5G / NB-IoT / NTN Protocol & Automation Engineer | ACL Digital | Bengaluru | Gurugram

ACL Digital; Bengaluru, Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

ACL Digital is seeking an experienced 5G / NB-IoT / NTN Protocol & Automation Engineer to join our client delivery team in Bengaluru or Gurugram, full-time with immediate to 30 days notice.

You will validate cellular and satellite connectivity across 5G and IoT, set up test beds, run test scenarios, perform L2/L3 protocol log analysis, and drive automated test suites in collaboration with cross-functional squads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics Engineering, CS, or related field.
• 3–11 years of hands-on experience in 5G/NB-IoT RAN testing, protocol analysis and automation.
• Strong understanding of 5G/NB-IoT L2/L3 protocols (RRC, NAS, MAC, RLC) and 3GPP Rel 17–19.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute test strategies for 5G, NB-IoT, and NTN features.
• Perform deep protocol log analysis across RRC, NAS, MAC, and RLC layers.
• Set up and manage complex test beds, signal generators, and simulators.
• Drive automation initiatives and collaborate with R&D to resolve defects.

Skills

5G NB-IoT RAN testing

Protocol analysis

Test automation

L2/L3 protocols

RRC

NAS

MAC

RLC

3GPP Rel 17-19

NTN testing

Python

C++

TCL

Education

Telecommunications

Electronics Engineering

Computer Science

Tools

Keysight

Rohde & Schwarz

Spirent

Anritsu

Job description

Position Summary

ACL Digital is seeking an experienced, highly technical, and accomplished 5G / NB-IoT / NTN Protocol & Automation Engineer with 3 to 11 years of professional telecom engineering experience to join our client delivery team on a full-time basis in Bengaluru or Gurugram, requiring immediate to 30 days notice period. In this specialized next-generation wireless protocol testing and automation role, you will spearhead planning and executing rigorous test suites for 5G, NB-IoT, and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) features. You will work closely with cross-functional protocol development squads, system architects, and test automation teams to perform deep-dive L2/L3 protocol log analysis, debug complex connectivity failures, and drive automated test framework implementations. Ideal candidates bring a robust academic background in telecommunications or computer engineering, deep practical mastery of 3GPP standards (Releases 17-19 preferred), and immediate availability.

Detailed Job Description

As a 5G / NB-IoT / NTN Protocol & Automation Engineer at ACL Digital in Bengaluru or Gurugram, you will take full ownership of validating advanced cellular and satellite connectivity technologies across 5G and IoT domains. Your day-to-day responsibilities encompass setting up and managing complex test bed environments, executing test scenarios for 5G NR, NB-IoT, and NTN features, and performing deep-dive Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocol log analysis covering RRC, NAS, MAC, and RLC layers. You will identify automation candidates, drive the development and execution of automated test suites, and collaborate with core R&D teams to resolve complex protocol defects. Working in a fast-paced R&D environment, you will accelerate the commercial deployment of next-generation satellite-terrestrial integrated communication networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute comprehensive test strategies for 5G, NB-IoT, and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) features.
• Perform deep-dive L2/L3 protocol-level log analysis across RRC, NAS, MAC, and RLC layers using advanced protocol analyzers.
• Set up, configure, maintain, and manage complex test bed environments, signal generators, and core network simulators.
• Execute rigorous test scenarios, debug protocol failures, isolate root causes, and drive issue resolutions with R&D teams.
• Identify test automation candidates and drive the implementation, scaling, and execution of automated test suites.
• Validate 3GPP specification compliance, with specialized focus on Release 17, Release 18, and Release 19 feature sets.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional software developers, protocol architects, and test engineering squads in Bengaluru and Gurugram.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, test execution reports, bug tracking logs, and automation scripts.
• Ensure strict adherence to carrier-grade quality standards, release schedules, and telecommunications testing best practices.
• Mentor junior test engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the wireless engineering group.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3 to 11 years of professional hands-on experience in 5G or NB-IoT RAN testing, protocol analysis, and test automation.
• Deep specialized understanding of 5G and NB-IoT L2/L3 protocols, specifically RRC, NAS, MAC, and RLC layers.
• Strong grasp of 3GPP specifications and standards, with specialized knowledge of Release 17-19 highly preferred.
• Extensive hands-on experience in wireless RAN testing, with Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) testing experience considered a major plus.
• Proven technical expertise in driving end-to-end test automation and scripting (Python, C++, or TCL).
• Exceptional analytical, protocol debugging, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication capabilities.
• Professional availability for full-time employment in Bengaluru or Gurugram (Immediate to 30 days notice period).

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Professional certifications such as ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst or 3GPP wireless communications credentials.
• Advanced hands-on experience with industry-standard test equipment and simulators (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Spirent, Anritsu).
• Familiarity with satellite communication payloads, orbit mechanics, and direct-to-cell NTN architectures.
• Prior working experience in tier-1 telecom product companies, R&D centers, or specialized wireless test houses.
• Contributions to open-source test frameworks or published technical papers on 5G/NTN protocol testing.

Salary and Employment Details

Salary/Rate: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Deadline: Open until filled
Notice Period: Immediate to 30 Days Max
Contract Duration: Permanent / Full-Time (Bengaluru | Gurugram)

Recruitment Pro Tip

When applying for advanced 5G protocol and NTN testing roles, ensure your resume explicitly highlights your hands-on experience L2/L3 log analysis (RRC/NAS/MAC/RLC), familiarity with 3GPP Rel 17-19, and test automation expertise.