Atef Laika

Highly accomplished and dynamic senior Telecom and Electrical Engineering professional with 18+ years of expertise in RF optimization, multi-generation network performance (2G–5G), KPI-driven analytics, and electrical systems management. Proven track record in strategic network planning, operational efficiency, cross-functional leadership, and delivering measurable performance improvements. I am skilled in drive-test automation, spectrum analysis, capacity forecasting, and regulatory compliance for large-scale telecom projects. Targeting senior and managerial roles positions with the leading and cutting-edge companies.

Senior RF Engineer    Just-ITC  10/2023 – Current    Dubai

Projects: Nokia Project (Du Operator) | National Operator Benchmarking Project | Smartphone Performance Evaluation Project
● Direct a team of 10+ drive-test engineers across the UAE, coordinating daily field operations, optimizing logistics, and improving deployment efficiency by 25% through structured task planning.
● Interpret TEMS and XCAL log files for outdoor, in-building (IBS), and major road clusters, generating detailed analytical reports with actionable RF optimization recommendations to enhance coverage, quality, and throughput KPIs.
● Evaluate nationwide coverage and capacity performance for UAE operators (Du and Etisalat), utilizing RF planning tools, spectrum analysis, neighbor optimization, and PCI/SC planning techniques to strengthen network reliability.
● Benchmark user experience across multiple smartphone models, performing comparative assessments for 2G/3G/4G/5GNR on voice, data, latency, mobility, and throughput KPIs, resulting in a 15% improvement in user-perceived performance insights.
● Develop executive, technical, and media-ready reports supporting TDRA regulatory initiatives, ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and high-quality presentation for national assessments.
● Optimize fuel and travel strategies by restructuring team allocations across regions, achieving a 30% reduction in fuel expenses while maintaining operational readiness and SLA adherence.
● Strengthen project delivery for Nokia and benchmarking programs by integrating drive-test automation, post-processing validation, KPI audits, cluster optimization workflows, and operator-level performance insights to support continuous improvement.

Senior RF Optimization Engineer MTN 09/2014 - 09/2023    Syria 

Projects: Mobile Benchmarking Project | Network Renovation Project
● Introduced advanced mobile network features and updated protocols, enhancing 2G/3G/4G performance stability and supporting modernization initiatives across multiple clusters.
● Defined operator-wide performance benchmarks and issued recurring analytical reports covering coverage KPIs, quality indicators, call setup success, drop rates, throughput, and mobility performance, improving reporting accuracy by 20%.
● Generated daily statistical dashboards showcasing KPI fluctuations, trend patterns, and degradation points, enabling proactive optimization and accelerating issue resolution by 18%.
● Assessed the feasibility of new sites, collocation options, and capacity expansions through detailed RF planning, traffic forecasting, interference analysis, and infrastructure upgrade evaluations.
● Reallocated channel elements, spectrum licenses, and hardware upgrade priorities to maximize utilization, reduce congestion, and support cost-efficient resource distribution.
● Coordinated cross-functional alignment with marketing, sales, and customer service teams, translating user behavior data and customer insights into actionable network enhancement strategies.

Radio Network Planning and Optimization Engineer    MTN    05/2008 - 09/2014     Syria 

Projects: Frequency Plan Project | O.O.S. (Out-of-Service) Restoration Project
● Performed comprehensive IBS and outdoor assessments for macro, micro, small-cell, and repeater sites across varied terrains, improving survey accuracy and deployment readiness by 22%.
● Engineered technical site blueprints and selected antennas, tilts, feeders, and configurations to support RF coverage expansion, reducing interference footprint by 15% through improved design precision.
● Validated post-launch performance via structured drive-test campaigns, analyzing RF metrics and recommending optimizations to elevate coverage quality, mobility failures, and user experience.
● Diagnosed L3 signaling flows and network behaviors to pinpoint call-flow failures, mobility anomalies, and configuration mismatches, accelerating fault resolution and outage recovery activities.
● Directed RF planning operations, including frequency retuning, interference mitigation, neighbor optimization, handover refinement, customer complaint troubleshooting, KPI enhancement (accessibility, retainability, throughput, latency), and feature introductions that reinforced network stability and service consistency.

Electrical Control Engineer Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 

05/2005 - 05/2008 Syria 

Project: Water Pumping Project
● Supervised high-voltage distribution networks and transformer operations, ensuring stable energy delivery to critical pumping facilities and improving electrical reliability by 18% through structured control practices.
● Calibrated transformer taps ratios and monitored load fluctuations to maintain balanced voltage levels, enhancing operational efficiency across the distribution system.
● Configured circuit breakers and protection schemes to support uninterrupted power flow, reducing unplanned outages by 12% through proactive system regulation.
● Administered UPS units and backup power infrastructure, safeguarding the continuous operation of mission-critical water pumping assets and reinforcing redundancy protocols.
● Maintained HVAC and fire suppression systems in alignment with health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring compliant environmental control and risk mitigation for electrical rooms and pump stations.

Tishreen University 

2004 Syria 

● Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering 

● Major: Electronics