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5G Field Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Concordia Group

Construction Field Manager

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... to 5G. Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna ... Arranging for construction testing and engineering services if necessary. * Climb ladders over 30 ...

Concordia Group

Construction Field Manager

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... to 5G. Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna ... Arranging for construction testing and engineering services if necessary. * Climb ladders over 30 ...

Concordia Group

Construction Field Manager

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... to 5G. Our services include construction management, electrical and civil modernization, antenna ... Arranging for construction testing and engineering services if necessary. * Climb ladders over 30 ...

viaPhoton

Quality Technician

Aurora, IL

$17 - $20/hr

... 5G networks for some of the biggest names in tech. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and ... About the Role You'll be our quality advocate, testing and inspecting everything that comes through ...

viaPhoton

Quality Technician

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... 5G networks for some of the biggest names in tech. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and ... About the Role You'll be our quality advocate, testing and inspecting everything that comes through ...

viaPhoton

Supplier Quality

Naperville, IL · On-site

... infrastructure, 5G networks, or next-generation broadband. We're reimagining fiber optic ... Fiber optic cable extrusion, termination, polishing, and testing * Sheet metal fabrication and ...

viaPhoton

ERP Business Analyst

Naperville, IL

... 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks ... Collaborate with technical teams to communicate requirements, support development, perform testing ...

viaPhoton

Packaging Engineer

Naperville, IL

... 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks ... Conduct material testing to ensure packaging durability and compliance with shipping standards

viaPhoton

Packaging Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

... infrastructure, 5G networks, or next-generation broadband. We're reimagining fiber optic ... Conduct material testing to ensure packaging durability and compliance with shipping standards.

MX1

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$152K/yr

... field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge ... Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements. * Be the point ...

SES

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge ... Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements. * Be the point ...

SES

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

$152K/yr

... field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge ... Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements. * Be the point ...

All Jobs5G Field Testing Jobs5G Field Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL

5G Field Testing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do 5g field testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for 5g field testing in Chicago, IL is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $26.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 5G Field Testing vs 5G Network Optimization Engineer?

Aspect5G Field Testing5G Network Optimization Engineer
Primary FocusConducting on-site tests to verify 5G network performance and coverageAnalyzing network data to improve and optimize 5G network performance
Work EnvironmentField locations, cell sites, outdoor and indoor environmentsOffice-based, data analysis, and remote troubleshooting
Required SkillsRF testing, signal analysis, equipment operationNetwork analysis, troubleshooting, software tools
CertificationsRF or wireless certifications often preferredNetwork certifications like Cisco, Nokia, or Ericsson certifications

While both roles involve working with 5G networks, 5G Field Testing focuses on on-site testing and verification of network performance, whereas 5G Network Optimization Engineers analyze data to enhance network efficiency. Both roles require technical skills but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced during 5G field testing, and how can they be addressed?

5G field testing professionals often encounter challenges such as variable signal strength, interference from surrounding networks, and the complexity of integrating new technology with existing infrastructure. Addressing these requires adaptability, strong troubleshooting skills, and collaboration with network engineers and equipment vendors. Utilizing advanced testing tools, carefully planning test routes, and maintaining clear communication with the project team can help overcome these obstacles and ensure accurate, reliable test results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 5G Field Testing Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a 5G Field Testing Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, RF engineering, and telecommunications, often supported by a degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering. Experience with tools like spectrum analyzers, drive test equipment (e.g., TEMS, Nemo), and knowledge of 5G NR standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating with teams and troubleshooting issues in the field. These competencies ensure accurate testing, efficient network optimization, and the successful deployment of robust 5G networks.

What is 5G field testing?

