generate and provide BOMs (build of material) for proposals and contracted projects.
• Configure, commission, troubleshoot and optimize DAS and small cell networks.
• Support new technology trials conducted by the national and local RF teams.
• Collaborate with sales, construction, project delivery and operations teams to support all DAS projects.
• Leverage empirical data and predictive design tools.
• Work with product development team to develop new solutions and products for future deployment.
• Conduct field work, measurements, and analyze drive/walk test data from new network deployment.
• Coordinate, oversee, or perform system optimization of multi-node outdoor small cell network systems.
• Use a variety of measurement tools to confirm system designs including test equipment, power meter, spectrum analyzer, and pilot scanner.
• Experience with RF and fiber testing, reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient in reviewing and validating antenna PIM and sweep results for site acceptance.
• Create MOPs to standardize market level processes including design, test results, construction documents and close out package reviews.
• Hands on experience on different RF and data collection tools including TEMS Pocket, JDSU, Gnet Tracker Pro, Link Master, TEMS Discovery, and Windcatcher. 

Education/Certifications

• BS, MS in Electrical, Computer, Electronic Engineering

Experience/Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of two (2)+ years of RF engineering experience within the telecommunications industry
• Strong data analytical skills and can perform region and market-level audits with complex data sets. The candidate must have hands-on experience in Power BI, Smartsheet, SQL, MapInfo and advanced Excel skillset. The ideal candidate to have working experience in CCI sites, National Residency reports and SCAF tool.
• Proficient in wireless network design for the small cells, DRAN, oDAS, and iDAS with latest technologies using Atoll and iBwave.
• Preferred Certified OEM engineer for Installation and Commissioning.
• Installation, Commissioning and troubleshooting of JMA, SOLID, CommScope OEM DAS equipment.
• Perform and validate EME Studies  
• Solid knowledge of Wireless Technologies 4G, 5G, NR, VOLTE, VONR, RF Propagation, & Cellular and Antenna Theory.

Expectations

• Able to create link budgets, calculate noise figures, and calculate intermodulation products
• Knowledge of radio wave propagation fundamentals, antenna theory, and optical transmission
• Able to use test equipment and software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result.
• Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Ability to stay organized and follow a systematic method of performing a task.
• Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.

Organizational Relationship

Reports to: Manager RF Engineering

Title(s) of direct reports (if applicable): N/A

Working Conditions: This role falls into our hybrid work model. There is an expectation of required travel. 

Additional Information: The hiring range offered for this position is the equivalent of $90,000 – $123,750 annually. A candidate’s offer is determined by various factors including but not limited to, depth of experience, role-related knowledge and skills, relevant education or training, internal alignment, and work location.  Depending on the position offered, the compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of a discretionary annual cash bonus or commissions, and equity incentives. Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive a minimum of 18 days of paid time off each year and 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.