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GCI's Wireless Network RF Engineer III 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.

o 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.

o Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports.

o 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.

o Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work under pressure meeting deadlines.

o Knowledge of basic RF propagation principles, cellular theory, RF engineering tools and antenna theory.

o Knowledge of GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G technologies and 3GPP specifications.

o Knowledge of RF propagation/prediction tools such as Mentum Planet and/or Atoll.

o 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 advanced level position within the discipline demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in all areas of responsibility. Performs complex tasks and job duties, receiving minimal instruction on routine work and general instruction on new assignments. Serves as a technical subject matter expert (SME) and functions in the role of Project Engineer for large projects. Works under minimal supervision with wide 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.

+ Serve as KPI subject matter expert to improve network performance.

+ Monitor statistical network performance data.

+ Collect processes and review drive test data.

+ Effectively apply RF principles to performance activities.

+ Serve as subject matter expert on GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA/LTE/5G and emerging technology theory.

+ Support engineering and technical staff.

+ Mentor junior engineers for technical growth.

+ Engineering design and system performance of the GSM, UMTS, HSPA, LTE and 5G Radio Network.

+ Develop and audit RAN integration scripts.

+ 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.

+ Participate in developing the internal processes used for radio network design.

+ 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.

+ Acts as developer and resource for planning and performance tools (as applicable).

+ Provide input to management on tactical and strategic issues.

+ Review and provide final engineering design specifications and service requirements.

Additional Competencies:

+ Ability to perform highly complex and diverse design, plans, analysis, and implementation of networks.

+ Ability to do in-depth analysis of new features and technologies related to wireless RAN.

+ Ability to make independent engineering decisions and provide technical direction and resolutions.

+ Capable of directing, assisting, mentoring, and providing technical direction to junior engineers and supporting technicians.

+ Highly developed understanding of RF propagation principles, cellular theory, RF engineering tools and antenna theory

+ Familiarity with FCC regulations with respect to emission requirements and limits such as the FCC OET Bulletin 65

+ Advanced knowledge of Ericsson GSM/CDMA/UMTS/HSPA/LTE/5G platforms and product lines and their 3GPP specifications

+ Advanced knowledge of Ericsson OSS, ENM, EPP ENIQ STATS and ENIQ EVENTS

+ Advanced knowledge of RF propagation/prediction tools such as Atoll and Mentum Planet

+ Strong knowledge of drive test validation tools such as TEMS Discovery/Investigation

+ Excellent computer skills (UNIX, Oracle Database, Excel macros and SQL programming preferred).

+ Strong MapInfo and Mentum Planet skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: *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 six (6) years of relevant engineering experiencein wireless telecommunications systems troubleshooting, optimizing, and designing wireless communications sites. *

Preferred:

+ Professional Engineer (PE) license.

+ Telecommunications experience.

+ Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

+ This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Available and willing to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours as required by business and customer needs.

+ Available and willing to work extended hours without notice in order to resolve service impacting issues.

+ Some work conducted at remote company and customer facilities.

+ Occasional travel to remote sites within Alaska and travel to lower 48 locations required.

+ Some outside work required in typical Alaska temperature and weather extremes.

+ Ability to work in dark, damp, cramped spaces, at heights, and tolerate fumes and odors, dust, and low light conditions.

+ Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.

+ Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.

+ Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.

+ Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.

+ Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.

+ Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.

+ Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

+ Work includes working inside and outside.

+ Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions.

+ Work performed below overhead construction and in trenches to 10 feet in depth.

+ Tasks performed around high-power electrical conductors and gas lines.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.

Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer.

EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.