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3Gpp 5G Protocol Stack Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to execute 3GPP based 4G/5G Modem System Verification Test Plans in lab environment ... analyze protocol stack related issues in appropriate 3GPP specifications. * Experience with ...

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3gpp 5g Protocol Stack Engineer information

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$134.8K

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How much do 3gpp 5g protocol stack engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3gpp 5g protocol stack engineer in the United States is $134,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineer do?

A 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and testing the software layers that enable communication in 5G wireless networks according to 3GPP standards. They work on different layers of the protocol stack, such as RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, and PHY, to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and reliably. Their tasks may include developing new features, debugging protocol issues, supporting interoperability testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver compliant and optimized 5G solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by a 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineer when integrating new features into existing products?

A common challenge for 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineers is ensuring seamless integration of new protocol features into complex, multi-layered software stacks while maintaining backward compatibility and performance. This often involves troubleshooting interoperability issues, optimizing resource usage, and thorough compliance testing against 3GPP standards. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including system architects, firmware developers, and test engineers, to validate that new features function correctly across a wide range of devices and network scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3GPP 5G Protocol Stack Engineer, you need a solid background in wireless communications, strong programming skills in C/C++, and a deep understanding of 3GPP 5G NR standards. Experience with protocol analyzers, debugging tools, and familiarity with embedded systems or RTOS is typically required, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees in telecommunications or electrical engineering. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and troubleshooting protocol issues. These skills ensure the engineer can design, implement, and optimize protocol stacks that are critical for reliable and high-performance 5G networks.

What are popular job titles related to 3Gpp 5G Protocol Stack Engineer jobs?

For 3Gpp 5G Protocol Stack Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 3Gpp 5G Protocol Stack Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,771 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer, Wireless Technologies

Foster City, CA • On-site

Zoox
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$220K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Zoox rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a Software Engineer on the Firmware team, you will own the software integration, performance, optimization, and debugging of our TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Managing a complex architecture that integrates third-party hardware with our autonomous vehicle platform, you will analyze diagnostics and log outputs across cellular networks, 4G/5G modems, internal software layers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You will not only reactively troubleshoot complex field issues but also proactively architect and develop robust host-side connectivity software to handle cellular edge cases and vulnerabilities before they impact operations.

Your work will directly safeguard the safety, reliability, and scaling of the Zoox autonomous fleet. Robust, low-latency connectivity is fundamental to autonomous vehicle deployment, powering essential real-time cloud services, fleet management pipelines, and teleoperation capabilities. By ensuring our vehicles maintain seamless, high-performance connections under the most demanding real-world conditions, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge hardware, cloud infrastructure, and test systems to enable Zoox to deliver the future of autonomous mobility.

You will leverage a profound understanding of how these stacks operate to define the architecture, utilize vendor interfaces, and debug complex cross-layer issues.

Responsibilities
  • Contribute and Develop: Contribute to Zoox's firmware and cellular wireless connectivity stack (LTE/5G), developing and enhancing connectivity features across multiple generations of hardware. 

  • Vendor Integration: Act as the primary technical expert working with cellular chipset vendors (e.g., Qualcomm) to integrate their proprietary firmware, SW stacks, and L1-L3 implementations into our custom embedded Linux platform.

  • Architecture Definition: Define, architect, and validate the critical software interfaces between the RF-baseband, the vendor's protocol stack (AP), and our host system, writing the host-side glue code (C/C++) needed for the Linux networking stack.

  • Prototyping: Prototype and evaluate next-generation wireless platforms for future Zoox products.

  • Telemetry and Analytics: Develop the telemetry and analytics platform enabling data collection, analysis, and visualization of data reported from the Zoox fleet.

  • Investigate and Solve: Investigate and root-cause issues reported by QA teams and customer feedback. Differentiate between host-side bugs and vendor firmware issues using your deep knowledge of cellular protocols.

  • Quality and Automation: Support test automation frameworks, collaborate with QA, manufacturing, and other software teams, and drive continuous improvements and best practices within the broader organization.

Qualifications
  • More than 10+ years of experience in embedded linux systems and cellular/wireless stack software/firmware development.

  • B.S. or M.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

  • Exceptional programming skills in C/C++, Linux OS, and Python/Shell scripting.

  • Deep architectural understanding of LTE/5G Protocol Stacks (NAS, PDCP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY) and 3GPP specifications.

  • Proven experience successfully integrating third-party cellular modems and proprietary stacks, with hands-on experience using Qualcomm ecosystems and cellular network analysis tools (e.g., QXDM, Shannon Tools, Wireshark).

  • Good understanding of Embedded Systems, OS concepts, computer architecture, data structures, and algorithms.

  • Hands-on experience in maintaining the Linux Applications, kernel code and embedded services, including experience porting and patching open-source packages within the Yocto Project environment.

  • Strong understanding of networking concepts (Ethernet, TCP/IP, IP routing design, VLANs, firewalls, and both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols).

Bonus Qualifications
  • Working experience in the Automotive industry.

  • Familiarity with other wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE).

  • Familiarity with embedded interfaces (UART, I2C, I2S, SPI, CAN, PCIe, etc.).

  • Prior experience collaborating with test teams using industry-standard network emulation tools (e.g., Keysight UXM).

  • Experience in design, develop, and secure wireless software systems by implementing robust network protocols and advanced wireless security protocols.

  • Highly motivated and self-directed. Thrives in a collaborative environment and can clearly communicate complex technical issues to both internal teams and external vendors.

Compensation
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
 
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.


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About Zoox

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zoox is dedicated to creating the world's first fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the necessary ecosystem to make this technology accessible. Positioned at the crossroads of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox strives to deliver the future of mobility-as-a-service in urban settings. We seek exceptional individuals who share our enthusiasm and are eager to join a dynamic and results-driven team.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Foster City, CA, US