5G Device & Protocol Engineer

Active Alliance; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Active Alliance is seeking an experienced 5G Device & Protocol Engineer to analyze 5G NR/LTE performance, troubleshoot VoNR/IMS call flows, and perform protocol-level debugging. The role requires hands-on work with KPI automation and live-network validation in complex telecom environments.

The candidate should have strong experience with RRC/NAS/PDCP/RLC/HARQ, log analysis tools, and scripting (Python) to automate KPI reporting and data insights for optimization across devices and networks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in 5G/LTE engineering or equivalent hands-on role.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across VoNR, IMS, SIP and end-to-end call flows.
• Hands-on protocol debugging and live-network validation experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze 5G NR/LTE network performance and perform RCA.
• Troubleshoot VoNR, VoWiFi, IMS, and SIP call flows end-to-end.
• Debug protocols across RRC, NAS, SIP, IMS, PDCP, RLC, HARQ.

Skills

5G architecture

VoNR/IMS flows

Protocol debugging

KPI analysis

Log analysis

QXDM/QCAT/Wireshark

RRC/NAS/PDCP/RLC

Python scripting

4G/5G KPIs

Troubleshooting

Tools

QXDM

QCAT

Wireshark

PCAP

XCAL/XCAP

Job description

Job Type: Contract

Domain: Telecom / Wireless

Experience: 5+ years preferred

We are seeking an experienced 5G Device & Protocol Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in LTE/5G NR performance analysis, VoNR/IMS call flows, protocol-level troubleshooting, KPI automation, and live-network validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze 5G NR/LTE network performance and perform root-cause analysis (RCA).
• Troubleshoot VoNR, VoWiFi, IMS, and SIP call flows end-to-end.
• Perform protocol-level debugging across RRC, NAS, SIP, IMS, PDCP, RLC, and HARQ.
• Analyze key performance indicators including DL/UL throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, BLER, and MCS.
• Perform log and trace analysis using QXDM, QCAT, Wireshark/PCAP, XCAL/XCAP, or similar tools.
• Validate device and network performance in live-network and field environments.
• Develop KPI reporting and automation using Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Identify network/device performance issues, conduct RCA, and provide recommendations for optimization.
• Collaborate with device, modem, network, and engineering teams to resolve protocol and performance issues.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of 5G NR/LTE architecture and protocol stack.
• Hands-on experience with VoNR, IMS, SIP, and end-to-end call-flow troubleshooting.
• Strong experience in protocol debugging, KPI analysis, log analysis, and network RCA.
• Experience with QXDM, QCAT, Wireshark/PCAP, XCAL/XCAP, or equivalent tools.
• Strong understanding of RRC, NAS, PDCP, RLC, HARQ, SIP, and IMS protocols.
• Experience with Python scripting/automation and network analytics.
• Experience analyzing throughput, latency, BLER, MCS, packet loss, and other 4G/5G KPIs.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.