IT Solution Analyst (RAN Engineer/Deployment Specialist)

Role: IT Solution Analyst (RAN Engineer/Deployment Specialist, Private Cellular Networks)

Location: Field-Based Role: Most of the work is field-based in Colorado. Some work will be based out of the MDC Material Distribution Office in Henderson, CO.

Job Details and Requirements Section

1. The project involves deploying Xcel's end-to-end private cellular network. The position is responsible for supporting the field installation, configuration, and inventory management of RAN (Radio Access Network) sites, commonly known as cellular sites. This position is crucial for the successful deployment and operation of Excel's private cellular network in Colorado. It involves technical oversight, coordination with teams, and ensuring all aspects of the cell site deployment are within project specifications. The role requires a mix of fieldwork and coordination with the MDC office, with a strong focus on technical and inventory management.

2. What does a typical day look like? Key Responsibilities and Deliverables: Field Operations: Installation and Configuration: Responsible for configuring and uploading Nokia Air scale BTS (Base Station) and Nokia 7705 (Cell Site Router). Deployment: Overseeing the overall deployment of cell sites to ensure they meet project specifications. Coordination: Team Collaboration: Working with multiple installation crews, including tower climbing and construction teams. Inventory Management: Managing inventory for site requirements, ensuring timely ordering of necessary items. Technical Oversight: Rack, Stack, and Configuration: Preparing hardware and network configurations in a controlled lab environment at MDC, then overseeing installation and acceptance testing at the site. Acceptance Testing: Validating the cellular site through Excel's network to the cellular core. Closeout Procedures: Verification: Ensuring all configurations and designs are correct, taking necessary documentation and pictures. DR Testing: Conducting DR testing to validate network propagation and sending results to RF engineers.

3. The resource will mainly support internal business customers, including the teams and key players mentioned earlier (e.g., construction manager, field operations network team, RF engineers, project architect, program manager, and project manager for RAN). External Customers: Vendor Interaction: The resource will interface significantly with Nokia, the vendor providing hardware and technical support. Communication: There will be a constant stream of communication with Nokia, especially for troubleshooting and ensuring hardware and network configurations meet project specifications. Technical Oversight: The resource will provide technical oversight and act as a subject matter expert (SME) to address questions and ensure Xcel receives the expected quality and performance from Nokia.

4. Required Experience: Experience Level: 5-10 years of experience in cellular installation at RAN sites. Relevant Companies: Ideal candidates typically have experience with companies like Telecommunication, Telecommunication, AT&T, Dish, and American Tower. The completion of large 5G projects by public carriers could provide a good opportunity to find qualified candidates

Candidate Detail Section

1. What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required? Experience with Cell Site Deployment: Years of Experience: 5-10 years of experience in cellular installation at RAN sites. Relevant Companies: Experience with companies like Telecommunication, Telecommunication, AT&T, Dish, and American Tower. Expertise in Nokia Solutions: Nokia Airscale BTS: Proficiency in configuring and deploying Nokia Airscale Base Station. Nokia 7705 Cell Site Router: Strong understanding and experience with Nokia 7705 cell site routers. Cellular Network Drive Testing: Drive Testing Knowledge: Understanding of cellular network drive testing using tools like the Anritsu Spectrum Analyzer. RF Propagation Verification: Ability to verify RF propagation and ensure network performance. Strong Understanding of Cell Site Components: Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the components required at a cell site. Inventory Management: Skills in managing inventory for site requirements, ensuring timely ordering and availability of necessary items

1. Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills? - Holistic Understanding of Cell Site Operations: Comprehensive Knowledge: A thorough understanding of what it takes to get a cell site operational, including the technical aspects and troubleshooting processes. Cell Network Operations: Knowledge of how a cell network operates, including the propagation of access point networks (APNs). Technical Knowledge: Networking Concepts: Understanding of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), VPRNs (Virtual Private Routed Networks), and routing protocols. APN Propagation: Familiarity with how APNs work and their role in cell site operations. Troubleshooting Skills: Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues that arise during the deployment and operation of cell sites, like the current challenges faced by the team. Field Experience: Practical Knowledge: While intrinsic knowledge of all technical details may not be necessary, having practical field experience and a good understanding of cell site operations is highly beneficial. These preferred skills enhance the candidate's ability to effectively contribute to the project and become a subject matter expert (SME) in cell site deployment and operations.