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Rf Ran Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

RAN Validation Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA

$155K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with RAN lab equipment, including testbed setup and RF troubleshooting * In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features * Experience with RAN lab equipment, including ...

Eridan

Solution Engineer (Open RAN)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Work with different debugging tools, from Keysight RF testing tools to Viavi emulators and Wireshark. * Debug across Linux systems, network switching and fronthaul, and RAN configuration layers.

Eridan

Solution Engineer (Open RAN)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Work with different debugging tools, from Keysight RF testing tools to Viavi emulators and Wireshark. * Debug across Linux systems, network switching and fronthaul, and RAN configuration layers.

Eridan

Solution Engineer (Open RAN)

Sunnyvale, CA

Work with different debugging tools, from Keysight RF testing tools to Viavi emulators and Wireshark. * Debug across Linux systems, network switching and fronthaul, and RAN configuration layers.

AT&T

Principal RAN Engineering

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$141K - $254K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitor and optimize network performance, troubleshoot issues, analyze RAN data, and perform RF optimization and capacity management. * Implementation and Configuration: Deploy network solutions ...

SpaceX

RAN Validation Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with RAN lab equipment, including testbed setup and RF troubleshooting * In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features * Experience with RAN lab equipment, including ...

SpaceX

RAN Validation Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with RAN lab equipment, including testbed setup and RF troubleshooting * In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features * Experience with RAN lab equipment, including ...

Skylo

Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Define and own the RF payload architecture for direct-to-device services on LEO spacecraft ... Collaborate closely with cellular RAN and core network teams to ensure compatibility with 3GPP and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRf Ran JobsRf Ran Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Rf Ran information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$43.5K

$138.2K

$214.9K

How much do rf ran jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf ran in Santa Clara, CA is $138,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $163,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF RAN engineer?

RF RAN engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, optimizing, and maintaining the radio access network (RAN) components of wireless communication systems. They work with radio frequency (RF) technologies to ensure reliable and efficient wireless coverage and capacity for mobile networks. Their responsibilities include planning cell site locations, configuring network parameters, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and supporting the rollout of technologies like 4G LTE and 5G. RF RAN engineers play a crucial role in delivering high-quality wireless services to end users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF RAN engineer?

To thrive as an RF RAN Engineer, you need strong knowledge of radio frequency (RF) principles, wireless communication standards, and a degree in telecommunications or a related field. Proficiency with RF planning tools (such as Atoll or Asset), drive test equipment, and network management systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for optimizing network performance and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are critical for ensuring reliable wireless network coverage and high-quality service for users.

What are the typical challenges faced by RF RAN engineers when optimizing network performance in a live environment?

RF RAN engineers often face challenges such as managing interference, balancing coverage and capacity, and troubleshooting unexpected network issues in real time. Working in a live environment requires quick problem-solving and close coordination with field teams, network operations, and other engineers to minimize downtime and maintain service quality. Adapting to rapidly changing technologies and customer demands also requires ongoing learning and flexibility, making the role both demanding and rewarding.

What is the difference between Rf Ran vs Rf Engineer?

AspectRf RanRf Engineer
CertificationsWireless certifications, LTE/5G trainingWireless certifications, LTE/5G training
Work EnvironmentNetwork deployment, site installation, testingNetwork design, testing, troubleshooting
Industry UsageTelecom operators, network providersTelecom companies, network vendors

Rf Ran professionals focus on deploying and maintaining radio access network hardware, including site installation and testing. Rf Engineers typically handle network design, optimization, and troubleshooting. While both roles require similar certifications and work in telecom environments, Rf Ran roles are more hands-on with hardware deployment, whereas Rf Engineers focus on network performance and planning.

What are popular job titles related to Rf Ran jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Rf Ran jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rf Ran jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rf Ran jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Rf Ran jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Rf Ran job openings:

Rf Ran jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rf Ran job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,208 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

RAN Validation Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA

$155K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

RAN VALIDATION ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE)

SpaceX is developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide through the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service, extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Starlink Mobile was designed to connect the unconnected, and this new product will greatly expand that mission by extending coverage to billions of existing cellular devices. Applications include connecting hikers in national parks, emergency responders, rural communities, remote sensors, and people in emergency situations. 

As a RAN Validation Engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will be responsible for validating and optimizing the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack. This includes developing automated test cases for feature validation, performing lab and field testing, analyzing and optimizing network performance, and collaborating with developers to resolve complex issues. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop and maintain automated test cases and frameworks for eNB/gNB feature validation, including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing 
  • Analyze UE and eNB/gNB logs to debug and root-cause RAN issues, and collaborate with developers to drive fixes 
  • Lead UE log collection and field testing to support eNB/gNB feature development 
  • Build software tools and database queries to analyze RAN performance and tune eNB/gNB parameters to optimize KPIs 
  • Manage and prioritize network issues and work with developers to resolve them 
  • Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure in collaboration with partner teams 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline 
  • Experience with RAN parameter configuration, optimization, and performance analysis 
  • Experience with Python for test automation and data analysis, along with experience in Linux and code repositories (Git)
  • Experience developing, executing, and managing LTE/5G-NR test cases (including test planning and results tracking) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • 2+ years of experience with eNB/gNB and/or modem validation 
  • 2+ years of lab and/or field experience in new product introduction or product certification 
  • Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols with hands-on experience debugging issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers 
  • Experience with UE log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL) 
  • Experience with RAN lab equipment, including testbed setup and RF troubleshooting 
  • In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features 
  • Experience with RAN lab equipment, including testbed setup and RF troubleshooting 
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $135,000.00 - $175,000.00
Level 2: $155,000.00 - $210,000.00

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 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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Hours and flexibility

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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

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