5G Interoperability Test Engineer – RAN Air Interface & Lab Testing

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Benefits

Short/Long Term Disability Protection

Life Insurance and Retirement Plans

Job summary

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company seeks a 5G Interoperability Test Engineer in Plano, Texas, for a 12-month contract. The role supports interoperability testing in a lab environment, focusing on validating RAN features.

Candidates should have relevant experience in 4G/5G, troubleshooting skills, and a Bachelor's degree in EE/CS. The position offers comprehensive health benefits and opportunities to work with leading telecom clients.

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of relevant experience is required.
• Strong hands-on experience in 4G/5G RAN and call processing.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform interoperability testing with chipset and device partners.
• Prepare detailed test reports and present findings.
• Analyze system performance and evaluate new software releases.

Skills

Understanding of wireless systems (PHY, MAC, RLC, RRC, PDCP layers)

Experience in lab testing and IODT/IOT environments

Troubleshooting and protocol log analysis skills

Experience with tools such as XCAL, QXDM, Wireshark

Knowledge of 3GPP standards

Exposure to EMS systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE/CS

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

XCAL

QXDM

Wireshark

spectrum analyzers

signal generators

channel emulators

Job description

5G Interoperability Test Engineer – RAN Air Interface & Lab Testing

Contract role- 12 months and long term contract

Only W2 Candidates, no C2C

Role Overview

We are seeking a 5G Interoperability Test Engineer to support IODT (Interoperability Device Testing) activities in a lab environment. The role focuses on validating 4G/5G RAN features, analyzing air interface performance, and ensuring end-to-end call processing behavior meets system and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform interoperability (IODT) testing with chipset and device partners in lab environments
• Validate new 4G/5G features across RAN systems, air interface, and call processing flows
• Translate system/feature requirements into detailed test cases and execute validation cycles
• Analyze system performance and evaluate new SW releases and feature enhancements
• Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and support defect resolution
• Prepare detailed test reports and present findings to internal teams and customers
• Support product rollout activities in coordination with cross‑functional teams (HQ, SEA, support, logistics)
• Ensure project milestones and customer commitments are met
• Educate customers on new features and system behavior when required
• Perform additional lab/testing‑related tasks as needed

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of wireless systems (PHY, MAC, RLC, RRC, PDCP layers)
• Hands‑on experience in 4G/5G RAN, air interface, and call processing
• Experience in system testing, feature validation, and performance analysis
• Strong troubleshooting and protocol log analysis skills
• Experience in lab testing and IODT/IOT environments
• Knowledge of 3GPP standards and ongoing releases
• Understanding of Core and RAN network architecture
• Experience with tools such as XCAL, QXDM, Wireshark, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators
• Exposure to EMS systems, network element management, SW upgrades, and MOP validation
• Knowledge of NB‑IoT, eMTC, S1/X2 interfaces is a plus
• SW development experience is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in EE/CS required (Master’s preferred)
• 6–10 years of relevant experience
• Willingness to travel occasionally

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
• Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!

Kelly Telecom is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.

For more information click Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.