Network Test Engineer RAN

Three Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Annual Leave buy/sell

Healthcare insurance

Learning & development tools

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Three Ireland is seeking a Network Test Engineer (RAN) to join the Networks Test Team. You will validate and assure the quality of mobile network services, contributing to the successful introduction of new technologies and enhancements of the mobile network.

The role requires hands-on RAN lab experience, strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with design, operations, core network and vendor teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Hands-on experience with physical RAN lab setup and integration.
• Familiarity with mobile network concepts and RF fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Execute test plans and test cases for RAN features and services across all RAN technologies.
• Support testing of network changes, software upgrades and new technology introductions.
• Assist with setup, configuration and maintenance of RAN test lab environments and equipment.
• Perform functional, regression, interoperability and performance testing.
• Analyse test results, logs and network data to identify issues and document them.

Skills

RAN testing

Wireshark

Lab setup

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, IT or related

Tools

TEMs

Nemo

QXDM

Python basics

Job description

In our world things change by the millisecond

We build the technology that creates amazing moments and better connects our customers. Ready to play your part? Join us and Be Phenomenal. Working towards the same shared goal of better connectivity, our tech teams enjoy a high degree of freedom. We love hearing ideas and seeing them come to life. With great resources, you’ll get to be part of a team at the foundations of the transformation of our business. Who knows what the next innovation will be? That’s what makes a career at Three so exciting.

Since we set foot in Ireland, we’ve done things differently

Investing in infrastructure, we built a network that now connects 2.2 million customers nationwide, carrying more data than all alternative telecommunications providers combined. We take the script and rip it up, we’re a big-hearted energetic bunch, striving for a better connected life. We encourage our employees to face their weaknesses, to really open themselves up to new tasks and projects in a super-charged and rich learning environment. We want you to become the best version of yourself.

Join us as Network Test Engineer RAN

This position resides within the Three Ireland Networks Test Team, which is responsible for validating and assuring the quality of mobile network services across Voice, Messaging, Data, RAN, IP, Service Control and Value Added Services.

As a Network Test Engineer, you will support the testing and validation of Radio Access Network (RAN) features and services across Three Ireland's mobile network. Working as part of a team of experienced network engineers, you will contribute to the successful introduction of new technologies and enhancements of the mobile network.

This is a collaborative and fast-paced environment and the suitable candidate must show a high level of initiative, strong problem-solving ability, and a willingness to learn and develop their technical expertise.

The role reports to the Networks Test Manager and works closely with colleagues across Network Design, Operations, Core Network, and Vendor teams to support the delivery of high-quality network services.

What else it involves:

• As a Network Test Engineer, you will contribute to a range of testing and validation activities, including:
• Execute test plans and test cases for RAN features and services across all RAN technologies.
• Support the testing of network changes, software upgrades, and new technology introductions.
• Assist with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of RAN test lab environments and equipment.
• Perform functional, regression, interoperability, and performance testing.
• Execute mobility and service validation scenarios, including handovers, VoLTE, and data service testing.
• Analyse test results, logs, traces, and network data to identify and document issues.
• Troubleshoot and isolate issues related to RF performance, signalling failures, call drops, attach failures, and data session interruptions.
• Work closely with internal teams and vendors during testing and validation activities.
• Produce accurate test documentation, reports, and defect records.
• Contribute to test automation and process improvement initiatives where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with 3GPP standards, operator requirements, and vendor specifications during feature validation and network integration activities.

The skills we're looking for:

• The successful candidate should demonstrate strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and a desire to develop expertise in mobile network technologies and testing.
• Degree in Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience with physical RAN lab setup and integration, including cabling, rack installation, power connections, antenna/RF path configuration, test UE setup, and coordination of lab infrastructure for end-to-end network testing
• Understanding of mobile telecommunications technologies and networking fundamentals.
• Knowledge of mobile network concepts, with a particular understanding of Radio Access Network architecture and functionalities.
• Understanding of RF concepts including propagation, interference, handovers, carrier aggregation, MIMO, and beamforming.
• Familiarity with IP networking principles and protocols.
• Experience using troubleshooting and diagnostic tools such as Wireshark or equivalent.
• Ability to analyse technical information and investigate issues in a structured manner.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in telecommunications, network testing or operations environments.
• Familiarity with mobile network testing tools such as TEMS, Nemo, QXDM, or vendor-specific platforms.
• Awareness of 3GPP standards and mobile network procedures.
• Basic scripting or automation experience using Python, Bash, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of Linux operating systems.
• Exposure to Ericsson, or similar telecom vendor technologies.
• Understanding of VoLTE, mobility procedures, and network performance testing concepts.

Benefits of Working at Three

• Flexible working with our new Hybrid model, our employees will enjoy more flexibility working from home and our office locations (3 days per week office based). Please see job description for the office location of this role.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus & pension contribution
• Annual Leave buy or sell (buy or sell up to 5 days AL each year)
• Healthcare Insurance through our flexible benefits programme
• Access to learning & development tools such as Coursera
• Free on-site parking

There’s a lot more to us than meets the eye.

You may think you know us, but we’re full of surprises. Intrigued? Join us and Be Phenomenal.

At Three, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

As Ireland’s largest mobile telecommunications provider, we provide a better connected life for our diverse customer base, and want our teams to reflect this.

We welcome and celebrate all identities and strive to create a culture of belonging where employees can thrive as their authentic selves.

If you do not ‘tick every box’ in this job description, you likely have other valuable skills that would make you a great fit for one of our teams.

If you require reasonable adjustments for your interview, please let us know when scheduling your interview, or alternatively, please email [e-mail]