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Wireless 5G Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular ... Monitor and analyze emerging trends in wireless communication to identify areas for innovation and ...

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular ... Monitor and analyze emerging trends in wireless communication to identify areas for innovation and ...

Wireless Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

The Wireless Sensor and Embedded Systems group at Bosch Research is dedicated to research and ... PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering * Experience in wireless communication, signal ...

The Wireless Sensor and Embedded Systems group at Bosch Research is dedicated to research and ... PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering * Experience in wireless communication, signal ...

Wireless Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

The Wireless Sensor and Embedded Systems group at Bosch Research is dedicated to research and ... PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering * Experience in wireless communication, signal ...

Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular ... Monitor and analyze emerging trends in wireless communication to identify areas for innovation and ...

Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular ... Monitor and analyze emerging trends in wireless communication to identify areas for innovation and ...

... research, design, development, analysis, and operation of 5G based wireless communications ... Software design and programming in C++ with strong object-oriented philosophy * Strong teamwork ...

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Wireless 5g Research Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do wireless 5g research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for wireless 5g research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Wireless 5G Research Engineer do?

A Wireless 5G Research Engineer is responsible for researching, developing, and testing new technologies and protocols related to 5G wireless networks. Their work involves designing innovative solutions to improve network speed, reliability, and efficiency. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype, simulate, and analyze wireless communication systems. These engineers contribute to advancing the capabilities of mobile networks, ensuring robust connectivity for future devices and applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wireless 5G Research Engineer?

To thrive as a Wireless 5G Research Engineer, you need a strong background in wireless communications, signal processing, and network protocols, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise with simulation tools like MATLAB, knowledge of 3GPP standards, and experience with software-defined radio platforms are commonly required. Analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the ability to innovate, solve complex problems, and contribute to the development and optimization of next-generation wireless technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by Wireless 5G Research Engineers during the development and testing of new technologies?

Wireless 5G Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility with evolving global standards, managing the complexity of integrating new hardware and software components, and testing systems under diverse real-world conditions. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is key, as engineers must coordinate with hardware designers, software developers, and network operators to address interoperability and performance issues. Staying up-to-date with rapid advancements in the field and troubleshooting unexpected technical problems are also integral parts of the role.

What is the difference between Wireless 5G Research Engineer vs Wireless Network Engineer?

AspectWireless 5G Research EngineerWireless Network Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and researching 5G technologies and innovationsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining wireless networks
Required SkillsWireless communication, RF engineering, research methodologiesNetwork configuration, troubleshooting, hardware setup
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, technology companiesTelecom companies, service providers, enterprise networks
CertificationsRF certifications, wireless communication certificationsCisco, CompTIA Network+, CWNA

While both roles involve wireless technologies, the Wireless 5G Research Engineer focuses on developing and researching new 5G solutions, whereas the Wireless Network Engineer manages and maintains existing wireless networks. The former is more research-oriented, often in labs or R&D settings, while the latter works in operational environments ensuring network performance.

What are popular job titles related to Wireless 5G Research Engineer jobs?

For Wireless 5G Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wireless 5G Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Research Engineer/Sr. Research Engineer

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$87K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity

Job Description:

The Open6G group at the Institute for the Intelligent Networked Systems (INSI), Northeastern University, is leading research and development, testing and integration, and system integration for next-generation wireless systems. We envision programmable and intelligent cellular networks that can be dynamically and algorithmically instrumented and optimized through software and AI. We lead key research in Open Radio Access Network (RAN) systems, contributing to the O-RAN ALLIANCE, and we are a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance. We work with an industry consortium of 20+ companies, driving research into new approaches and paradigms for cellular systems. Our private 5G/6G testbed features open and open-source software and commercial equipment, seamlessly integrated to provide an advance research, development, and integration environment to students and researchers in the Institute. We support multiple startups and established companies in their testing and integration needs, and we are the first O-RAN Open Testing and Integration Center (OTIC) to have released a certificate in North America.

We are looking for multiple Research Engineer (RE) roles who can lead and support research activities across the center, working with faculty, researchers, and students to rethink software, hardware, and systems for cellular networks. The REs will support federal, state, and industry funded research programs on programmable cellular networks, Open RAN, spectrum sharing, channel modeling and emulation, network automation, among others. This role involves activities related to software and system development, testbed management and maintenance, experimental research and field trials, testing and integration, and/or RF engineering. The REs will maintain and enrich the center documentation and develop training programs to involve new personnel, Ph.D., master, and undergraduate students in Open6G activities. REs will also be involved in supporting our contributions to the O-RAN and AI-RAN Alliances.

Successful candidates have deep knowledge of cellular systems, 3GPP, open RAN, software development for automation, embedded systems, and/or RF equipment, and system engineering. Knowledge of AI and system support for AI solutions is a plus. The REs will work in and coordinate with a multi-disciplinary, heterogeneous team, but also lead of specific project features and tasks toward their complete implementation.

We are excited to look for our future colleagues in this research journey toward open, programmable, and intelligent cellular networks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicant must have at a minimum a MS in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or equivalent and (3) three years or more of experience with progressively more responsible, independent engineering work; or a Ph.D. with demonstrated R&D experience.

Development experience with bash scripting and Python, and/or embedded development (C/C++/etc).

Knowledge on cellular systems, 3GPP, open RAN.

Knowledge of Linux environments, Kubernetes, system configuration (e.g., for servers, networking equipment).

We will consider a plus experience with at least one among (i) Keysight and VIAVI equipment and software; (ii) RF testing; (iii) Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment frameworks (CI/CD) such as Jenkins and Ansible; (iv) wireless testbeds and related instruments (e.g., software-defined radios); (v) AI and system support for AI solutions.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

111S

Expected Hiring Range:

$87,785.00 - $123,998.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.