Drive Test Engineer (20 Openings) | NextGen Innovation | USA (Onsite)

NextGen Innovation; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen Innovation is actively seeking 20 Drive Test Engineers to join our onsite field engineering team across the United States. You will execute drive tests, perform logfile post-processing, and verify RF KPIs for LTE and 5G NR networks using TEMS, QMDL, Accuver, and XCAL.

Applicants must hold a valid US driver’s license, be willing to travel, and work onsite across multiple markets. You will identify coverage gaps, data anomalies, and assist optimization teams to improve network performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (telecommunications, electrical, CS) or related.
• 1–3+ years of hands-on drive testing, field data collection, and RF optimization.
• Experience with RF logging, KPI verification, and coverage mapping.

Responsibilities

• Execute field drive testing and walk testing across designated US markets to collect high-fidelity wireless network data.
• Operate TEMS, QMDL, Accuver, and XCAL for data collection.
• Perform post-processing logfile analysis on LTE and 5G NR networks to evaluate RF performance.
• Identify coverage gaps, signal quality degradation, and KPI verification across cellular bands.
• Travel and work onsite across multiple US markets based on deployment schedules.

Skills

Drive testing

Field data collection

RF optimization

LTE/5G NR knowledge

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications/Electrical/Computer Science

Tools

TEMS

QMDL

Accuver

XCAL

Job description

Position Summary:

NextGen Innovation is actively seeking 20 experienced Drive Test Engineers to join our dynamic engineering team on an onsite basis across the United States. In this critical wireless network optimization and data collection role, you will be responsible for executing rigorous field drive tests, conducting post-processing logfile analysis, and verifying RF key performance indicators across advanced LTE and 5G NR mobile networks. You will leverage your deep hands-on expertise in industry-standard drive testing tools such as TEMS, QMDL, Accuver, and XCAL to ensure uncompromised cellular coverage and signal integrity. This opportunity requires agile field engineering professionals with valid US driver’s licenses and the willingness to travel and work onsite across diverse US markets.

Detailed Job Description:

As a Drive Test Engineer at NextGen Innovation across the USA, you will take full operational ownership of field data collection, RF protocol logging, and radio frequency performance verification. Your day-to-day responsibilities include operating drive test equipment, executing structured test routes, capturing real-time RF metrics, and performing comprehensive post-processing logfile analysis for LTE and 5G NR networks. You will identify coverage gaps, signal quality degradation, and call drop anomalies, collaborating closely with optimization engineering teams to implement corrective measures. Furthermore, you will ensure rigorous compliance with safety standards, maintain testing equipment inventory, and manage multi-market travel schedules in alignment with project deployment milestones.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute field drive testing and walk testing across designated US markets to collect high-fidelity wireless network data.
• Operate specialized drive testing and data collection tools including TEMS, QMDL, Accuver, and XCAL.
• Conduct rigorous post-processing analysis on LTE and 5G NR network logfiles to evaluate radio frequency performance.
• Perform RF protocol logging, coverage analysis, interference tracking, and KPI verification across cellular bands.
• Identify and troubleshoot network anomalies, dropped calls, throughput bottlenecks, and handover failures.
• Prepare detailed drive test reports, log summaries, and coverage maps for engineering leadership and carrier clients.
• Maintain test vehicles, testing equipment calibration, and software configurations in optimal working condition.
• Travel and work onsite across multiple US regional markets based on nationwide network rollout schedules.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 1 to 3+ years of professional hands-on experience in cellular drive testing, field data collection, and RF optimization.
• Expert practical proficiency in industry-standard drive test tools such as TEMS Investigation, QMDL, Accuver, and XCAL.
• Solid technical background in LTE and 5G NR network architecture, data collection methodologies, and post-processing analysis.
• Proven experience with RF protocol logging, coverage mapping, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) verification.
• Valid US driver’s license with a clean driving record and willingness to travel and work onsite across US markets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting capabilities under fast-paced field conditions.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively within distributed field engineering teams.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Advanced certifications in wireless communications or vendor-specific RF optimization platforms (Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung).
• Prior multi-market drive testing experience across major US carrier networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile).
• Experience with automated scripting (Python) for bulk log parsing and automated report generation.
• Strong understanding of small cell, C-RAN, and in-building DAS testing methodologies.
• Flexible availability for immediate deployment and extended regional assignments.

Application Information:

• Recruiter: NextGen Innovation Recruitment Team
• Contact Name: Avinash Giri (Vice President Engineering and Technology)
• Email: [e-mail]
• Salary/Rate: Market Competitive / Standard Field Engineering Package
• Deadline: Open until filled
• Notice Period: Immediate to 14 Days
• Contract Duration: Permanent / Full-Time Onsite (USA Markets)