Behind every reliable mobile connection stands a team of skilled engineers who design, plan, and optimise the networks we rely on every day. Today, we invite you to step into a day in the life of Oana Parfeni, Radio Design Engineer in Connect44’s RF Design Team, based in Bucharest, Romania.

Oana joined Connect44 in 2023, bringing with her over 14 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Her work plays a key role in shaping high-quality Indoor and Outdoor Radio Networks, combining precision, technical expertise, and a calm, structured approach.

From Family Roots to a Career in Radio Design

Telecommunications has always been close to Oana’s heart. She, her father, and her sister all graduated from the same telecommunications university, while her husband also works in the industry. After studying Electronics, Telecommunications, and IT, Oana quickly discovered her passion for the Radio domain.

Her professional journey includes 11 years at Ericsson, where she supported major operators such as Vodafone Italy, Wind, and H3G, followed by three years at DIGI, Romania’s national operator. Working across multiple regions and technologies helped her build strong expertise in planning, design, and optimisation.
When she joined Connect44, she was drawn by the company’s focus on work–life balance, and found a supportive, welcoming team from day one.

Designing Networks That Perform

As a Radio Design Engineer, Oana works end-to-end on Site Design for the network of one of the largest mobile operators in the Netherlands, both indoor and outdoor. Her responsibilities include creating detailed site plans with all required equipment: from antennas and RRUs to basebands, ensuring optimal coverage and capacity for each specific area.

Indoor projects are a particular highlight of her role. Designing networks for airports, stadiums, shopping centres, universities, and other large buildings brings unique challenges, as no two structures are alike. Each project requires careful analysis, creativity, and technical accuracy.

Oana believes that quality is at the core of Connect44’s reputation. Clear documentation, precise designs, and consistent communication are essential to delivering reliable, high-value solutions to clients.

Growing Through Continuous Learning

Recently, Oana achieved the iBwave Level 1 certification, a globally recognised accreditation in indoor wireless design. This milestone strengthened her RF expertise and boosted her confidence in managing complex indoor projects.

With iBwave becoming a key tool within Connect44 Romania, the certification is especially valuable. The software supports the full indoor project lifecycle, from coverage simulations and 3D building modelling to equipment reports and cost estimations, and has quickly become one of Oana’s favourite tools.

A Typical Day at Connect44

Oana’s workday often begins with coffee and conversations with colleagues, an important ritual that sets a positive tone. She collaborates closely with the optimisation team and colleagues from the Netherlands, taking part in regular meetings to address technical topics and challenges.

While some tasks require independent focus, teamwork is central to her approach. Open communication, transparency, and shared problem-solving help the team overcome challenges and deliver high-quality results.

Life Beyond Engineering

Outside of work, Oana enjoys spending time with her family and reading, activities that help her recharge and maintain balance. She is also vice-president of an NGO supporting mothers during the postpartum period, offering emotional guidance and practical support. This work brings her deep fulfilment and reflects her desire to make a meaningful difference beyond her professional role.

Thank you, Oana, for being part of Connect44. It’s easy for you to make every collaboration valuable and every conversation a chance to learn, de-stress and simply connect.