1

5G Rf Optimization Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary As an RF/Electrical Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for wearing many hats in ... You will be responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancement of ...

Showing results 21-40

5G Rf Optimization Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$37.8K

$120.3K

$187.1K

How much do 5g rf optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for 5g rf optimization engineer in Ashburn, VA is $120,340.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a 5G RF Optimization Engineer, you need a solid background in wireless communications, RF engineering principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Expertise in RF planning tools, drive test equipment, and knowledge of system optimization platforms such as TEMS, Atoll, or Actix, along with relevant certifications like CCNA or 5G-specific credentials, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, troubleshooting abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve network issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for ensuring optimal network performance, customer satisfaction, and successful deployment of advanced 5G technologies.

What does a 5G RF Optimization Engineer do?

A 5G RF Optimization Engineer is responsible for ensuring optimal performance of 5G wireless networks by analyzing and improving radio frequency (RF) parameters. They use specialized tools to monitor network quality, identify coverage gaps, and resolve issues related to signal strength, interference, and data throughput. Their work involves tuning network equipment, conducting drive tests, and collaborating with other engineers to implement solutions that enhance user experience and network efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by a 5G RF Optimization Engineer when deploying new sites, and how are they typically addressed?

A 5G RF Optimization Engineer often encounters challenges such as interference management, handover optimization, and ensuring consistent coverage in dense urban environments during new site deployments. These challenges are typically addressed through detailed drive testing, network parameter tuning, and close collaboration with network planners and field teams. Engineers also utilize advanced software tools to analyze performance metrics and implement solutions like antenna tilt adjustments, frequency planning, and power optimization to enhance network quality.

What is the difference between 5G Rf Optimization Engineer vs RF Network Engineer?

Aspect5G Rf Optimization EngineerRF Network Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing 5G radio frequency performance and coverageDesigning, deploying, and maintaining RF networks
CertificationsRF, wireless, or telecom certifications, often including 5G-specific trainingSimilar certifications, with emphasis on RF and network design
Work EnvironmentField testing, site surveys, and network optimization in telecom companiesNetwork planning, deployment, and troubleshooting in telecom or service providers

The 5G Rf Optimization Engineer specializes in fine-tuning 5G radio networks to ensure optimal performance, coverage, and capacity. In contrast, the RF Network Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining RF networks, including 4G and 5G, across various stages. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to 5G Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA? For 5G Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 5G Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for? The top searched job categories for 5G Rf Optimization Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for 5G Rf Optimization Engineer jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most 5G Rf Optimization Engineer job openings:
Wireless Engineer w Travel - SECRET Clearance

Wireless Engineer w Travel - SECRET Clearance

ActioNet, Inc.

Vienna, VA โ€ข On-site

$250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description
ActioNet is seeking a Wireless Engineer with Travel
Overview: The Wireless Engineer designs, installs, optimizes, and maintains mobile broadband, cellular, and WLAN systems across enterprise Base Area Networks (BAN). This role supports both legacy and modernized wireless infrastructure, ensuring maximum coverage, minimal interference, and compliance with Air Force and DoW technical, security, and spectrum standards. The Wireless Engineer contributes to system design, RF planning, troubleshooting, site surveys, documentation, and operational sustainment while collaborating with network engineering, cybersecurity, and base communications teams.
The Wireless Engineer supports the design, deployment, and optimization of 4G LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) wireless solutions across enterprise and mission environments, ensuring resilient broadband connectivity and low-latency performance for critical applications. The Wireless Engineer applies knowledge of RAN architecture, mobile core functions, and backhaul integration to ensure seamless mobility and high-availability wireless service.
Location: Remote with 15% Travel CONUS, and may need to travel OCONUS, as needed
***Secret Clearance Required***
Salary range for this position is up to $250,000, depending on qualifications, including relevant certifications, education, years of experience, and demonstrated experience supporting Federal Government programs within the field. Candidates with specialized expertise, industry-recognized certifications, and strong Federal contracting experience may be considered at the higher end of the range.
Key Responsibilities
Wireless and Broadband System Engineering
  • Assist with the design of mobile broadband/cellular solutions across BAN environments, including antennas, power, backhaul, and spectrum utilization
  • Design enterprise WLAN infrastructure using advanced RF principles, including predictive and on-site RF modeling, heat mapping, and site surveys
  • Ensure WLAN design follows DoD/DAF RF, HERO, HERP, and HERF safety standards and spectrum certification requirements
  • Support green-field wireless designs-no legacy wireless reuse-per modernized network requirements
  • Evaluate RF propagation characteristics, building materials, multipath conditions, and flight line/industrial environment constraints

Installation, Configuration, and Integration
  • Install, configure, and test broadband, WLAN, and cellular systems in accordance with engineering design packages
  • Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, DoD STIGs, NIAP, FIPS, and applicable cybersecurity guidelines
  • Coordinate with Network Engineers to optimize system integration, traffic flows, bandwidth usage, and performance
  • Support installation of wireless infrastructure across operational facilities, maintenance hangars, warehouses, munitions areas, and flight line operations areas

Site Surveys and Spectrum Management
  • Conduct predictive, passive, active, and verification wireless site surveys (indoor and outdoor)
  • Document survey results, including RF readings, spectrum analysis, heat maps, interference sources, and channel planning
  • Ensure compliance with AFI 17-220 spectrum processes, including SCG data collection, device certification inputs, and safe RF emissions near ordnance, fuels, and personnel
  • Identify and document OSP/ISP constraints, power/grounding requirements, and environmental hazards that affect wireless deployment

