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4G 5G Ran Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 4G/5G wireless networks . This role serves as a critical bridge between engineering, product, and ... Develop test strategies, parameter optimization plans, and root cause analysis Customer Engagement ...

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RAN Wireless SME

Plano, TX · On-site

$60.75 - $80/hr

... 4G/5G wireless networks . This role serves as a critical bridge between engineering, product, and ... Develop test strategies, parameter optimization plans, and root cause analysis Customer Engagement ...

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4g 5g Ran Test Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do 4g 5g ran test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for 4g 5g ran test engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 4G 5G RAN Test engineer?

A 4G 5G RAN Test Engineer is a telecommunications professional who tests and validates the Radio Access Network (RAN) components of 4G and 5G wireless systems. Their role involves evaluating network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that new software or hardware integrations meet industry standards. They use specialized testing tools to analyze signal quality, connectivity, handovers, and data throughput. This work is crucial for optimizing user experience and maintaining network reliability as telecom companies transition to newer technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 4G 5G RAN Test engineer?

To thrive as a 4G 5G RAN Test Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications, RF principles, and cellular network architecture, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like protocol analyzers, network simulators, and test management software, as well as certifications such as CCNA or relevant vendor-specific credentials, is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial to ensure robust network performance, quickly resolve issues, and collaborate efficiently within cross-functional telecom teams.

What are some common challenges faced by 4G 5G RAN Test engineers during network deployment and optimization?

4G/5G RAN Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex interoperability issues between multi-vendor equipment, ensuring seamless handovers between network technologies, and managing performance testing in real-world environments. They must also adapt to frequently updated software and hardware, while coordinating closely with cross-functional teams like network architects and field engineers. Staying up-to-date with evolving standards and optimizing network parameters for both coverage and capacity are essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

Aspect4G 5G Ran Test EngineerRF Test Engineer
CertificationsLTE/5G certifications, RF testing certificationsRF testing certifications, such as RF Engineer certifications
Work EnvironmentTelecom labs, network testing sites, field testingLaboratories, manufacturing, field testing of RF components
Industry UsageTelecom carriers, network equipment vendorsManufacturers, telecom equipment vendors, testing labs

While both roles involve RF and wireless technologies, the 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer focuses on testing and validating 4G and 5G radio access networks, ensuring network performance and interoperability. The RF Test Engineer has a broader scope, testing RF components and devices across various applications, including mobile devices and hardware. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in their specific focus within the wireless industry.

What cities are hiring for 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer jobs?

For 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 4G 5G Ran Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Sr. RAN Software Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Redmond, WA

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$165K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the validation and optimization of the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack.

  • Build and maintain CI/CD test automation frameworks for eNB/gNB feature validation, including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing.

  • Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug and resolve RAN issues, and collaborate with developers to drive feature improvements.


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. RAN SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)

SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service, extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Starlink Mobile was designed to connect the unconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission by extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Applications include connecting hikers in national parks, emergency responders, rural communities, remote sensors, and people in emergency situations. 

As a Sr. RAN Software Engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will lead the validation and optimization of the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack. This role requires strong software engineering skills to build scalable test automation frameworks and work directly with other software developers to triage and resolve complex 4G/5G protocol stack software issues.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Lead the design, development, and maintenance of CI/CD test automation frameworks for eNB/gNB feature validation, including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing 
  • Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug and root-cause RAN issues, and collaborate with developers to resolves issues and drive feature improvements 
  • Build software tools and data pipelines to analyze RAN performance and optimize eNB/gNB parameters to improve network KPIs 
  • Manage and prioritize network issues while collaborating closely with development teams to drive resolution 
  • Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure in collaboration with partner teams 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline 
  • 5+ years of Python/C/C++ coding experience 
  • 5+ years of experience developing, executing, and managing automated LTE/5G-NR test cases (including test planning and results tracking) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features 
  • Experience with user equipment (UE) log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL) 
  • Experience developing test automation frameworks or CI/CD pipelines 
  • Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols with hands-on experience resolving software issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers 
  • Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment 
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US