5G field testing refers to the process of evaluating and verifying the performance, coverage, and reliability of 5G wireless networks in real-world environments. This testing involves using specialized equipment to measure factors like signal strength, data speeds, latency, and network stability at various locations. The goal is to ensure that the 5G network meets technical standards and delivers the expected user experience before it is fully deployed to the public. Field testers often work outdoors and collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and optimize network performance.
What are popular job titles related to 5G Field Testing jobs in Chicago, IL? For 5G Field Testing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 5G Field Testing jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for 5G Field Testing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
5G Field Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various 5G Field Testing job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,676 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

5G/LTE Network Engineer I

Parallel Wireless

Mundelein, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Parallel Wireless is reimagining mobile networks with innovative, energy-efficient Open RAN solutions. Join us as we lead the future of telecommunications, driving innovation through green and sustainable networks. Learn more about our mission, vision and values.  
Job Summary

You will work across the full lifecycle of mobile network infrastructure from lab integration and commissioning through live deployment, performance monitoring, and ongoing optimization. One day you're tracing a signaling failure at the protocol level; the next you're investigating why a cluster of cells is underperforming against their KPI targets. This is a hands-on, technically demanding role with no shortage of variety. You'll be expected to think independently, dig hard when you're stuck, and grow quickly. If you're the kind of person who reads beyond the syllabus and finds mobile networks genuinely fascinating rather than just academically interesting, you'll fit right in. This role is based out of our Head Quarters office in Nashua, NH, 45 miles north of Boston.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deploy, configure, and commission LTE eNodeBs to work with 3 party EPC components (MME, SGW, PGW), and 5G NR/Core elements in lab and live customer environments
  • Perform end-to-end system integration and interface testing across S1, X2, N1, N2, and N3 reference points
  • Analyze protocol traces (S1AP, NGAP, X2AP, E2AP, GTP-U, DIAMETER, SCTP) to diagnose signaling failures, handover issues, and connectivity anomalies
  • Monitor and troubleshoot RAN and core KPIs for accessibility, retainability, mobility, availability and performance and own root-cause analysis when they degrade
  • Operate and maintain network performance management systems, identifying trends and anomalies across multi-vendor environments before they become customer-impacting events
  • Support customer-facing lab trials and network acceptance testing, including direct engagement with operator engineering teams
  • Develop scripts and tooling in Python and Bash to automate data collection, processing, and reporting workflows
  • Write and maintain technically rigorous documentation: network topology diagrams, test plans, commissioning procedures, and incident post-mortems
  • Contribute to the integration of next-generation monitoring capabilities, including AI/ML-driven anomaly detection and intelligent alerting, into operational platforms
  • Stay current on 3GPP specifications, GSMA guidelines, and evolving 5G standards; you'll be expected to read specs, not just summaries of them
Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s or Masters’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Networks, or a related field, recent graduate or up to 1 year of experience
  • Be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Theoretical foundation in LTE/5G RAN and core network architecture
  • Comfort working in Linux environments from the command line
  • Basic scripting ability in Python or Bash
  • Ability to read and interpret packet captures even if you're still building that skill
  • Analytical mindset: you approach a problem by forming a hypothesis and testing it systematically
  • An appetite for data: you find patterns in large datasets interesting, not overwhelming
  • Clear written and verbal communication: your analysis is only as good as your ability to explain it
  • Ability to travel internationally as needed
Parallel Wireless is expanding the ecosystem for Open RAN with the GreenRAN™ energy-efficient Hardware-Agnostic technology. Deployed worldwide, our comprehensive 2G/3G/4G/5G Macro RAN solutions enhance network security while reducing operating expenses. As pioneers of Open RAN, we prioritize innovation, flexibility, and sustainability to help build a more connected, and green networks. Headquartered in the USA with global R&D centers, we are proud to serve over 60 customers worldwide and have been recognized with over 100 industry awards. Our mission is to accelerate GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero initiative by reducing TCO and driving innovation across the telecom ecosystem.Learn more at www.parallelwireless.com.
Parallel Wireless embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams representing all backgrounds, with a wide range of perspectives, and empowering industry-leading skills. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.Parallel Wireless does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies or individuals. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Parallel Wireless employees, or any other company location. Parallel Wireless is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

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.