RAN Lab Test Architect

Tata Consultancy Services; Reading; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is seeking an experienced End to End RAN Lab Validation specialist in the UK. The role focuses on turning approved network designs and features into production-aligned test coverage, governing execution, and delivering evidence-based exit recommendations for rollout and operational readiness.

You will lead Samsung and Huawei RAN feature validation across LTE, VoLTE and 5G, coordinating with OSS, Core/IMS and transport, while mentoring test engineers and driving

Qualifications

• Experience in RAN lab architecture, integration and system/feature testing within operator environments.
• Deep expertise in Samsung and Huawei RAN platforms, configurations, alarms and logs.
• Advanced knowledge of 4G/LTE, VoLTE and 5G NSA/SA.
• Understanding of OSS/EMS/NMS, EPC/5GC, IMS and transport dependencies.

Responsibilities

• Define lab validation strategy, test architecture and data criteria.
• Translate designs and requirements into test coverage and traceability.
• Lead RAN feature validation across LTE, VoLTE and 5G with multi-vendor interfaces.
• Review plans, scripts and traceability matrices for risk-based coverage.
• Drive lab readiness, baseline control and data preparation.
• Provide leadership during fault isolation and defect triage.
• Assess results and advise on field trials, rollout and production readiness.
• Mentor engineers and improve automation and reusable assets.

Skills

RAN lab testing

Samsung RAN

Huawei RAN

4G/LTE/5G NSA/SA

OSS/EMS/NMS interfaces

test governance

defect management

test automation

scripting/CI-CD exposure

Tools

RAN test tools

protocol/log analysis tools

traffic simulation tools

CI/CD tooling

Job description

TCS is a purpose-led transformation company, built on belief. We don’t just help businesses to transform through technology. We support them in making a meaningful difference to the people and communities they serve - our clients include some of the biggest brands in the UK and worldwide. For you, it means more opportunities to make an impact that matters, through challenging projects which demand ambitious innovation.

The role

End to End RAN Lab validation strategy and technical test architecture for Samsung and Huawei environments. Convert approved network designs and feature requirements into production-aligned test coverage, govern technical execution and defects, and provide evidence-based test exit recommendations for rollout and operational readiness.

Key responsibilities:

• Define the lab validation strategy, test architecture, environment topology, test objects, tools, data and entry/exit criteria.
• Translate HLD/LLD, feature specifications and operational requirements into functional, regression, interoperability, resilience, performance, upgrade, rollback and negative test coverage.
• Lead Samsung and Huawei RAN feature validation across LTE, VoLTE and 5G, including multi-vendor interfaces and dependencies with OSS, Core/IMS and Transport.
• Review test plans, TOLs, scripts, methods of procedure and traceability matrices; ensure coverage is risk-based, repeatable and aligned with production configurations.
• Drive lab readiness, software/hardware baseline control, configuration governance, test data preparation and release/version traceability.
• Provide technical leadership during complex fault isolation; coordinate evidence collection, vendor engagement, defect triage, retest and closure.
• Assess test results, residual risks and exceptions; issue clear recommendations for FOA/field trials, rollout, rollback readiness and production acceptance.
• Mentor test engineers, improve automation and reusable test assets, and present technical status, risks and decisions to customer and delivery stakeholders.

Technical Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience in RAN lab architecture, integration and system/feature testing within complex UK or European operator environments.
• Deep expertise in Samsung and Huawei RAN platforms, software releases, configuration principles, alarms, counters, logs and vendor troubleshooting workflows.
• Advanced knowledge of 4G/LTE, VoLTE and 5G NSA/SA, including mobility, capacity, accessibility, retainability, service continuity and inter‑RAT/inter‑vendor scenarios.
• Good understanding of RAN interfaces and dependencies across OSS/EMS/NMS, EPC/5GC, IMS, IP/Transport, timing/synchronisation and device/test-equipment ecosystems.
• Proven ownership of test governance, defect management, risk assessment, technical reporting and formal test exit recommendations.
• Experience with RAN test tools, protocol/log analysis, traffic simulation and test automation; scripting or CI/CD exposure is desirable.
• Confident customer-facing communication, technical workshop leadership and coordination across design, vendor, operations, field and programme teams

TCS is consistently voted a Top Employer in the UK and globally. Our competitive salary packages feature pension, health care, life assurance, laptop, phone, access to extensive training resources and discounts within the larger Tata network.

At TCS, we believe in building and sustaining a culture of equity and belonging where everyone can thrive. Our diversity motto is ‘Inclusion without Exception’.

You’ll find a welcoming culture and many internal volunteering and social networks to join. Our diversity, inclusion and social activities include LGBTQ+ and mental health networks, as well as health and wellness initiatives and sports events (we even sponsor the London Marathon).

TCS celebrates inclusion without exception. We are open to all and treat applications equally, regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation or beliefs.

If you are an applicant who needs an accommodation due to a disability to complete an employment application, or during any phase of the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail] with the subject line: “Disability Accommodation Request”.

Due to a high volume of applications, we will be unable to contact each applicant individually on the status of their application. If you have not received a direct response within 30 days, then it should be deemed unsuccessful on this occasion.