Scott Gerdts

ad3mrk@r.postjobfree.com • 425-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/scott-gerdts-8a207224b/ • Seattle, WA

RF Engineer

Highly accomplished RF Engineer with 20+ years of experience with RF communication systems, validating RF link budget system models as well as improving the network performance of major telecommunication companies, such as T-Mobile and Sprint Wireless. Skilled in resolving wireless network problems attributed to design flaws, network upgrades, hardware malfunctions and degradations, and external or internal interference. Extensive knowledge in identifying network optimization opportunities and implementing effective strategies to increase network efficiency and customer satisfaction. Demonstrated data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration proficiency by effectively working with various teams to resolve hardware failures and manage network-related escalations. Familiar with RF system optimizing software and tools.

Areas of Expertise

●RF Engineering

●Failure Analysis

●Network Performance Monitoring

●System Integration & Testing

●Network Data Collection & Analysis

●Field Optimization

●System & Network Troubleshooting

●RF Propagation Tools

●Complex Problem Solving

Professional Experience

T-Mobile, Bothell, WA March 2020 – November 2023

RF Engineer

Enhanced T-Mobile's network performance in the Seattle, WA Market by supporting the releases of 5G, VoLTE, and VoNR. Focused on improving the performance of underperforming cell sites through detailed daily performance analysis and effective troubleshooting. Researched and analyzed performance issues using internal websites and tools. Improved customer experience by updating RF switch parameters. Improved network performance and statistics through a focused approach on smaller geographic areas and cell site clusters.

●Successfully reduced off-network roaming from the T-Mobile Network, resulting in increased revenue for T-Mobile.

●Implemented improvements to network quality and performance in network site clusters, specifically targeting and resolving issues related to dropped calls, blocked calls, and data throughput speeds.

●Prioritized and corrected hardware failures impacting customers based on severity by working with the Field Operations team.

●Assisted customers by resolving incoming network-related trouble tickets and escalations from upper management.

●Analyzed T-Mobile network drive data and Layer 3 messaging to identify opportunities for network optimization, focusing on call failures, call drops, SINR, RSRQ, and RSRP values.

●Provided recommendations on antenna tilt and azimuth adjustments to optimize network capacity and improve network quality.

Sprint PCS/Ericsson Services Inc. November 2000 – March 2020

RF Engineer

Contributed to the launch of Sprint VoLTE and LTE in the Seattle, WA Market, focusing on network performance monitoring to mitigate negative customer impact. Designed and implemented modifications for cell sites by utilizing data collected through drive tests, network performance metrics, and RF propagation tools, such as Planet. Identified the need for updating existing antennas with more efficient models. Developed search rings for potential new site locations, and updated RF switch parameters, testing new features on site clusters within the network.

●Enhanced and optimized SeaTac Airport and Lumen Field Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) integration and performance to seamlessly connect with the Sprint macro network.

●Implemented frequency addition strategies to improve capacity and increase throughput speeds.

●Oversaw the execution of capacity and performance enhancements, resulting in improved connectivity and data transfer capabilities.

●Successfully reduced network roaming from the home network, improving customer experience and reducing operational costs.

●Oversaw CDMA network PN planning for Western Washington, enhancing network efficiency and performance.

●Developed and refined RF prediction models by utilizing collected drive data from CW and network sources, improving network performance predictions and planning.

●Managed regional drive test equipment, conducted beta testing for software releases, and provided training to team members while serving as the main point of contact.

●Addressed hardware-related issues and worked with local contractors in troubleshooting and updating site designs by collaborating with Field Operations.

VoiceStream Wireless/Western Wireless, Bellevue and Bothell, WA February 1998 – November 2000

RF Engineer/RF Drive Tester

Organized and facilitated CW drive testing to assess the feasibility of new cell site locations, in collaboration with site acquisition, zoning, and construction teams. Ensured that newly constructed sites adhered to the prescribed design specifications. Collaborated closely with site acquisition and zoning teams to plan and execute the selection and approval of new cell sites. Conducted thorough inspections of both new and existing sites to ensure they met design specifications and quality standards.

●Identified and recommended potential locations for new cell sites to enhance network capacity and facilitate network expansion.

●Conducted comprehensive drive tests to collect data on the existing GSM 1900 network and simulated cell site data.

●Analyzed the collected drive test data, identifying any issues or areas for improvement, and implemented necessary network parameter adjustments

Education

B.A. in Geography/Environmental Resource Management

Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington

Professional Training

Nokia OEM-based LTE and 5G

Samsung OEM-based LTE

Lucent OEM-based CDMA, EVDO

Planet RF Propagation Tool

Atoll RF Propagation Tool

Software & Tools

•LTE/5G wireless networks Samsung, Lucent, and Nokia protocols

•Sprint and T-Mobile internally and externally developed tools for insights into network performance patterns and degradations

•Nokia NetAct cell site parameter update tool

•TrueCall detailed cellular call analysis tool

RF Data Collection Tools

•Accuver XCAL

•TEMS Professional handheld

•Agilent/JDSU Technologies Nitro+

•Grayson’s Invex

•Nemo’s Tool for Outdoor Measurements

RF Data Post-Processing Tools

•Keysight Nemo Windcatcher

•Actix Analyzer

•Nemo’s Software for Analyzing Measurements

RF Prediction Tools

•Atoll

•Planet EV

•Odyssey

Other

•MapInfo Professional mapping tool

•Wil-Tron Site Master cell site testing equipment

•Rohde & Schwartz spectrum analyzer

•Power meter output analysis

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