Job Siwila
Lusaka,Zambia
Summary
Results-driven Network Performance and Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer with nearly seven years of progressive experience in GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G mobile networks, specializing in network planning, optimization, performance management, deployment, and technical support. Proven ability to improve network KPIs, optimize coverage and capacity, troubleshoot complex network issues, ensure SLA compliance, and deliver high-quality technical solutions in multi-vendor environments.
Experienced in supporting regional and international telecommunications projects across Africa, Latin America, and North America, with expertise in LTE/5G rollout, eNodeB configuration, network performance monitoring, customer technical support, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to perform effectively in high-pressure operational environments while delivering exceptional customer service.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Project Delivery Engineer
Baicells Technologies
Lusaka, LATIN AMERICA
2026.01 - Current
- Conduct customer training sessions on the functionality, configuration, and operation of Baicells LTE equipment.
- Provide remote technical support to customers across Latin America and North America regions.
- Configure and commission LTE/5G network equipment on behalf of customers.
- Perform LTE/5G license upgrades and activation support.
- Troubleshoot LTE/NR network issues related to UE attach failures, OMC misconfiguration, and service connectivity.
- Support remote troubleshooting sessions through log analysis, system verification, and customer coordination.
- Interface technically with Sales, R&D, and support teams for issue escalation and resolution.
- Analyze system logs, configuration files, and network performance data to identify and resolve technical issues.
- Review deployment plans, network parameters, and upgrade procedures to ensure successful implementation and service stability.
Project Delivery Engineer
Baicells Technologies
Lusaka, Zambia
2024.09 - Current
- Perform end to end 4G/5G technical support for customer solution.
- Perform network rollout, planning, and optimization activities for LTE/5G network.
- Led project to be successful from both technology and management point of view.
- Involve in the system /Function verification and support activities.
- Participate in wireless network troubleshooting and global customer support.
- Technical interface towards sales and R & D.
- Plan and co-ordinate activities with internal /external customers
RF Network Planning & Optimization Engineer
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services Out-Sourced
Lusaka, Zambia
2022.03 - 2024.09
- Conduct multi-technology optimization across LTE/UMTS/GSM networks, ensuring frequency alignment, interference control, and parameter governance at the cluster level.
- Perform proactive KPI management to stabilize and improve key network performance indicators in line with SLA targets.
- Lead structured root cause analysis on degraded sites and implement corrective actions to restore service stability and improve customer experience.
- Drive multi-layer capacity optimization across 2G/3G/4G networks through spectrum refarming, feature activation, and network densification.
- Drive end-to-end capacity optimization across GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks through frequency reuse planning, TRX expansion, HSPA optimization, Carrier Aggregation, MIMO enhancement, and interference coordination, while applying traffic steering, Mobility Load Balancing, and congestion mitigation strategies such as spectrum reconfiguration, parameter optimization, and targeted hardware recommendations to maximize spectral efficiency and reduce network congestion.
- Utilize KPI counters, configuration audits, and log analysis to identify performance bottlenecks and drive targeted optimization actions.
- Develop geo-analytical performance maps (QGIS/KML) to support cluster-level planning and optimization decisions.
- Deliver daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports to support SLA tracking and customer visibility.
- Provide 24/7 performance support to ensure rapid resolution of critical network degradations
Drive Test Project Coordinator
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services Out-Sourced
Lusaka, Zambia
2021.09 - 2022.02
- Supervised drive test teams delivering 567 sites across multiple regions.
- Assign daily tasks to the drive test team for single-site verification.
- Prepared customer verification and performance tracking reports.
- Prepare single-site verification reports after the drive test for customer submission.
- Configuration of drive Test tools and test plans during the summer project phase II for the drive test and NPM team.
Radio Frequency Drive Test Engineer
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services - Out-Sourced
Lusaka, Zambia
2019.08 - 2021.09
- Conducted benchmark drive tests across all operators, identifying network issues and preparing comprehensive reports including KPIs, plots, graphs, and comparative analysis.
- Analyzed drive test log files and recommended corrective actions to improve radio network performance.
- Performed physical site optimization for 2G/3G/4G networks, including antenna tilt adjustments and hardware/feeder swap rectification.
- Handled customer network complaints and executed targeted optimization to improve indoor and outdoor coverage.
- Planned and executed drive tests based on specific network technologies and optimization requirements.
- Evaluated and optimized coverage-challenged areas, enhancing user experience.
- Performed root cause analysis on call drops, interference, voice quality degradation, and low throughput, providing actionable solutions.
- Conducted IRAT neighbor analysis and verified site parameters to ensure accurate mobility configuration across 2G/3G/4G layers.
Technical Assistant Trainee
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)
Lusaka, Zambia
2019.05 - 2019.07
- Performed preventive maintenance on Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) and Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters to ensure optimal equipment performance and reliability.
- Diagnosed and repaired RF transmitters, including power supplies and power amplifiers, to maintain signal quality and system integrity.
- Handled alarms and fault management, ensuring timely troubleshooting and restoration of broadcasting services.
- Repaired automatic voltage regulators and other critical transmission equipment to prevent downtime.
- Monitored and operated RF transmitters for multiple radio stations, including ZNBC Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 4, BBC, France, Parliament, and Flava FM, ensuring stable transmission and signal quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Network Engineering
ZCAS University
Zambia 2023.07 - 2026.11
Diploma - Telecommunications Engineering
Zambia ICT College
Zambia 2016.01 - 2018.12
Certificate - Cyber Security
ZICTA / Digital Safe Limited
Zambia 2023.09 - 2023.10
Skills
- End-to-End Multi-Technology Radio Network Optimization
- KPI Performance Management & SLA Assurance
- Capacity Planning & Network Expansion
- Network Deployment, Integration & Technical Support
- Data Analysis, Automation & Performance Optimization
- Customer-Focused Service & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Languages
English
Fluent
Bemba
Fluent
Nyanja
Fluent
Affiliations
- In my spare time, I enjoy researching emerging technologies and exploring advancements in telecommunications and network systems.
Reference
1. Mr. Mumbelunga Funjika
Radio Access Network Manager,
MTN Zambia
Contact: +260762200008 | Email: Mumbelunga.funjika@mtn.com
2. Mr. Muzala Malichi
Network Planning and Optimization Manager
Huawei Technologies Zambia Company Limited
Contact: +260968800507 |Email: muzalamalichi@huawei.com
3. Mr. Mwinyimkandi Mzee Musa
Wireless Network Specialist Engineer
Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia
Contact: +260963462207
Timeline
Project Delivery Engineer
Baicells Technologies
2026.01 - Current
Project Delivery Engineer
Baicells Technologies
2024.09 - Current
Certificate - Cyber Security
ZICTA / Digital Safe Limited
2023.09 - 2023.10
Bachelor of Science - Network Engineering
ZCAS University
2023.07 - 2026.11
RF Network Planning & Optimization Engineer
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services Out-Sourced
2022.03 - 2024.09
Drive Test Project Coordinator
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services Out-Sourced
2021.09 - 2022.02
Radio Frequency Drive Test Engineer
Huawei – MTN Zambia Managed Services - Out-Sourced
2019.08 - 2021.09
Technical Assistant Trainee
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)
2019.05 - 2019.07
Diploma - Telecommunications Engineering
Zambia ICT College
2016.01 - 2018.12