1

5G Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cognizant is seeking a Software Research Engineer - C++ to develop an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) networking infrastructure for private 5G network deployments. The role involves leveraging C ...

6G Standards Research Engineer About Ofinno: Ofinno is a leading research and development lab ... Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

5G Research information

See salary details

$11

$22

$37

How much do 5g research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for 5g research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a 5G Researcher, you need a solid background in wireless communications, signal processing, and network architecture, usually supported by an advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools (such as MATLAB or NS-3), protocol analyzers, and industry-standard development platforms is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills for this role. These skills enable researchers to innovate, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to the advancement of next-generation wireless technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in 5G research roles?

Professionals in 5G research often encounter challenges such as keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies, addressing security and privacy concerns, and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. They may also face difficulties translating theoretical innovations into viable, real-world solutions that comply with industry standards. Collaboration is usually cross-disciplinary, involving frequent coordination with hardware engineers, software developers, and network operators to align research goals with practical deployment needs.

What is 5G research?

5G research involves the study and development of fifth-generation wireless technology, which aims to provide faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity than previous mobile networks. Researchers in this field work on improving network architecture, spectrum efficiency, and new applications like IoT and autonomous vehicles. The goal is to enable more reliable and efficient communication for both consumers and industries. 5G research also explores security, energy efficiency, and integration with emerging technologies such as AI and edge computing.
More about 5G Research jobs
What states have the most 5G Research jobs? States with the most job openings for 5G Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various 5G Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Peraton

College Park, MD

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on designing, developing, prototyping, and evaluating SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless communications, networking, cyber operations, and experimentation platforms.At Peraton Labs, you will work on mission-focused R&D efforts that move from research concepts to working prototypes and operationally relevant capabilities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, and customer stakeholders to solve complex problems involving wireless systems, signal processing, protocol analysis, networked communications, and secure communications environments.

This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key responsibilities may include

  • Design, develop, prototype, and test Software Defined Radio capabilities for wireless communications and networking systems
  • Research and implement signal processing, waveform, protocol, and radio frequency techniques to support mission-focused experimentation
  • Develop SDR applications and prototypes using tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar
  • Work with commercial and open-source SDR platforms, including USRP, Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar
  • Support wireless protocol research, analysis, implementation, and experimentation across systems such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio, or custom waveform environments
  • Integrate SDR capabilities with Linux-based systems, networking environments, containers, testbeds, and cyber experimentation platforms
  • Conduct lab-based testing, field testing, performance analysis, data collection, and troubleshooting of RF and SDR systems
  • Analyze wireless signals, protocol behavior, RF performance, and systems teams to integrate SDR capabilities into larger prototypes
  • Communicate findings, technical approaches, and prototype results through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, or publications

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*

#MDFSP

#PLABS26

Qualifications

Required qualifications

  • Minimum of 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field or related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 10+ years.
  • 2+ years hands-on experience developing Software Defined Radio solutions
  • Strong understanding of RF systems, wireless communications, digital signal processing, and SDR architectures
  • Experience with SDR hardware such as USRP/Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar platforms
  • Experience working in Linux-based development environments
  • Ability to develop, test, troubleshoot, and document research prototypes
  • Experience developing SDR or wireless communications using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to stakeholders
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
  • This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired Additional Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field is preferred
  • Experience with LTE, 5G, WiFi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio systems, mesh networking, or custom waveform development
  • Knowledge of OpenAirInterface, srsRAN/srsLTE, Open5Gs, free5GC, Amarisoft, or similar wireless/telecom stacks
  • Experience with LTE or 5G standards, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS, or core network interfaces
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, vector signal analyzers, channel emulators, or RF front-end equipment
  • Experience with DSP concepts such as modulation/demodulation, synchronization, filtering, channel estimation, equalization, coding, detection, and signal classification
  • Experience with RFML, wireless security, protocol reverse engineering, electronic warfare, spectrum sensing, interference analysis, or RF cyber research
  • Experience integrating SDR capabilities into containers, Kubernetes, virtualized environments, cyber ranges, or network experimentation testbeds.
  • Experience with test automation, data analysis, and experiment orchestration using Python or similar tools
  • Experience contributing to proposals, whitepapers, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, or customer-facing research briefings
  • Ability to serve as a technical lead or principal investigator on DoD/IC research efforts
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017