RF Design & Optimisation Engineer

Join our team and play a crucial role in the design and optimisation of the GSM-R Base Station Sub-system (BSS) for high-impact Network Rail projects. In this dynamic role, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end design of the BSS, from initial cell planning to final site configurations and datafills, including repeater installations, for key rail projects.
• Ensure all BSS design guidelines are up-to-date, properly issued and implemented.
• Define and gather all essential configuration data for seamless BSS setup and provisioning.
• Drive network optimisation by refining handover processes, cell re-selection, and overall network performance.
• Set up testing protocols to verify BSS designs and ensure flawless network operation.
• Develop technical solutions to resolve poor GSM-R performance issues and BSS-related faults.
• Investigate and identify root causes of network issues, proposing optimisation solutions for both physical elements and software parameters.
• Support innovation in GSM-R technology, maintaining and enhancing network coverage, reliability, and performance.
• Take on the role of Designer/CRE, adhering to NR/L2/INI/02009 standards for RF Design & Optimisation.
• Provide Tier 4 support, working alongside suppliers to resolve complex technical issues for Network Rail.
  
  Relevant and proven experience of 2G cellular systems design, planning, implementation, and optimisation.
• Considerable experience in radio frequency planning, capacity dimensioning and mobility management, including neighbour cell and LAC planning, BTS and BSC dimensioning, site/cell hardware design, and software/ parameter configuration of cellular systems.
• Ability to analyse complex data compiled from a wide range of sources and tools related to the radio environment and understand content in relation to design. Ability to complete statistical analysis and deliver comprehensive solutions.
• Competent user of multi vendors’ wireless planning and optimisation tools and their use to design and optimise a radio network.
• Knowledge of radio propagation in tunnels and other enclosures specific to the railway.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office and other mainstream computer tools and applications to create and review technical documents and papers.
• Ability to work well in a team and interact with other parts of the business.
• Good communicator with the ability to present and participate in technical meetings and discussions.
Desirable
• Relevant Engineering Degree.
• Membership of an appropriate Professional Institution.
• Knowledge of present and new wireless technologies.
• Experience of railway telecoms and knowledge of Railway Safety Management.
• Project Management certification.
  
  We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!, The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers. Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution. As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway – we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool – it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant. Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!, At Network Rail, we have a number of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance. We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. We offer excellent benefits, including: Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days. Defined benefit pension scheme. 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets. Up to 75% off leisure travel for you and your family (subject to terms and conditions) ️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets. Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass. Flexible/hybrid working arrangements. ️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact. Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more. We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments