4G/5G RAN Test Engineer III

4G/5G RAN Test Engineer III- Contract- Plano TX
We are seeking a 4G/5G RAN Test Engineer III for a contract opportunity in Plano, TX with a leading global wireless technology organization. This role will focus on LTE/5G RAN product and feature validation, system testing, protocol analysis, O-RAN, virtualization, and end-to-end network performance. The engineer will work in a customer lab environment validating next-generation wireless products and software releases.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RAN System Test/Validation Engineer who enjoys working hands-on with advanced 4G/5G technologies. You will have the opportunity to work with O-RAN, Kubernetes, virtualized RAN platforms, multi-vendor radio environments, and new 5G features, while collaborating with engineering teams, customers, and global R&D teams. The ideal candidate has strong RAN protocol knowledge and can take a new feature from requirements through test strategy, execution, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance.

Contract Duration: 12+ Months
Required Skills & Experience
8-10+ years of directly related wireless/RAN engineering experience; Master's degree with 6+ years preferred
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering field
Strong hands-on experience with 4G LTE and 5G NR RAN
Strong experience with RAN system testing, product validation, and feature validation
Strong understanding of 4G/5G air interface and call processing
In-depth knowledge of PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layers
Understanding of DL/UL scheduling, LTE power control, Beamforming, MIMO, and EN-DC
Hands-on experience with lab testing and IOT/interoperability testing
Experience with inter-vendor radio testing
Experience with O-RAN product validation
Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and virtualization system integration
Experience with XCAL, QXDM, Wireshark, and protocol analyzers
Experience with channel emulators, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
Understanding of 3GPP RAN and Core network architecture
Understanding of S1 and X2 interfaces
Experience troubleshooting complex RAN, protocol, and performance issues
Experience with EMS/network element management, software upgrades, and MOP verification
Desired Skills & Experience
Experience with ongoing 3GPP Release activities
Experience with eMTC and NB-IoT
Software development or scripting experience
Experience developing test strategies, test plans, and detailed test documentation
Parameter optimization and RAN performance analysis experience
Strong understanding of both hardware and software architecture
Customer-facing technical presentation experience
Experience working with geographically distributed R&D and engineering teams
Ability to travel sporadically during the project
What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown
30% 4G/5G RAN Product & Feature Validation
20% Wireless Protocol & Call Processing Analysis
15% O-RAN / Inter-Vendor Radio Testing
15% Kubernetes / Virtualization & Test-Bed Integration
10% Performance Analysis & Troubleshooting
10% Test Tools, Reporting & Customer Presentations
Daily Responsibilities
70% Hands On - Lab testing, feature validation, protocol analysis, test execution, O-RAN/interoperability testing, virtualization bring-up, performance analysis, and troubleshooting
10% Management Duties - Test planning, documentation, reporting, tracking deliverables, and ensuring customer commitments are achieved
20% Team Collaboration - Working with customers, R&D, engineering, and support teams on product validation, troubleshooting, and new product rollouts