1

Wireless 5G Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wireless services Position Reporting To: Algorithm Engineering Lead Dynamic Bay Area startup is ... PhD in Electrical Engineering or Applied Mathematics, or equivalent research experience. * Focused ...

5G DevOps Engineer

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

... Engineer to support a cleared research program focused on advanced networking, 5G/telecom systems ... Familiarity with RF, SDR, wireless communications, cyber operations, network security research, SDN ...

5G DevOps Engineer

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

... Engineer to support a cleared research program focused on advanced networking, 5G/telecom systems ... Familiarity with RF, SDR, wireless communications, cyber operations, network security research, SDN ...

... Engineer to support a cleared research program focused on advanced networking, 5G/telecom systems ... Familiarity with RF, SDR, wireless communications, cyber operations, network security research, SDN ...

... Engineer to support a cleared research program focused on advanced networking, 5G/telecom systems ... Familiarity with RF, SDR, wireless communications, cyber operations, network security research, SDN ...

... Engineer to support a cleared research program focused on advanced networking, 5G/telecom systems ... Familiarity with RF, SDR, wireless communications, cyber operations, network security research, SDN ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Wireless Engineer w Travel - SECRET Clearance

Vienna, VA โ€ข On-site

ActioNet, Inc.
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description
ActioNet is seeking a Wireless Engineer with Travel
Overview: The Wireless Engineer designs, installs, optimizes, and maintains mobile broadband, cellular, and WLAN systems across enterprise Base Area Networks (BAN). This role supports both legacy and modernized wireless infrastructure, ensuring maximum coverage, minimal interference, and compliance with Air Force and DoW technical, security, and spectrum standards. The Wireless Engineer contributes to system design, RF planning, troubleshooting, site surveys, documentation, and operational sustainment while collaborating with network engineering, cybersecurity, and base communications teams.
The Wireless Engineer supports the design, deployment, and optimization of 4G LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) wireless solutions across enterprise and mission environments, ensuring resilient broadband connectivity and low-latency performance for critical applications. The Wireless Engineer applies knowledge of RAN architecture, mobile core functions, and backhaul integration to ensure seamless mobility and high-availability wireless service.
Location: Remote with 15% Travel CONUS, and may need to travel OCONUS, as needed
***Secret Clearance Required***
Salary range for this position is up to $250,000, depending on qualifications, including relevant certifications, education, years of experience, and demonstrated experience supporting Federal Government programs within the field. Candidates with specialized expertise, industry-recognized certifications, and strong Federal contracting experience may be considered at the higher end of the range.
Key Responsibilities
Wireless and Broadband System Engineering
  • Assist with the design of mobile broadband/cellular solutions across BAN environments, including antennas, power, backhaul, and spectrum utilization
  • Design enterprise WLAN infrastructure using advanced RF principles, including predictive and on-site RF modeling, heat mapping, and site surveys
  • Ensure WLAN design follows DoD/DAF RF, HERO, HERP, and HERF safety standards and spectrum certification requirements
  • Support green-field wireless designs-no legacy wireless reuse-per modernized network requirements
  • Evaluate RF propagation characteristics, building materials, multipath conditions, and flight line/industrial environment constraints

Installation, Configuration, and Integration
  • Install, configure, and test broadband, WLAN, and cellular systems in accordance with engineering design packages
  • Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, DoD STIGs, NIAP, FIPS, and applicable cybersecurity guidelines
  • Coordinate with Network Engineers to optimize system integration, traffic flows, bandwidth usage, and performance
  • Support installation of wireless infrastructure across operational facilities, maintenance hangars, warehouses, munitions areas, and flight line operations areas

Site Surveys and Spectrum Management
  • Conduct predictive, passive, active, and verification wireless site surveys (indoor and outdoor)
  • Document survey results, including RF readings, spectrum analysis, heat maps, interference sources, and channel planning
  • Ensure compliance with AFI 17-220 spectrum processes, including SCG data collection, device certification inputs, and safe RF emissions near ordnance, fuels, and personnel
  • Identify and document OSP/ISP constraints, power/grounding requirements, and environmental hazards that affect wireless deployment

Operations, Sustainment, and Troubleshooting
  • Monitor wireless system performance, availability, and security posture using approved NMS tools
  • Diagnose and resolve wireless issues involving RF interference, connectivity, hardware failures, authentication, or configuration conflicts
  • Perform preventive maintenance, firmware updates, vulnerability mitigation, and configuration optimization
  • Support Tier 2/3 wireless troubleshooting as part of shared operational responsibilities with the Base Communications Squadron

