RF Planning and Optimization Engineer

DISHA C VIJAYA SHANKAR

Dallas, TX 682-***-**** **.********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/dishacv

SUMMARY

RF Design Engineer with 5+ years of experience supporting the design, planning, optimization, and deployment of nationwide LTE and 5G wireless networks for major U.S. carriers including Verizon and AT&T. Experienced in RF propagation modeling, coverage analysis, capacity planning, RF design validation, and regulatory compliance throughout the network deployment lifecycle.

Hands-on experience using Planet, Atoll, Canvas, RAVe, and Roofmaster to perform RF planning, propagation analysis, PEA creation, coverage validation, and antenna configuration for macro, rooftop, small cell, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments. Comfortable collaborating with RF management, construction, implementation, and regulatory teams to deliver high-quality network designs while maintaining FCC compliance and deployment timelines. Passionate about solving complex RF challenges, improving network performance, and supporting the rollout of next-generation wireless technologies through data-driven engineering and continuous optimization.

CORE SKILLS

● Wireless Technologies: 5G NR, LTE, CDMA, VoLTE, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

● RF Engineering: RF Design, RF Planning, Coverage Analysis, Capacity Planning, Link Budget, RF Optimization, Monte Carlo Analysis

● Propagation Tools: Planet, Atoll, Canvas, RAVe, Roofmaster, Roofview

● Automation: Excel Macros, MATLAB, Simulink

● Documentation: High-Level Design (HLD), RFDS, Site Candidate Packages, Construction Drawings PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dish Network Denver, CO

RF Engineer - National RF Team 10/2024- 12/2025

● Supported RF planning and design activities for DISH's nationwide standalone 5G network, helping optimize coverage, capacity, and network performance.

● Performed RF propagation modeling, coverage analysis, and design validation for LTE and 5G deployments.

● Created Areas of Interest (AOIs) and Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) to support network planning and market expansion initiatives.

● Performed RSRP coverage analysis, sector polygonization, and propagation modeling to identify best-serving cells and improve coverage accuracy.

● Built and fine-tuned propagation models by matching frequency bands with clutter data, improving RF prediction accuracy across multiple markets.

● Evaluated population coverage statistics and traffic distribution to validate network designs and support capacity planning decisions.

● Compared RF predictions with live traffic data to identify coverage gaps and recommend design improvements.

● Performed threshold-based RSRP analysis to assess network quality and validate subscriber coverage objectives.

● Supported Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments by creating PEA designs and RF coverage models for new service areas.

● Designed sector layouts and antenna configurations for Ambit projects using customized propagation models and deployment guidelines.

● Developed search rings and evaluated candidate rooftops, towers, and water tanks to support new site selection and deployment planning.

● Worked closely with RF planning, implementation, and deployment teams to ensure network designs aligned with construction and operational requirements.

Verizon Wireless Maryland

RF Engineer 07/2021 - 02/2024

● Supported LTE network design and optimization activities for nationwide wireless deployment projects.

● Verified antenna configurations, azimuth, tilt, and RF parameters against RFDS documentation and construction drawings.

● Performed Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) calculations and RF exposure studies for more than 800 wireless sites.

● Assisted in preparing High-Level Design (HLD) packages using RF propagation analysis and engineering standards.

● Conducted EIRP calculations to ensure FCC compliance across macro and rooftop deployments.

● Assisted with RF propagation validation, antenna placement recommendations, and site design optimization.

● Worked with field engineers during deployment and commissioning to resolve RF design issues and improve site performance.

● Recommended mitigation techniques, including shielding, barriers, and warning signage, to maintain RF safety compliance.

● Supported FCC, OSHA, and FAA documentation required for wireless site approvals. Mobilecomm Professionals Inc Plano, TX

AT&T (Associate RF Engineer) 06/2020 – 07/2021

● Assisting in classifying sites according to General Public and Occupational limits, understanding cell site construction.

● Verifying antenna locations according to RFDS (Radio Frequency Design Specifications) and creating plans using Visio.

● Augmented structural and site bitmaps with EIRP to ensure compliance with FCC standards and site safety.

● Creating High-Level Design (HLD) reports based on collected data and measured radiation exposure involves a detailed analysis of various RF parameters and their impact on RF exposure levels.

● Coordinating with field technicians to ensure all necessary information for generating FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance.

● Based on RF simulations, suggesting mitigation remedies such as signage or barrier additions to ensure FCC compliance involves identifying areas of potential RF exposure exceeding regulatory limits and implementing measures to reduce exposure levels.

● Fulfilling around 800 cellular sites by running simulations for Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits. EDUCATION

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering – 2020 University of Texas at Arlington, Texas, USA

Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication – 2017 Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bengaluru, India

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