Engineer- Regional Network Optimization at Safaricom

Reporting to the Team Manager – Network Optimization Rift the role holder will be responsible for ensuring the smart optimization of radio network performance to ensure superior customer experience, network efficiency, and alignment with business goals. This role involves utilizing technical excellence, cluster optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with commercial teams and telecoms OEMs to achieve Network key performance indicators (KPIs) and business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, innovative mindset, and a mission-focused approach to deliver best-in-class network performance.

The role holder will rely extensively on data and insights—leveraging SoC Insights, smart coverage planning tools, OSS KPIs, digital twins, crowdsourced data, commercial performance metrics, GIS, and forecasting tools—to identify priorities and drive growth

• Uphold the company code of conduct, policies and procedures, ensuring integrity and accountability in every aspect of your work.
• All employees have a responsibility to adhere to safety, health, and wellbeing  policies, guidelines and procedures in all actions and decisions
• Plan, implement, and optimize radio network parameters to ensure optimal performance and capacity.
• Conduct deep dive analysis of network performance metrics (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, throughput, drop rates, handover success rates) to identify and resolve issues.
• Drive assigned cluster optimization efforts to improve network quality and customer experience in targeted areas.
• Implement advanced optimization techniques, including antenna tilting, power adjustments, and frequency planning.
• Monitor and analyse network performance trends to proactively address potential issues before they impact customers.
• Work closely with commercial teams to align network optimization efforts with business objectives, such as revenue growth, customer retention, and market expansion.
• Provide technical insights and recommendations to support marketing campaigns, product launches, and customer experience initiatives.
• Collaborate on customer complaint resolution by identifying and addressing network-related issues impacting customer satisfaction.
• Drive initiatives to enhance end-user experience by improving key metrics such as call setup success rate (CSSR), dropped call rate (DCR), and data throughput.
• Conduct root cause analysis of customer complaints related to network performance and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure the network delivers consistent and reliable performance during peak usage periods and special events.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive radio optimization strategy aligned with the company’s mission and vision.
• Set and achieve ambitious performance targets, ensuring the network meets or exceeds industry benchmarks.
• Monitor and report on progress toward goals, providing regular updates to senior management.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in radio access networks (RAN) and optimization techniques.
• Drive the adoption of innovative solutions, such as AI/ML-based optimization tools, to enhance network performance.
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to evaluate and implement new technologies and features.
• Prepare detailed reports on network performance, optimization activities, and key achievements.
• Use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement and prioritize optimization efforts.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Degree in Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication Engineering, computer science, IT or any technical related field
• 3 years’ experience in telecommunication with hands–on experience in Radio Network planning.
• Strong knowledge of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies, protocols, and optimization techniques.
• Experience with AI/ML-based optimization tools and techniques.
• Proficiency in using optimization tools such as TEMS, Actix, Atoll, MySQL, M2000, NetAct, Advanced Excel, Erlang-B etc.
• Candidates with experience in Nokia or Huawei RAN equipment will have an added advantage.
• Thorough knowledge in traffic modeling, coverage and capacity forecasting& management. Knowledge of Core access planning, Paging and LAC dimensioning.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to radio networks.