Documentation and Compliance
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including design diagrams, RF heat maps, configuration files, and installation records
  • Ensure wireless systems meet DoD, DAF, STIG, RMF, TEMPEST, and cybersecurity standards
  • Record installation, maintenance, and repair actions for operational continuity and future reference
  • Produce required documentation deliverables, such as Wi-Fi heat maps, wireless installation descriptions, and RF assessments for transition packages

5G/LTE System Engineering
  • Designs and implements LTE and 5G RAN components, including small cells, macro cells, antennas, eNodeB/gNodeB platforms, and associated transport networks.
  • Performs RF engineering tasks for 5G and LTE systems, including waveform analysis, MIMO/Antenna configuration, carrier aggregation, and spectrum allocation.
  • Supports integration of 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures into existing enterprise networks.
  • Evaluates and configures 5G core functions such as AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, NRF, and interfaces (N1-N4, N6-N14, etc.) for mission needs.
  • Optimizes throughput, coverage, and reliability using drive testing, RF measurements, SINR/RSRP/RSRQ analysis, and spectrum monitoring.

5G/LTE Operations and Testing
  • Installs, configures, and validates LTE and 5G radios, including DAS systems, small cells, and private cellular networks.
  • Performs acceptance testing using tools such as spectrum analyzers, RF scanners, UE testing platforms, and OEM management systems.
  • Conducts testing of new cellular technologies, including network slicing, edge computing capabilities (MEC), and 5G security features before deployment.
  • Troubleshoots cellular service issues involving signaling failures, handover performance, RF interference, mobility challenges, and core-radio integration.

Collaboration and Compliance
  • Works with spectrum management authorities to ensure proper frequency licensing and compliance for LTE and 5G deployments.
  • Ensures 5G/LTE systems comply with DoD/DAF cybersecurity requirements, including STIG, RMF, FIPS, and Zero-Trust Architecture considerations.

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, such as computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, or related OR
  • High school diploma or associate degree with 7 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer on large, complex networks.

Experience
  • 5 years of experience with broadband, wireless, or enterprise network engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience in WLAN RF design, enterprise wireless planning, and advanced wireless troubleshooting
  • Experience designing and supporting TCP/IP networks, including switching, routing, QoS, NAC, NMS, and OSP/ISP distribution systems
  • Experience with LTE EPC and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, protocols (S1/X2, NG, N2/N3), and mobility operations
  • Proficiency with RF and cellular tools such as CellAdvisor, TEMS, Nemo, PCTEL scanners, or similar
  • Working knowledge of network slicing, beamforming, MIMO technologies, and private cellular networks (CBRS/OnGo)

Technical Skills
  • Proficient in broadband and wireless technologies, including 802.11 standards, RF engineering, spectrum analysis, and wireless security
  • Strong understanding of network protocols, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture
  • Skilled in MS Office Suite, Teams, and SharePoint
  • Experience with wireless design tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet) and network performance monitoring systems
  • Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity controls, STIGs, ACAS scanning, and RMF processes

Certifications
  • CCNA, JNCIA, or equivalent
  • CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8140 compliance)
  • Additional wireless certifications, such as CWNA or CWDP, are desirable

Preferred Certifications
  • 3GPP 5G/LTE certifications (Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, Samsung, Verizon, AT&T training)
  • CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI)
  • Certified Wireless Specialist - Cellular (CWS, CWSA)
  • CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI) certification
  • Ekahau Certified Survey Engineer (ECSE) or equivalent enterprise RF design certification

Clearance
  • Active Secret Clearance required

Desired Attributes
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve wireless/system faults quickly and efficiently
  • Strong communication skills for coordination with engineering teams, base communications units, and operational leadership
  • Ability to work in high-security, mission-critical environments with strict standards and oversight
  • Detail-oriented, with strong documentation and compliance discipline

About ActioNet
ActioNet is a CMMI-DEV Level 4, CMMI-SVC Level 4, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, HDI-certified, woman-owned IT solutions provider with 25+ years of stellar performance. Our expertise spans Agile Software Engineering, Cloud Solutions, Cybersecurity, and IT Managed Services.
With a 98% customer retention rate, ActioNet is proud to be named a Top Workplace for 13 consecutive years (2014-2026).Why ActioNet?At ActioNet, our Passion for Quality is at the heart of everything we do:Commitment to Employees: A great place to work with ongoing investment in our people.Commitment to Customers: Driving and sustaining service delivery excellence.Commitment to Community: Giving back and building a better world for future generations.What's in It for You?
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & 11 Paid Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Education and Professional Training
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Recognition and Referral Programs
  • Employee Assistance & Identity Theft Protection

ActioNet is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.