Nikhil Punekar
5g Product Director Sr Principal Engineer @NextNav
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WORK HISTORY
5g Product Director Sr Principal Engineer @NextNav
Santa Clara, CA, US
Architecture Ownership: 5G Terrestrial Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) platform spanning UE modem capabilities, RAN PHY/MAC enhancements, PRS positioning signals, and network-based positioning infrastructure enabling GPS-independent location and timing services.• Architected the end-to-end 5G terrestrial Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) platform, enabling GPS-independent positioning and timing services within commercial 5G networks and establishing the technical foundation for nationwide terrestrial PNT deployment• Defined system architecture and specifications across UE, RAN (RU/DU/CU), and positioning infrastructure, enabling interoperable PNT capabilities across partner networks, modem chipsets, and handset ecosystems• Led cross-functional teams across PHY, MAC, and RF domains to deliver 5G PNT proof-of-concept deployments, successfully validating positioning accuracy, synchronization stability, and system performance targets required for commercialization• Enabled simultaneous delivery of broadband 5G data services and PNT positioning signals within the same RAN deployment, demonstrating commercial network feasibility while maintaining positioning accuracy and preserving user throughput and latency KPIs• Defined gNB/BTS infrastructure enhancements across PHY processing and MAC measurement frameworks, enabling integration of PNT capabilities into existing partner 5G RAN architectures without requiring fundamental network redesign• Authored UE modem and handset capability specifications, enabling commercial devices to support PNT signal detection, timing estimation, and measurement reporting for large-scale device ecosystem adoption• Provided architectural leadership across system design, validation, and field testing, ensuring consistent PNT performance across lab environments, partner networks, and real-world deployments
EDUCATION
University of Oklahoma
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Telecommunications Engineering
Vishwakarma Institute Of Technology
Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Electronics and Telecommunication
University of Oklahoma
Master of Science, Telecommunication Engineering
ABOUT NIKHIL PUNEKAR
Lead RF Engineer with 15+ years of experience in RAN Planning, RF Engineering and network optimization with deep understanding of 4G and 5G end to end, I specialize in automation and data analytics, such as enhancing capacity forecasting, traffic map creation, sector offload calculation, and automate cell planning, advancing operational efficiency across markets. Exploring AI/ML moduls, I worked on capacity forecasting of sector carriers. I have developed Uber H3 based scalable map digitization processes for network coverage. In depth experience of PHY-PDCP layer troubleshooting and call processing.Committed to driving data-driven decision-making, I advised senior leadership on critical network strategies by conducting in-depth technical research and vendor collaborations. As a proactive leader, I drive innovation and streamline processes to boost network performance and customer experience.Apart from professional experience, I hold 3 US Patents in the optical communication and security domain. I have completed my PhD Candidacy after earning my Masters in Telecommunication Engineering.
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