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Senior Ran Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Canonical

Telco Cloud Field Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... NUMA, SR-IOV, DPDK, etc * Familiarity with telco architecture and industry standards * Working ... Mobile Packet Core (4G/5G), Private Network, Radio Access Network (RAN), Voice, IP Backbone, VAS or ...

AvePoint

Senior Solution Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As the Senior Solution Engineer, you will partner with our sales executives as the key technical lead throughout the sales lifecycle of our business. Through this partnership, you will work in a ...

Askable

Social and Community Lead (USA)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Ghostwrite and direct content for senior leaders so they sound like themselves, only sharper ... Worked in research, insights, AI, or developer tools categories * Ran an influencer, creator, or ...

All JobsSenior Ran Engineer JobsSenior Ran Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Ran Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

How much do senior ran engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior ran engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Senior RAN (Radio Access Network) engineers in the telecommunications industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in network architecture, and leadership roles. High-level executive positions in tech or finance also frequently reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring advanced degrees and significant industry expertise.

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 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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Senior RAN engineers, who specialize in radio access network technology within telecommunications, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying regions or companies. Such salaries are typically achieved through senior roles, bonuses, and profit-sharing, often requiring specialized certifications and a strong track record in network deployment and optimization.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 engineer?

In engineering roles, including senior roles like a Senior Ran Engineer, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of technical expertise and responsibility, with L1 being entry-level and L4 representing senior or lead positions. These levels help define job expectations, skill requirements, and career progression within organizations, often associated with specific certifications or experience milestones.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior RAN (Radio Access Network) engineers in telecommunications can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in network architecture, and leadership roles. High compensation is often associated with working for major carriers, in high-cost regions, or holding advanced certifications and managerial responsibilities.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Ran Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Ran Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Ran Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Ran Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Ran Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Senior Ran Engineer jobs near you
Principal Systems Engineer, RF Communications & Sensing

Principal Systems Engineer, RF Communications & Sensing

Parallel Wireless

Mundelein, IL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Parallel Wireless is reimagining mobile networks with innovative, energy-efficient Open RAN solutions. Join us as we lead the future of telecommunications, driving innovation through green and sustainable networks. Learn more about our mission, vision and values.  

Position Summary
The Principal Systems Engineer (Technical SME) provides senior technical leadership for U.S. Department of War and Federal wireless communications, networking, and sensing solutions. This role requires deep expertise in DoW network/communications CONOPS and mission needs, software-defined RF systems, AI/ML-enabled wireless networks, adaptive networking, and integrated communications and sensing.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as principal technical authority for wireless communications, networking, and integrated communications and sensing architectures.
  • Primary technical support for Federal/DoW customer engagements
  • Lead customer RFP technical responses and capability white papers
  • Shape strategy for O-RAN–based 5G/6G, distributed sensing, and cognitive EMSO operations.
  • Architect software-defined RF systems integrating communications, networking, and sensing.
  • Design AI-driven (O-RAN RIC and applications) resilient wireless networks with adaptive resource management.
  • Lead solutioning, architecture, and design of multi-waveform radios, waveforms, and SDN-enabled architectures.
  • Conduct modeling, simulation, and performance assessments.
  • Advise DoW and Federal leaders on communications, networking, and sensing architectures.
  • Lead technical exchanges, CONOPS development, and capability road mapping.
  • Provide technical leadership for captures, proposals, and complex programs as Chief Engineer or Technical Lead.
Required Qualifications
  • Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 10+ years of experience in wireless (tactical and cellular) dual-use communications, networking, sensing, or cognitive systems.
  • System-level expertise in software-defined radio (SDR), software-defined networking (SDN/SD-WAN), and virtualized networks.
  • Expertise in RF communications, mesh networking, and integrated communications/sensing.
  • Experience with 5G/6G, O-RAN, tactical radios, and multi-domain MANET/mesh networks.
  • Knowledge of RF sensing, EW awareness, and spectrum operations.
  • Experience with DoW, NATO, and joint interoperability architectures (e.g., CMOSS, 3U-VPX).
  • Knowledge of DoW and Federal communications requirements and network modernization efforts.
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US security clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required for the role.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Currently holding an active U.S. Secret clearance or Top Secret clearance.
  • Patents, Publications and standards contributions
  • Prior experience as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Technical Fellow.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, please let us know.

Parallel Wireless is expanding the ecosystem for Open RAN with the GreenRAN™ energy-efficient Hardware-Agnostic technology. Deployed worldwide, our comprehensive 2G/3G/4G/5G Macro RAN solutions enhance network security while reducing operating expenses. As pioneers of Open RAN, we prioritize innovation, flexibility, and sustainability to help build a more connected, and green networks. Headquartered in the USA with global R&D centers, we are proud to serve over 60 customers worldwide and have been recognized with over 100 industry awards. Our mission is to accelerate GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero initiative by reducing TCO and driving innovation across the telecom ecosystem.Learn more at www.parallelwireless.com.
Parallel Wireless embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams representing all backgrounds, with a wide range of perspectives, and empowering industry-leading skills. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.Parallel Wireless does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies or individuals. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Parallel Wireless employees, or any other company location. Parallel Wireless is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.