David Deets
RAN / RF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER
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About
RAN/RF network infrastructure engineer with 20+ years designing, building, and optimizing large-scale wireless networks. Multi-vendor expertise, with hands-on LTE/VoLTE and 5G design, RF planning (Atoll), and network performance optimization (OSS/NetAct). Skilled in cell site build, integration, and commissioning, capital/expense planning and budgeting.
Proven leader in cross-functional coordination, customer- consulting, and high-stakes program delivery. Delivered measurable results across market events, including a 400%+ increase in network capacity and a 1,200%+ increase in data volume over six years, while reducing deployment costs by up to 45%.
Experience
Lead RAN Engineer - AT&T - Mesa, AZ
(1999-11 - 2026-07)
- Led RAN design, optimization, and performance across 500+ cell sites, improving capacity, coverage, and call quality
- Coordinated network readiness for high-profile national events — including Super Bowl LVII and LVIII, F1 Racing Las Vegas, and the Waste Management Open — managing macro and DAS deployment across vendors, optimization, operations, and national NOC teams; delivered a 400%+ increase in network capacity and a 1,200%+ increase in data volume over six years while reducing deployment costs by up to 45%.
- Directed capital and expense planning for market events (~$1M annual expense; ~$2M capital per year).
- Applied Atoll RF planning software and longstanding Nokia/Ericsson (OSS/NetAct) expertise for macro network modeling, parameter tuning, and troubleshooting.
- Owned regulatory compliance, including FCC coordination and landlord lease negotiations.
- Served as technical lead on a confidential strategic engineering initiative with Apple under NDA.
- Led CRAN/Small Cells transition to centralized baseband architecture across 300+ sites, and managed new site builds (20+ sites) from acquisition through integration and turn-up.
RF Field Engineer - AT&T - Columbus, OH
(1999-11 - 2013-11)
- Installed, configured, and maintained cell site and DAS equipment across 200+ sites.
- Performed RF field measurement, testing, and validation using a wide range of test equipment.
- Served as team lead for the Dobson network integration for 100+ sites following AT&T's acquisition.
Education
Associate of Electrical Engineering - Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH (2007 - 2007)
