Senior Planning Engineer - Wireless ISP

TooMuchWifi is a leading provider of fast, reliable and affordable internet connectivity to aspirational communities in South Africa.  We are a fast-growing company with a great culture which encapsulates our values -  - Accountability, Kindness, Integrity, Timeliness and Hardwork.  

We care deeply about our dedicated, hardworking team and the communities we serve.  

Our purpose, mission and social impact drive and inspire us every day. 

Our working environment is colourful, fun,collaborative and kind.  We have come a long way and have amazing stories to tell!  

Our ocean facing head office is located in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town with beautiful views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and sunsets.  Just one of the perks worth mentioning plus:

• Health insurance / medical aid
• Life cover and other risk benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cool welcome packs for new employees
• Casual Fridays
• Wellness days
• Soccer club
• Culture club

The Perfect Candidate:

• Will have extensive experience in designing Fixed Wireless Networks and have a deep understanding of wireless network protocols, including Wi-Fi and Point-to-point microwave links. 
• Proficiency in RF engineering and spectrum management is a must. 
• You should be adept at designing and optimizing network architectures to deliver high-speed, reliable, and low-latency wireless connectivity to our customers.
• Familiarity with a wide range of networking equipment such as access points, routers, switches, and antennas, as well as the ability to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain them, is crucial.
• Proficiency in network reporting tools is essential.
• You should be able to design networks that can scale to meet growing demand and incorporate redundancy for fault tolerance.
• Maintain comprehensive records, document network changes, and provide regular reports on network performance and reliability.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including technicians, customer support, and management, to meet network goals and objectives.
• In the rapidly evolving field of wireless technology, adaptability and a commitment to ongoing learning are essential traits.

The Senior Planner will be responsible for designing and implementing wireless network solutions to ensure robust and reliable connectivity. This role involves highsite planning and site finding, wireless and fiber backhaul planning and deployment, managing network coverage tools and warehouse management. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, strong technical expertise in wireless networking, and a passion for creating innovative solutions to expand our network coverage.

Highsite Planning and Site Finding:

• Conduct site surveys and feasibility studies to identify optimal highsite locations.
• Design and plan highsite infrastructure, including antenna placement, tower installation, and power requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to execute highsite plans effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate highsite performance, making necessary adjustments to enhance coverage and reliability.
• Collaborate across departments to design wireless network infrastructure and develop best practices.
• Conduct site surveys and evaluate the feasibility of new network deployments.
• Develop and maintain network design documentation.
• Design Fixed-Wireless and Core Networks (Hardware, VLANs, Routing Protocols, Switches, AP’s Etc)
• Keep abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the field of wireless networking. Implement initiatives such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) to enhance network agility, scalability and efficiency. 

Wireless Backhaul Planning and Deployment:

• Develop comprehensive wireless backhaul strategies to connect highsites to the core network.
• Plan and design wireless backhaul links using technologies such as microwave and millimeter-wave.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers to procure and deploy wireless backhaul equipment.
• Ensure wireless backhaul networks are resilient, scalable, and capable of supporting current and future traffic demands.

Fiber Backhaul Planning and Deployment:

• Develop fiber backhaul strategies to connect highsites and key network nodes.
• Plan and design fiber optic links, including route planning, capacity planning, and redundancy.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and local authorities to facilitate fiber deployment.
• Ensure fiber backhaul infrastructure meets performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.

Network Coverage Tool Management:

• Utilize network planning and coverage tools to model and simulate network performance and coverage.
• Analyze coverage data to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Generate coverage maps and reports to support decision-making and project planning.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in network planning tools and technologies.

Warehouse Management:

• Oversee the storage and distribution of network equipment and materials.
• Maintain an organized and efficient warehouse, ensuring inventory levels meet project requirements.
• Coordinate with procurement to manage stock levels and replenish supplies as needed.
• Implement inventory control procedures to minimize loss and optimize resource utilization.

Network Implementation:

• Lead the deployment of wireless access points, towers, and other network equipment.
• Configure and troubleshoot networking equipment, including routers, switches, and wireless radios (Mikrotik & Ubiquiti).
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations and changes.
• Prepare regular reports on network performance and capacity.

• Bachelor's degree/National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or a related field. Alternatively, 5+ years of industry related experience.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless internet networks.
• Strong knowledge of wireless technologies, protocols, and standards.
• Proficiency in network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Experience with network security and compliance.
• Experience in warehouse management and inventory control.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, CWNP) are a plus.