1

Senior Ran Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal RAN Engineering

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$141K - $254K/yr

As Principal RAN Engineering, you will be providing your expertise in radio frequency (RF ... Works with minimal oversight, frequently consulting senior leadership and influencing executive ...

As a Senior Wireless Network Design Engineer , you will lead the design, planning, and optimization ... You will own critical aspects of radio access network (RAN) design, drive technical trade studies ...

As a Senior Wireless Network Design Engineer , you will lead the design, planning, and optimization ... You will own critical aspects of radio access network (RAN) design, drive technical trade studies ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Ran Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior RAN Engineer?

To thrive as a Senior RAN Engineer, you need expertise in radio access network technologies, network optimization, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in telecommunications or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as TEMS, NetAct, Aircom, and certifications like CCNA or vendor-specific credentials (e.g., Nokia, Ericsson) are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and effective communication help you manage projects and collaborate across teams. These combined technical and soft skills enable the reliable deployment, optimization, and maintenance of complex mobile network infrastructures.

What is a Senior RAN Engineer?

A Senior RAN (Radio Access Network) Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining wireless communication networks to ensure optimal performance and coverage. They analyze network performance data, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to enhance efficiency. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to support network expansion, upgrades, and integration of new technologies like 5G. Their role requires expertise in RF engineering, protocols, and network optimization tools.

What are the common challenges faced by Senior RAN Engineers in their daily work?

Senior RAN Engineers often encounter challenges related to optimizing network performance in dynamic and high-traffic environments, troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, and adapting to rapidly evolving telecommunications technologies. They are frequently tasked with balancing the need for network reliability and efficiency while coordinating upgrades or expansions with minimal service disruption. Close collaboration with RF engineers, core network teams, and field technicians is essential to solve technical problems efficiently. Successful engineers remain adaptable and proactive in learning new tools and standards as the industry evolves.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ran Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Ran Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Ran Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Ran Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Ran Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Ran Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Ran Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Ran Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Ran Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. RAN Software Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA

$175K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. RAN SOFTWARE 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 Sr. RAN Software Engineer on the Starlink Mobile program, you will lead the validation and optimization of the 4G/5G RAN software protocol stack. This role requires strong software engineering skills to build scalable test automation frameworks and work directly with other software developers to triage and resolve complex 4G/5G protocol stack software issues.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Lead the design, development, and maintenance of CI/CD test automation 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 resolves issues and drive feature improvements 
  • Build software tools and data pipelines to analyze RAN performance and optimize eNB/gNB parameters to improve network KPIs 
  • Manage and prioritize network issues while collaborating closely with development teams to drive resolution 
  • Troubleshoot and maintain RAN lab infrastructure in collaboration with partner teams 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline 
  • 5+ years of Python/C/C++ coding experience 
  • 5+ years of experience developing, executing, and managing automated LTE/5G-NR test cases (including test planning and results tracking) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features 
  • Experience with user equipment (UE) log analysis and associated software tools (QXDM/XCAL) 
  • Experience developing test automation frameworks or CI/CD pipelines 
  • Strong understanding of LTE and 5G-NR protocols with hands-on experience resolving software issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers 
  • Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment 
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $175,000.00 - $280,000.00


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.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

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