Network Performance Senior Engineer

Network Performance Senior Engineer

Nokia

Amadora, Portugal

We are looking for a senior Network Optimization Engineer to own radio performance and capacity across complex live 4G/5G networks in Europe. The role focuses on end‑to‑end RAN optimization, advanced troubleshooting, and driving KPI and user experience improvements in live networks.

You will act as a trusted SME for customers and projects, lead technical discussions, contribute to RAN evolution initiatives, and support the adoption of next‑generation technologies such as ORAN, Cloud RAN, vRAN, and Massive MIMO. This is a senior individual contributor role with strong technical and customer impact.

Your responsibilities

• Optimize end-to-end Network, delivering activities for 4G/5G networks, ensuring KPI stability, performance growth, and superior end-user experience;
• Act as SME for assigned customers and projects, leading technical discussions, governance calls, and executive-level updates on radio performance;
• Design and execute traffic, capacity, mobility, neighbor, and carrier aggregation optimization strategies across multiple layers and RATs;
• Perform advanced RAN troubleshooting and root cause analysis using KPIs, Layer 3 logs, PCAPs, drive tests, and feature/parameter correlation;
• Deliver radio audits, benchmarking, and performance assessments, including Umlaut/P3 and regulatory validations;
• Define RAN strategies, recommend feature rollouts, and implement special and mass-event optimization plans;
• Evolve NPO RAN processes, methods, and tools, driving continuous improvement in how optimization is delivered;
• Be able to work with cross-functional teams, R&D, Care, PM, FM, OMS, to resolve complex RAN issues and ensure delivery excellence;
• Deliver using influence, plan activities, delegate tasks within project teams, and mentor junior engineers;
• Contribute to stream-level initiatives, PoCs, and capability development, staying current on emerging RAN technologies such as ORAN, Cloud RAN, vRAN, Massive MIMO, Small Cells, DAS, FWA, Network slicing and Private 5G.

Your skills and experience

If you have:

• 10+ years of advanced experience in Radio Network Optimization, with strong expertise in 5G and 4G on the latest Nokia SW/HW releases;
• Deep knowledge of at least two RATs, including parameters, features, tuning, KPI frameworks, and RAN troubleshooting methodologies;
• Proven track record of owning complex optimization activities and delivering measurable performance improvements;
• Strong understanding of RAN architecture, radio features, and performance drivers across multilayer and inter-RAT scenarios;
• Hands-on capability with NetAct and radio tools, plus Layer 3 and PCAP/Wireshark analysis;
• Experience with drive test and crowdsourced data, benchmarking, spectrum refarming, 2G/3G sunset strategies, and post-optimization cycles;
• Excellent customer communication skills, comfortable in technical and governance forums, supported by strong reporting and visualization abilities;
• Ability to lead through influence, structure work, and elevate team performance.

Nice to Have:

• Multivendor RAN experience, for example Ericsson, Samsung or Huawei;
• Exposure to Cloud RAN environments and advanced analytics platforms;
• Experience with ORAN ecosystems, Private Networks, Small Cells, DAS, FWA, and advanced antenna systems;
• Interest or experience in automation, AI, and ML applied to RAN optimization, for example Python workflows, AI-assisted analysis, or self-optimizing network concepts.