1

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

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-24

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 17, 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?

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:

Infographic showing various 5G Field Testing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 66% Full Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,676 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

SES S.A Brazil

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at providing key features, functionality, and future vision for Commercial Aviation connectivity to deliver an at home internet access experience while sitting on an airplane. Solutions integrate many individual sub-systems from the users’ connected devices, through the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet. Solutions are knit together and defined with various development teams and disciplines, product management, and support organizations.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a working member of the Commercial Aviation systems engineering team delivering quality technical solutions that address strategic technical and business needs carrying through concept, design, deployment, and field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge technology and to drive its application to next generation solution realization, being able to communicate technical solutions and concepts in both written and verbal means to a variety of people and organizations, and contribute to cross-functional teams (such as hardware engineering, network engineering, satellite engineering, operations, satellite capacity planning) within SES, with suppliers, and with customers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
  • You will investigate new technologies and prove out their applicable use to SES' Commercial Aviation in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.
  • Define system-level technical requirements for IFEC systems.
  • Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers.
  • Design and document high-level architecture for IFEC systems.
  • Work with Product Owners to review and refine epic and feature-level business requirements.
  • Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs.
  • Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements.
  • Be the point person resolving issues that appear in the field.
COMPETENCIES
  • Proven ability to understand complex systems comprised of communication, computing, and internet technologies.
  • Ability to aggregate, organize, and present complex technical information.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to think critically.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international, multi-site environment.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication systems, system-level would be a bonus
  • Excellent working knowledge of common web / networking protocols (e.g. QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional understanding (e.g. compute resources and memory, communication mechanisms such as ethernet and discretes), and software functional understanding (e.g. VMs, Docker containers, software engineering concepts).
  • Knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
    • Web service and cloud computing infrastructure.
    • Network infrastructures including routers, gateways, SD-WANs, deep packet inspection systems, load balancers, and firewalls.
    • Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly 802.11 and Satellite (MEO, LEO, GEO).
  • Experience with front end process flow; understanding of process inputs from Product Management and needed outputs to Development and Test.
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS
  • Data management experience in areas such as data capture and distribution, data storage techniques, and data display techniques.
  • End-to-end knowledge of 5G and satellite systems.
  • Master’s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Experience with Jama Connect or another requirements management tool.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr