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Ran Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced RF Design Consultant with strong 5G and Open RAN experience to ... Perform RF engineering activities including link budgets, propagation analysis, antenna ...

RAN Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a RAN System Engineer to participate in definition, integration ... This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and ...

Position Overview We are seeking a RAN System Engineer to participate in definition, integration ... This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and ...

ERPs ran the physical world for half a century. Dryft is powering the next. THE ROLE As Founding Design Engineer , you'll work directly with our CEO, CTO, and customers to build magical user ...

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Ran Design Engineer information

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$18

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$73

How much do ran design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ran design engineer in the United States is $50.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Ran Design engineer?

A RAN (Radio Access Network) Design Engineer is a telecommunications professional responsible for designing and optimizing the radio network infrastructure that connects mobile devices to the core network. Their work involves planning cell site locations, configuring radio parameters, and ensuring efficient network coverage and capacity. RAN Design Engineers use specialized tools and software to model radio propagation, analyze network performance, and address issues like interference and signal quality. They play a critical role in deploying new technologies such as 4G, 5G, and beyond, working closely with other network engineers to deliver reliable wireless service.

How does a Ran Design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during network rollout projects?

As a Ran Design Engineer, you will regularly work with project managers, RF engineers, site acquisition teams, and field technicians to ensure that radio access network (RAN) designs are implemented effectively. Collaboration often involves attending planning meetings, sharing technical drawings, and providing input on site selection and equipment placement. You may also be responsible for resolving issues that arise during deployment, such as signal interference or hardware compatibility, requiring timely communication and problem-solving with other departments. This close teamwork helps ensure that network rollouts are completed on schedule and meet performance requirements.

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

To thrive as a RAN Design Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications, radio frequency (RF) engineering, and network design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as Atoll, TEMS, and network simulation software, along with certifications like CCNA or vendor-specific credentials (e.g., Nokia, Ericsson), is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and solve complex design problems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring optimal network performance, reliability, and efficient deployment of wireless communication systems.

What is the difference between Ran Design Engineer vs Radio Network Design Engineer?

AspectRan Design EngineerRadio Network Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications, certifications like CCNA or RF certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, network service providers, field and office settingsTelecom firms, network planning teams, field and office environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in LTE, 5G, and telecom network planningUsed in wireless network planning, optimization, and deployment

Both roles focus on designing and optimizing wireless networks, with similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The main difference lies in terminology: 'Ran Design Engineer' is often used in specific telecom companies or regions, while 'Radio Network Design Engineer' is a broader industry term. They share similar responsibilities in planning, designing, and improving radio access networks.

What cities are hiring for Ran Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Ran Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Ran Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ran Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ran Design Engineer jobs?

For Ran Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr. 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in 3GPP meetings to contribute to the development of 5G and 6G standards related to RAN architecture, spectrum, and physical layer design.

  • Draft, review, and submit technical contributions on topics such as 5G/6G NR, NTN, RAN architecture, spectrum bands, and performance evaluation.

  • Analyze and develop technical solutions for mobility features, signaling, protocol analysis, and architecture interconnect features, translating standards outcomes into engineering requirements.


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. 3GPP STANDARDIZATION ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) 
 
The 3GPP RAN Standardization Engineer will serve as the company's technical expert within the 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) working groups. This individual will actively participate in 3GPP meetings, drive company contributions to influence 5G and 6G standards (including NTN, spectrum evolution, network architecture, and physical layer design) and ensure alignment between internal engineering teams and global standards developments. 
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in radio access (RAN) technologies, practical experience developing products or participating in standardization activities for a product-focused company, and strong diplomacy and advocacy skills to represent the company's technical interests in an international standards environment. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Act as the company's subject matter expert in the 3GPP RAN2 and RAN3 Working Groups.
  • Present, negotiate, and defend company contributions and proposals to ensure alignment of emerging standards with product and regulatory goals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with other 3GPP members, operators, chipset vendors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Draft, review, and submit technical contributions on topics such as 5G/6G NR, 5G/6G NTN, RAN architecture, spectrum bands, and performance evaluation.
  • Provide detailed technical analysis on topics relevant to the Working Group discussion, such as:
    • Design and analyze mobility features and enhancements
    • Develop signaling and protocol analysis of control plane and user plane features
    • Maintain ASN.1 for internal requirement consumption
    • Prior experience with RAN4 RRM is a plus
    • Develop architecture and interconnect features 
  • Participate in internal design reviews to translate 3GPP outcomes into actionable engineering requirements.
  • Track standardization timelines, Study Item/Work Item progress, and Release planning (e.g., Release 20, 21, and beyond).
  • Summarize and communicate 3GPP meeting outcomes to internal stakeholders through concise reports and recommendations.
  • Identify emerging standardization opportunities, risks, and competitive moves.
  • Partner with system engineering, RF design, regulatory, and product teams to align internal technical roadmaps with 3GPP evolution.
  • Support business and partnership discussions with standards-based technical insights. 
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Bachelor degree degree in STEM discipline.
  • 6+ years of experience with cellular RAN design and/or system architecture.
  • 4+ years of experience working with/on 3GPP standardization. 
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 
  • Advanced degree (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
  • Deep understanding of:
    • 5G NR and LTE PHY/MAC/RRC layers.
    • Emerging 6G enhancements, studies, and feature evolution
    • NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) and satellite integration into 3GPP systems
    • Spectrum coexistence, PFD limits, RF propagation, and link budgets. 
  • Proven experience contributing to and/or leading submissions within 3GPP RAN working groups.
  • Prior leadership role (e.g., rapporteur, ad hoc chair, or company lead delegate) in a 3GPP or similar standards body.
  • Familiarity with ITU-R, ETSI, GSMA, or regional regulatory processes.
  • Background in satellite communications, NTN, or RF systems integration.
  • Ability to manage multiple contributions across parallel RAN WGs and releases. 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Willing to work extended hours as needed.
  • Willing and able to travel as needed (up to 25%). 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
 
Pay Range:    
Communications Integration Engineer/Sr.: $170,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year     
 
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US