Cellular Validation Engineer

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a Senior Cellular Validation Engineer to lead end-to-end validation of LTE/5G connectivity on next-generation devices.

You will run performance tests, bring-up new hardware, tune modems, configure base stations, analyze logs, and work with cross‑functional teams to drive issues to resolution. This is a 12‑month, hands-on lab role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years hands-on experience in cellular device connectivity or cellular system test.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end cellular protocol stack (PHY to NAS) and core network procedures for LTE/5G.
• Experience configuring cellular chipsets at the device level (e.g., Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung).
• Proficiency with log extraction and analysis tools such as QXDM / QCAT / PCAT, plus Wireshark and vendor-specific modem tools.
• Hands-on experience setting up the network side, using base station emulators and/or live/private networks.
• Proven track record of lab bring-up of new cellular hardware or software and root-causing complex connectivity issues.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run device-level cellular performance tests (throughput, latency, TX power, mobility) across LTE, 5G NR, and legacy RATs.
• Lead hands-on bring-up of cellular connectivity on new hardware and software platforms from first attach to production-ready performance.
• Configure and tune modem settings at the device level, including band config, NV/EFS items, carrier/PLMN, APN/PDN, and feature enablement.
• Configure and operate base station emulators and test networks to replicate real-world conditions.
• Capture and analyze modem and protocol logs to isolate failures in attach, registration, signaling, mobility, throughput, and RF performance.
• Cross-functional debugging with chipset vendors, RF/hardware, firmware, and software teams; document reproduction steps.
• Define test plans and build automation scripts for repeatable characterization and regression testing.
• Document results and present recommendations to engineering and program stakeholders.

Skills

Call box experience

Cellular knowledge

Qualcomm chipset experience

Lab bring-up experience

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

QXDM

QCAT

PCAT

Wireshark

Keysight UXM

Anritsu MT8000

R&S CMX/CMW

Python

Bash scripting

Job description

Cellular Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale CA

12 Months

Job Summary:

• Performance characterization: Plan and run device-level cellular performance tests (throughput, latency, TX power, mobility/handover, power consumption) across LTE, 5G NR (SA/NSA), and legacy RATs as applicable.
• Lab bring-up: Lead hands‑on bring‑up of new cellular connectivity on new hardware and software platforms, from first attach and data call through stable, production‑ready performance.
• Chipset configuration: Configure and tune cellular modem/chipset settings at the device level, including band configuration, NV/EFS items, carrier and PLMN settings, APN/PDN setup, and feature enablement (CA, EN-DC, VoLTE/VoNR, PSM/eDRX).
• Network-side setup: Configure and operate base station emulators and test networks (e.g., Keysight/Anritsu/R&S call boxes, private LTE/5G networks, small cells, or open‑source cores) to replicate real‑world and corner‑case network conditions.
• Log analysis and root cause: Capture and analyze modem and protocol logs (QXDM/QCAT, PCAP, AT-command traces, network-side logs) to isolate and root‑cause failures in attach, registration, RRC/NAS signaling, mobility, throughput, and RF performance.
• Cross-functional debugging: Work with chipset vendors, RF/antenna, hardware, firmware, and software teams to drive issues to resolution; file and track issues with clear reproduction steps and evidence.
• Test development: Define test plans and acceptance criteria; build or extend automation scripts for repeatable characterization and regression testing.
• Document results, performance baselines, and debug findings, and present recommendations to engineering and program stakeholders.

Must-Have Skills:

• Call box experience - demonstrated hands‑on work with the base station emulators / call boxes used for cellular validation.
• Cellular knowledge - a minimum of 2-5 years of direct cellular experience (within an overall 10+ year career profile).
• Qualcomm chipset experience - direct, hands‑on work with Qualcomm chipsets, which are used across all client device validation.

Nice-to-have Skills:

1. Industry experience with Qualcomm chipsets and Qualcomm logs - the single biggest differentiator on a resume, since Qualcomm logging is used throughout validation.
2. Background at Apple or a major telecom/OEM - these profiles tend to carry the relevant Qualcomm and cellular device exposure.
3. Test automation experience - Python/Bash scripting for repeatable characterization, regression testing, and log parsing.

Years of overall experience required?

10+

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in cellular device connectivity, modem integration, or cellular system test.
• Solid understanding of the end-to-end cellular protocol stack (PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS) and core network procedures for LTE and 5G NR.
• Strong grasp of cellular concepts: scheduling, link adaptation, power control, and key RF metrics (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, CQI).
• Experience configuring cellular chipsets at the device level (e.g., Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung modules).
• Proficiency with log extraction and analysis tools such as QXDM / QCAT / PCAT, plus Wireshark and vendor-specific modem tools.
• Hands‑on experience setting up the network side, using base station emulators (Keysight UXM, Anritsu MT8000, R&S CMX/CMW) and/or live or private networks.
• Proven track record of lab bring‑up of new cellular hardware or software and of root‑causing complex connectivity issues.
• Comfortable working with lab equipment: spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF shield boxes, channel emulators, and power analyzers.
• Experience with technologies RedCap and low‑power optimization.
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, Bash) for test automation and log parsing.

Are there any types of candidate profiles or skills that may not be the right fit for this team?

• Candidates with no prior hands‑on lab experience. A profile showing only generic design experience, without practical lab execution, is a direct disqualifier for this role.