Operations, Sustainment, and Troubleshooting
  • Monitor wireless system performance, availability, and security posture using approved NMS tools
  • Diagnose and resolve wireless issues involving RF interference, connectivity, hardware failures, authentication, or configuration conflicts
  • Perform preventive maintenance, firmware updates, vulnerability mitigation, and configuration optimization
  • Support Tier 2/3 wireless troubleshooting as part of shared operational responsibilities with the Base Communications Squadron

Documentation and Compliance
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including design diagrams, RF heat maps, configuration files, and installation records
  • Ensure wireless systems meet DoD, DAF, STIG, RMF, TEMPEST, and cybersecurity standards
  • Record installation, maintenance, and repair actions for operational continuity and future reference
  • Produce required documentation deliverables, such as Wi-Fi heat maps, wireless installation descriptions, and RF assessments for transition packages

5G/LTE System Engineering
  • Designs and implements LTE and 5G RAN components, including small cells, macro cells, antennas, eNodeB/gNodeB platforms, and associated transport networks.
  • Performs RF engineering tasks for 5G and LTE systems, including waveform analysis, MIMO/Antenna configuration, carrier aggregation, and spectrum allocation.
  • Supports integration of 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures into existing enterprise networks.
  • Evaluates and configures 5G core functions such as AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, NRF, and interfaces (N1-N4, N6-N14, etc.) for mission needs.
  • Optimizes throughput, coverage, and reliability using drive testing, RF measurements, SINR/RSRP/RSRQ analysis, and spectrum monitoring.

5G/LTE Operations and Testing
  • Installs, configures, and validates LTE and 5G radios, including DAS systems, small cells, and private cellular networks.
  • Performs acceptance testing using tools such as spectrum analyzers, RF scanners, UE testing platforms, and OEM management systems.
  • Conducts testing of new cellular technologies, including network slicing, edge computing capabilities (MEC), and 5G security features before deployment.
  • Troubleshoots cellular service issues involving signaling failures, handover performance, RF interference, mobility challenges, and core-radio integration.

Collaboration and Compliance
  • Works with spectrum management authorities to ensure proper frequency licensing and compliance for LTE and 5G deployments.
  • Ensures 5G/LTE systems comply with DoD/DAF cybersecurity requirements, including STIG, RMF, FIPS, and Zero-Trust Architecture considerations.

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, such as computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, or related OR
  • High school diploma or associate degree with 7 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer on large, complex networks.

Experience
  • 5 years of experience with broadband, wireless, or enterprise network engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience in WLAN RF design, enterprise wireless planning, and advanced wireless troubleshooting
  • Experience designing and supporting TCP/IP networks, including switching, routing, QoS, NAC, NMS, and OSP/ISP distribution systems
  • Experience with LTE EPC and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, protocols (S1/X2, NG, N2/N3), and mobility operations
  • Proficiency with RF and cellular tools such as CellAdvisor, TEMS, Nemo, PCTEL scanners, or similar
  • Working knowledge of network slicing, beamforming, MIMO technologies, and private cellular networks (CBRS/OnGo)

Technical Skills
  • Proficient in broadband and wireless technologies, including 802.11 standards, RF engineering, spectrum analysis, and wireless security
  • Strong understanding of network protocols, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture
  • Skilled in MS Office Suite, Teams, and SharePoint
  • Experience with wireless design tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet) and network performance monitoring systems
  • Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity controls, STIGs, ACAS scanning, and RMF processes

Certifications
  • CCNA, JNCIA, or equivalent
  • CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8140 compliance)
  • Additional wireless certifications, such as CWNA or CWDP, are desirable

Preferred Certifications
  • 3GPP 5G/LTE certifications (Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, Samsung, Verizon, AT&T training)
  • CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI)
  • Certified Wireless Specialist - Cellular (CWS, CWSA)
  • CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI) certification
  • Ekahau Certified Survey Engineer (ECSE) or equivalent enterprise RF design certification

Clearance
  • Active Secret Clearance required

Desired Attributes
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve wireless/system faults quickly and efficiently
  • Strong communication skills for coordination with engineering teams, base communications units, and operational leadership
  • Ability to work in high-security, mission-critical environments with strict standards and oversight
  • Detail-oriented, with strong documentation and compliance discipline

About ActioNet
ActioNet is a CMMI-DEV Level 4, CMMI-SVC Level 4, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, HDI-certified, woman-owned IT solutions provider with 25+ years of stellar performance. Our expertise spans Agile Software Engineering, Cloud Solutions, Cybersecurity, and IT Managed Services.
With a 98% customer retention rate, ActioNet is proud to be named a Top Workplace for 13 consecutive years (2014-2026).Why ActioNet?At ActioNet, our Passion for Quality is at the heart of everything we do:Commitment to Employees: A great place to work with ongoing investment in our people.Commitment to Customers: Driving and sustaining service delivery excellence.Commitment to Community: Giving back and building a better world for future generations.What's in It for You?
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & 11 Paid Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Education and Professional Training
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Recognition and Referral Programs
  • Employee Assistance & Identity Theft Protection

ActioNet is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.