How to Become a Radio Frequency [RF] Engineer
Introduction
What is an RF Engineer?
The RF Engineers are the professional experts known within the electrical engineering arena of IT and Telecom sector. They are also called Radio Frequency Engineer. Usually, engineers work with gadgets that send or receive radio waves, with wireless devices, radios, and mobile phones. All kinds of communication run through radio waves, whether it is wireless or mobile devices, guided by RF engineer.
The Radio frequency engineering is a huge and rising industry. Over the last few years, it went up from simple commercial radio, TV and military communication techniques to being a crucial area of technology that is needed for the global economy. Wi-Fi, satellite communications, 4G networks and more are all possible through RF technology.
RF Engineer Job Description & Responsibilities
The RF Engineers engaged in designing, implementing and maintaining wireless communication. The following duties and responsibilities show about their day to day work:
Enhance the Performance of Present Wireless Networks
The RF engineers constantly assess network pointers as well as performing regular maintenance on existing devices. E.g., the wireless internet on our smartphones has gone from 1G to 4G LTE.
To Design new Wireless Networks RF Plans
The additional main duty of the RF engineer is to plan RF strategies for making new wireless networks. Professionals working in the telecom industry, involve surveyed acquired space for the best set of communication towers. This data is then scrutinized and used to create a custom strategy for bringing the group’s vision to reality.
Ensure Regulatory Standards are met
Anyone who works in a controlled business, such as telecom, is required by the FCC to clear a series of assessment. The RF engineers use the data learned during this process to ensure complete compliance with FCC regulations.
Analyze Device and Classify Areas for Enhancement
A reasonable share of an RF Engineer’s time is consumed out in the site either connecting new broadcasting devices or keeping current devices. This includes examining devices procedures and suggesting improvements to decision-makers as required.
Interconnect Data Using Digital Software
Making logic of wireless network key indicators in a way that decision-makers will understand is an essential part of an RF engineer’s work.
The engineers also should have good communication skills as they may be likely to work in groups or with others outside of their department. These workers usually work in an office set-up during a regular full-time; however, overtime might be needed to meet targets.
RF Engineer Education & Certification
To be successful in this field, you will need to have an essential rf engineer degree in computer science, IT, network technologies or a related field. A certification will add value to you as a professional.
There are several certifications which are beneficial for present engineer engaged with ongoing training as well as for other RF specialists looking to become RF Engineer. Following are the most sought certifications for RF Engineer
- iNARTE Telecommunications Engineer (International Association for Radio Telecommunications and Electromagnetics)
- IPEP (SCTE) (Internet Protocol Engineering Professional)
- Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
- RCDD (BICSI) Registered Communications Distribution Designer
- CTNS (TCO) (Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist)
Radio Frequency Engineer Skills & Job Outlook
While the role of RF Engineer is extremely technical, soft skills like active listening, verbal and written communication are essential to success in the field. RF Engineers should also have the perfect balance of being able to work autonomously and cooperate with others. Based on the analysis of RF Engineer job postings, here are some common and advanced skills employers’ desire from RF Engineer candidates.
Those professionals looking to become an RF Engineer should focus on the following:
- Should know cell site design and LTE networking
- Radio Frequency design circuitry
- Should have the ability to understand and study wireless network parameters
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
- Proficiency in office
- Should have interpersonal, verbal and written communication
- They should have the ability to work in a team
- Must have the ability to prioritize workload
Radio Frequency Engineer Salary
As per Payscale, the average salary of Security Analyst is around $83,278 per annum and ranges up to lakh or more depending on experiences in the United States. Besides a full-time in-house career, freelancing is full of opportunities for high earnings with a growing client base ever looking for RF Engineers.
How Field Engineer Can Help you
RF Engineers are in demand and have specific skills that clients are looking for. So, you need a portal to join you with exactly the clients who need you. FieldEngineer.com can do just that, working as a global on-demand marketplace service over 40,000 freelancers in networking and engineering fields.
