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Senior Ran Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Ran Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$55.9K

$118.9K

$172.4K

How much do senior ran engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior ran engineer in Iowa is $118,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Senior RAN Engineer job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Senior Ran Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 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.
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What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Ran Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Ran Engineer job openings:
Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer EngineeringAppointment Type:FacultyJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ece.iastate.edu), in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University, invites applications for the position of Research Assistant Professor. This is a 3-year term research faculty position that holds responsibilities primarily contributing to the research mission of the department through scholarly impact and an externally funded research program in the areas of wireless and network systems. Specifically, besides contributing to the research, education, and innovation projects led by the Center for Wireless, Communities and Innovation (wici.iastate.edu), the responsibilities include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students working on research and design projects.

Term Faculty hold limited-term, full or part-time, renewable appointments that are not eligible for tenure, but have the potential to be reviewed for advancement into senior ranks. Research faculty must secure extramural funding to fully support their research program and at least 80% but no more than 90% of their salary, with the remainder salary provided by the department.

Successful candidates will have experience that demonstrates exceptional ability or potential to produce scholarship, compete for and secure funding from external sources, and the capability for long-term leadership in their research field. They will also exhibit excellent communication skills.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph. D. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Research experience and quality publications in advanced wireless and network systems (e.g., safety-critical wireless, URLLC, Open RAN, 6G/NextG);

  • Hands-on experience with cellular network platforms (e.g., O-RAN, srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, Aether/SD-RAN), edge/cloud computing platforms (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenStack), SDN, and/or VNF;

  • Hands-on experience in designing, developing, deploying, and/or operating field-deployed wireless, network, and/or distributed systems;

  • Hands-on experiences in edge/cloud systems management, virtual machines/containers, Linux systems administration, shell scripting, etc;

  • Capability of building systems prototypes based on reference publications and/or open-source software;

  • Knowledge of wireless systems, networked/distributed systems, operating systems, virtualization, systems and network security;

  • Programming skills: Python, C, C++, Java, Web etc.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University is home to 60 faculty and is associated with 11 research centers and institutes, for instance, the Center for Wireless, Community and Innovation (WiCI). The department boasts 20 IEEE Fellows, over $15.4M in research expenditures (FY20), and one of the largest ECpE enrollments in the nation.

About Iowa State University and the Ames Community

Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive. More than 30,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditures exceeding $105 million.

Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA, a progressive community of 66,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, and is beaming with community pride and accolades.

Iowa State University and the College of Engineering are responsive to the needs of dual-career couples and are dedicated to work-life balance through an array of flexible work policies.

Department Unit/Website:


For more information about our department's engineering programs, go to www.ece.iastate.edu.

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026Proposed End Date or Length of Term:May 15, 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timeApplication Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by May 31st, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications

  • Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

  • Research statement

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Hongwei Zhang (hongwei@iastate.edu) or Sara K. Harris (skharris@iastate.edu).


Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:March 4, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R18719

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