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Cellular Test Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

AST SpaceMobile

RAN Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to ... Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the ...

AST SpaceMobile

RAN Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to ... Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the ...

Alarm.com

Device Engineer II (RF/EMC)

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

... cellular networks (LTE, Cat-M, NB-IoT, RedCap, eRedCap), WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa and mesh/star sub ... This is a lab-focused role for an engineer who enjoys owning test execution end-to-end -- from ...

ORBCOMM

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Design and develop satellite, cellular, BLE, and LoRa-enabled industrial IoT products. * Select ... Participate in design verification activities and support test automation initiatives. Product ...

AST SpaceMobile

RAN Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD

... cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. This role sits at the ... Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the ...

One Way Ventures

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Job Summary Lynk is developing cellular-based space payloads and seeks engineers with expertise and ... Design and test high-speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ...

Lynk

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Job Summary Lynk is developing cellular-based space payloads and seeks engineers with expertise and ... Design and test high-speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ...

Lynk

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Job Summary Lynk is developing cellular-based space payloads and seeks engineers with expertise and ... Design and test high‑speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ...

Lynk Global, Inc.

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Job Summary Lynk is developing cellular-based space payloads and seeks engineers with expertise and ... Design and test high‑speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ...

SPA

Sr. Communications Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

This role focuses on ensuring technical and programmatic requirements for cellular, satellite ... Provide tailored systems engineering and test & evaluation (T&E) services, support senior ...

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All JobsCellular Test Engineer JobsCellular Test Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Cellular Test Engineer information

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How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cellular test engineer in Washington, DC is $50.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.84 and $59.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cellular test engineer?

Cellular Test Engineers are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze tests to ensure the quality and performance of cellular devices and networks. They work with mobile phones, modems, and network infrastructure to verify compliance with industry standards such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. Their job often involves troubleshooting, documenting test results, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to resolve issues and improve product reliability. Cellular Test Engineers play a critical role in the development and maintenance of wireless communication technologies.

What are some typical challenges a cellular test engineer might face when working with new network technologies?

Cellular Test Engineers often encounter challenges when validating and troubleshooting new network technologies like 5G or IoT protocols. These can include adapting to rapidly evolving standards, ensuring device compatibility across different carriers, and diagnosing complex issues that arise from interoperability between hardware and software. The role requires strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to learning, as well as effective communication with cross-functional teams such as hardware, software, and network operations to resolve issues efficiently. Staying up-to-date with industry developments is essential to succeed in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cellular test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cellular Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, RF testing, and protocol analysis, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with cellular test equipment (such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and protocol analyzers), as well as knowledge of 3G/4G/5G standards and relevant certifications, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you diagnose issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure reliable device performance, regulatory compliance, and successful product launches in a rapidly evolving wireless industry.

What is the difference between Cellular Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectCellular Test EngineerRF Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; certifications like FCC or RF testing certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; RF certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, R&D departments, field testing for cellular devicesTesting labs, RF labs, manufacturing facilities, field testing
Industry UsageTelecommunications, mobile device manufacturing, network providersWireless communications, telecom, RF component manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonCellular Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer

The Cellular Test Engineer focuses on testing cellular devices and networks, ensuring compatibility with cellular standards. The RF Test Engineer specializes in radio frequency testing, which includes a broader range of wireless technologies. While both roles require knowledge of RF principles and certifications, the Cellular Test Engineer is more specific to cellular technologies, whereas the RF Test Engineer covers a wider spectrum of wireless systems.

What are popular job titles related to Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Cellular Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cellular Test Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,231 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

RAN Systems Engineer

AST SpaceMobile

Lanham, MD • On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Position Overview
We are seeking a RAN System Engineer to participate in definition, integration, optimization, and product roadmap execution of LTE/5G radio systems across our global satellite-ground infrastructure-the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones.
This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and interference management, while also owning the translation of system capabilities into a coherent product roadmap and serving as a trusted technical interface to customers and partners.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience from a leading RAN vendor, a strong understanding of baseband design and scheduling pipelines, and the ability to bridge engineering realities with customer expectations in a fast-moving, non-traditional deployment environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Ensure robust operation of terrestrial RAN features-such as scheduling, MIMO, mobility, and interference coordination-when deployed over AST's space-based infrastructure via standard CPRI/eCPRI interfaces.
  • Own cell- and network-level performance modeling, including:
    • Spectral efficiency
    • Cell density and reuse strategies
    • Beam transitions and UE tracking
    • Interference prediction and mitigation
    • Scaled ground GW operation
  • Drive feature provisioning end-to-end-from requirements definition and vendor engagement through integration, validation, and controlled enablement across the network-ensuring new capabilities are introduced reliably and without degrading existing performance.
  • Manage customer and partner expectations by translating complex system constraints and development timelines into clear, honest, and actionable communications; serve as the primary technical point of contact for feature-related inquiries from operators, partners, and key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with system integration, DSP, RF, and core network teams to align baseband behavior with AST's product goals.
  • Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
  • Serve as a key technical interface to RAN vendors and partners, participating in debugging, integration workshops, and roadmap alignment.
  • Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization by analyzing and tuning eNB/gNB behavior to maximize cell throughput (TpT), coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.

Qualifications
Education:
  • BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a recognized institution.
  • Relevant certifications in cellular systems or wireless communications (e.g., 3GPP, LTE/5G) are a plus.

Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years in cellular system engineering, RAN performance, or architecture roles (including vendor-side experience).
  • Proven experience in real cellular network deployment and optimization (lab and field).
  • Expertise in 3GPP specifications for 4G and 5G, with hands-on interpretation and application to system design.
  • Demonstrated experience owning or co-owning a technical product roadmap, including prioritization under uncertainty and communication of trade-offs to non-engineering stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or space-ground hybrid architecture.
  • Hands-on background with beamforming systems, antenna arrays, and RF front-end constraints.
  • Familiarity with traffic modeling, scheduler design, and spectral efficiency optimization at scale.
  • Experience working with RAN vendors (e.g., integration, debugging, feature enablement).
  • Knowledge of fronthaul protocols (CPRI/eCPRI) and transport considerations in constrained or high-latency environments.
  • Background in predictive modeling, data science, or simulation frameworks for network planning.
  • Exposure to O-RAN architectures and vendor interoperability.
  • Experience interfacing directly with MNO customers or enterprise partners on capability delivery, timeline commitments, or technical pre-sales engagements.

Soft Skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional technical discussions (DSP, RF, Systems, Core).
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within distributed, multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to distill complex concepts for technical and executive audiences.
  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of models, documentation, and deliverables.
  • Analytical problem solver with a bias toward measurable outcomes and system-wide impact.
  • Ownership mindset; comfortable navigating ambiguity in cutting-edge, non-traditional deployments.

Technology Stack
  • RAN & Baseband: eNB/gNB stacks, scheduler frameworks, MIMO/beamforming, HARQ, CQI/PMI/RI, mobility and ICIC/eICIC/CoMP.
  • Interfaces & Transport: CPRI/eCPRI, O-RAN interfaces, Ethernet/IP transport, timing/synchronization (PTP, GPS).
  • Modeling & Simulation: MATLAB, Python, NumPy/Pandas, simulation tools for link/system-level performance.
  • Data & Visualization: Jupyter, data pipelines for KPI analysis; familiarity with logging/telemetry systems.
  • Standards & Specs: 3GPP (LTE/NR), NTN-related specs, vendor roadmaps and interoperability frameworks.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to participate in lab testing environments with standard RF and baseband equipment.
  • Ability to lift up to 25lbs
  • May require occasional travel for integration workshops, vendor engagements, customer visits, or field validations.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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