Systems Test Engineer – 5G/LTE Protocol Testing

Job Title: Systems Test Engineer – 5G/LTE Protocol Testing
Location: San Diego, California 92121
Duration: 24 months
 
About the Role
Client is seeking an experienced Staff Systems Test Engineer to join the Intellectual Property (IP) Engineering team. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing and executing advanced 5G NR and LTE protocol test scenarios for commercially available mobile devices in a lab environment.
This role requires strong expertise in 3GPP protocol analysis, cellular call scenario development, and mobile device testing using Keysight UXM platforms.
 
Required Skills

• Strong experience with:
  • 5G NR (3GPP Release 15)
  • LTE FDD/TDD
  • NSA & SA architectures
• Deep understanding of LTE/5G protocol stack layers:
  • PHY
  • MAC
  • RLC
  • PDCP
  • RRC
  • NAS
  • Upper Layers
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Keysight E7515B (UXM 5G)
  • PRT and/or Test App
• Strong programming skills in:
  • Python
  • MATLAB
• Experience using lab test equipment:
  • Spectrum Analyzer
  • Oscilloscope
  • UE Power Analyzer
• Proven experience in:
  • 3GPP protocol analysis
  • Troubleshooting wireless systems
  • Cellular call scenario development
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

 
Preferred Skills

• Experience with:
  • WiFi standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
  • Bluetooth features/testing
• Knowledge of:
  • Qualcomm QXDM
  • MTP provisioning/testing
  • Wireshark
• Exposure to:
  • Patent/IP analysis
  • GCF compliance testing

 
Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans based on high-level engineering requirements
• Create and execute 5G NR/LTE call scenarios
• Perform protocol stack testing in a lab environment
• Analyze and troubleshoot protocol behavior and test failures
• Post-process and present test results to engineering and legal teams
• Conduct 3GPP standards and specification research
• Identify applicable GCF tests for compliance validation
• Develop practical and innovative mobile device testing solutions

 
Required Experience

• Minimum 8+ years of industry experience in wireless/mobile testing
• Strong background in 5G/LTE modem and protocol testing

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience
  OR
• Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience
  OR
• PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience

Degrees accepted in:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Related technical fields

 

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's starting pay is: $62.79/hr.