Cellular Test Engineer (RAN / Device Testing)

Title: Cellular Test Engineer (RAN / Device Testing)

Location: Remote

Client: Verizon

Job Responsibilities

Test Execution & Validation: Plan, develop, and execute functional, performance, throughput, mobility, and regression test cases for 5G NR (SA/NSA, FR1/FR2) and 4G LTE devices.
Protocol & RAN Analysis: Analyze protocol logs across PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers. Troubleshoot call drops, handover failures, throughput degradation, beam management, and paging issues.
Lab & Test Bench Management: Set up, configure, and maintain RF test benches, network emulators, channel emulators, and shielding chambers (anechoic/reverberation).
Field & Drive Testing: Plan and perform field testing, drive testing, and carrier acceptance validation; analyze drive test logs against network KPIs.
Test Automation: Design, build, and maintain automated test scripts and CI/CD pipelines to streamline regression testing and test bench instrumentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with baseband hardware, firmware, software development, and carrier certification teams to report, triage, and verify bug fixes.
Standards Compliance: Review and apply evolving 3GPP standards (Release 15/16/17+) and carrier-specific test requirements to internal validation strategies.

Required Qualifications

3–6+ years of hands-on experience in cellular system testing, mobile protocol verification, or RAN integration.
Solid understanding of 3GPP specifications (5G NR Release 15/16/17, LTE Advanced Pro).
Comprehensive understanding of RAN architecture (gNB, eNB, CU/DU split, Open RAN / O-RAN concepts).
Strong knowledge of L1/L2/L3 protocol procedures (Random Access, Cell Selection/Reselection, Handover/Mobility, Beamforming, Carrier Aggregation, Dual Connectivity [EN-DC/NR-DC]).
Hands-on experience with wireless test sets and network emulators (e.g., Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMX500/CMW500, Anritsu MT8821C/MT8000A, Spirent).
Proficiency with log analysis and diagnostic tools (e.g., Qualcomm QXDM/QCAT, Shannon DM, Wireshark, Accuver XCAL/XCAP, TEMS Investigation).
Spectrum analyzers, power meters, RF attenuator matrices, and RF switches.
Proficiency in Python for test automation, log parsing, and instrument control (SCPI, VISA).
Experience with version control systems (Git) and bug-tracking tools (Jira).