Cellular Network Field Engineer
Job Info
A Cellular Network Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining and optimising the UK’s cellular network and its infrastructure, providing long term capability of resource to industry employers. Cellular Network Field Engineers lead the installation of a complete wireless mobile solution. This involves complex DC and AC electrical systems, fibre cabling, active radio modules and radio frequency (RF) systems being installed whilst working at great height. They also use RF and fibre installation testing techniques to meet current 4G and 5G equipment installation requirements. In addition, the engineer installs, connects and tests single mode and multi-mode fibre systems. They are the technical lead for Personal Communications Network (PCN) and Microwave rigging teams in installing radio and transmission equipment and supporting steelwork on towers and rooftops.
Responsibilities
Lead end to end cell site installation and maintenance activities, having the responsibility for teams and contractors simultaneously on site.
Identify, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with their own work and activities they and their team are responsible for
Safely install and maintain cell site electrical systems, specifically DC electrical systems, at height and at ground level in line with current BS 7671 regulations
Install, commission, decommission and maintain field-based cell site apparatus and cellular network systems including RAN, core design and transmission fundamentals
Conduct work at height on all cell site apparatus, setting up lifting systems and apparatus to permit safe manual handling and lifting whilst at height.
Undertake the physical on-site field installation, commissioning, maintenance and optimisation of electrical power systems, Radio Frequency Systems and Microwave links, Mast Head Amplifiers, Remote Radio Units, Radio Frequency Combiners, Hybrid Fibre and DC Power Cabling Systems, Fibre and Power Breakout Boxes, base station cabinets, Power Supply Units, AC to DC rectification units and site designed steelwork
Install and construct all cell site apparatus and ancillary items, following detailed construction drawings and verification of works post installation.
Ensure compliance with all current and relevant H&S legislation
Install, maintain and certify all cell site safety apparatus including vertical and horizontal systems.
Install maintain, repair and certify all cell site electrical systems including single phase and three phase. This includes battery backup supplies, prime and standby power sources, earthing systems including temporary, permanent or generated supplies.
Undertake the safe testing and certification of electrical systems to comply with BS7671
Comply with environmental policies and legislation, practice sustainable principles, and evaluate how these impact on their work and activities they are responsible for and how these assist in the achievement of united nations sustainable development goals (UNSDG) and net-zero carbon emissions.
Ensure compliance with equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI) and ethical standards, recognising the importance of these in the workplace.
Skills & Knowledge
Familiarity with Health and Safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, manual handling, working at height, working in confined spaces, situational awareness, isolation and emergency procedures, emergency evacuation, and safety equipment usage.
Mastery of tower climbing techniques and safety control equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).
Understanding of International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) frequency ranges and principles of Transverse Electromagnetic Wave (TEM) propagation.
Proficiency in electromagnetic field principles, fibre transmission modes and lifting and lowering techniques for various worksites.
Competence in site standards, survey requirements, site setup, dynamic risk assessments and hazard identification.
Knowledge of site inspection requirements, including industry standards, Working at Height (WAH), electrical, civil and environmental considerations.
Awareness of statutory requirements for maintaining electrical, environmental, civil and working at height equipment.
Proficiency in communication techniques, interpretation of drawings and specifications and understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Personal accountability for safety and well-being, adherence to processes and procedures for electrical systems, and utilisation of tools and equipment.
Understanding of power supplies, sustainability principles, industry standards and maintenance techniques for cell site apparatus.
Proficiency in fault finding, repair, decommissioning and electrical design principles.
Competence in tower rescue, casualty management, leadership and management techniques.
Understanding of cellular network and transmission design, radio access, commissioning and integration testing processes.
Ability to compile construction phase plans, risk assessments, method statements and handover packs.
Proficiency in Radio Frequency (RF) testing, telecom connectors and compliance with regulations.
Competence in site surveys, control measures selection, stakeholder communication and site inspections.
Career Progression
Junior Field Engineer - Field Engineer - Multi Skilled Field Engineer - Senior Engineer / Subject Matter Expert - Supervisor/Manager - Executive Leadership (Director of Network Operations)
To advance in your career as a Cellular Network Field Engineer, this requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership abilities and continuous learning.
Qualification Pathways
If you are looking to transfer into this role from a related role in the industry, leverage your existing experience and skills in the industry to identify transferable skills that align with a Cellular Network Field Engineer Role. Highlight these transferable skills on your CV and in interviews to demonstrate your suitability for positions within the sector.
If you are new to industry, follow these routes:
Step 1:
If you are at the beginning of your career, you should consider completing a college level course at Level 3 in a relevant subject such as construction, electronics and engineering, telecommunications, maths, physics or computer science.
If you are already working within the mobile infrastructure field, you should consider upskilling via the Level 4 Cellular Network Field Engineer Apprenticeship.
Step 2: Obtain relevant certifications which covers the following (this would usually be covered by your employer or the apprenticeship programme)
First Aid at Height
Rigging Lifting and Lowering
Working at Height
Mechanical Winch
RF Awareness
Cell Site Installation and Fibre (RF) Testing
Rooftop Worker
AC/DC Electrical Training
Step 3: As you enter the industry, consider applying for entry-level positions or apprenticeships. These roles may cover positions such as Telecoms Technician/Engineer, Tower Rigger, Network Engineer or RF Engineer.
Step 4: Gain your ECS gold card through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS)
Step 5: Build your experience in all areas of mobile infrastructure and work your way to becoming a multi-skilled engineer.
Step 6: Gain experience in leadership positions such as team lead, technical manager or network architect.
Step 7: Keep updated with advancements in cellular network technologies, industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Step 8: Join a professional body such at the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) to be recognised for your skills and to participate in industry conferences and events.
Step 9: After 10 years of service, you may be eligible to apply for Fellowship of The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP)
Other Info
Relevant Apprenticeship Standards: