Network-Device Engineering Apprentice

CITADEL Pacific Ltd; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

CITADEL Pacific Ltd. is seeking an Network-Device Engineering Apprentice to support device research, testing, and evaluation across UE, CPE, and network devices.

Under guidance, the apprentice will learn device development lifecycles, perform conformance testing, benchmarking, and regulatory compliance tasks while collaborating with multiple internal teams.

Qualifications

• Must provide a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree in telecommunications, electronics, information technology, computer science, or a related field is helpful but not required.
• No prior telecommunications experience is required for entry into the apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Uphold IT&E's mission, policies and safety requirements.
• Coordinate delivery, inventory, and scheduling of test devices with partners and vendors.
• Perform Network Device Evaluation Testing (NDET) and related device tests per 3GPP/GSMA requirements.
• Conduct supervised lab, field, and drive testing for conformance and benchmarking.
• Support regression testing for network maintenance and new features.
• Learn to operate device and network protocol-analysis tools (QXDM, XCAL, XCAP, NEMO, COMPRION).
• Assist with device benchmarking, throughput, latency, and QoS/QoE assessments.
• Assist with OTA systems for distribution of production SIM/UICC settings.
• Support verification of HAC requirements and coordinate with technical lead.
• Prepare device technical guidance, testing results, release notes, and materials for frontline teams.
• Provide supervised Tier 2 device support to frontline teams.
• Coordinate with OEMs/ODMs and vendors on testing and project milestones.

Skills

Networking concepts

Technical testing

Documentation

Communication

Attention to detail

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degreeHelpful

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, Access)

Job description

Job Summary:

The Network-Device Engineering Apprentice supports the Network-Device Engineering team in researching, sourcing, testing, validating, and accepting mobile-network devices and related equipment, including user equipment (UE), customer premises equipment (CPE), and network infrastructure devices.

Under the guidance of a designated journeyman or technical subject-matter expert, the apprentice learns and assists with device development lifecycles, network-device evaluation testing, conformance testing, regression testing, performance benchmarking, and regulatory or vendor compliance activities. The role works closely with engineering, network operations, roaming, sales, and other internal teams to help ensure devices perform reliably and meet IT&E's technical, operational, and customer-experience requirements.

The apprentice may support one or more device development programs, including Apple, Samsung, and other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturer (ODM) programs. This position requires completion of assigned industry and specialized certifications, including Apple Carrier Development Certification, within timelines established by the Company as a condition of continued employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The employee will:

1. Know and uphold IT&E's mission, policies and procedures, department objectives, quality standards, and safety requirements.
2. Assist with coordinating the delivery, inventory, and scheduling of test and sample devices from infrastructure partners, OEMs, ODMs, CPE vendors, and other suppliers for network interoperability, inter-island conformance, validation, and acceptance testing.
3. Assist in performing Network Device Evaluation Testing (NDET) and other industry-standard device tests in accordance with applicable 3GPP, GSMA, manufacturer, and IT&E network requirements.
4. Conduct supervised lab, field, and drive testing to support device conformance, acceptance, benchmarking, and best-practice validation.
5. Support regression and non-regression testing related to network maintenance, software upgrades, new network features, device interaction, and end-user quality of service/quality of experience (QoS/QoE).
6. Learn to operate and maintain device and network protocol-analysis tools in lab and field environments, including Qualcomm QXDM, XCAL, XCAP, NEMO, COMPRION, and other approved testing platforms.
7. Assist with device benchmarking and comparative testing, including throughput, latency, signal capture and retention, interoperability, SIM-card behavior, processor performance, handover sensitivity, network-mode performance, roaming restrictions, carrier aggregation, dual-SIM/dual-band functionality, and audio and video quality.
8. Assist with the administration and operation of over-the-air (OTA) systems used to distribute approved network settings to production SIM/UICC cards.
9. Support verification of Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements and coordinate findings or exceptions with the designated technical lead and Regulatory Officer.
10. Assist in preparing device technical guidance, testing results, release notes, and support materials for frontline teams, Sales, Customer Care, and other internal stakeholders.
11. Provide supervised Tier 2 device support to frontline teams for devices within IT&E's approved portfolio.
12. Support technical communications and project coordination with OEMs, ODMs, infrastructure partners, and other vendors.
13. Assist with auditing, documentation, and escalation support for FCC-related programs and radio-frequency operational compliance, including CBRS requirements, as assigned.
14. Support the Roaming team with requested device implementation testing and participate in Global Roaming Quality (GRQ) testing in Guam, CNMI, and other operating markets as needed.
15. Maintain accurate records of test devices, results, inventory, technical documentation, and assigned equipment.
16. Participate in internal training, cross-training, and knowledge-sharing activities to build technical capability and support team continuity.
17. Assist other employees and functional areas, as needed, and perform other related duties or tasks as assigned.

Minimum Educational and Work Experience Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in telecommunications, electronics, information technology, computer science, or a related field is helpful but not required.

Experience

• No prior telecommunications experience is required for entry into the apprenticeship.
• Prior experience or coursework involving wireless networks, mobile-device troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, Android/iOS platforms, electronics, or technical support is preferred but not required.

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, And Skills

• Must provide a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a US citizen or resident alien.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a resident of Guam for a period not less than three (3) consecutive years before entry into the program.
• Mayor's Verification must be submitted upon hire.
• Must be able to attend a minimum of two (2) classes per semester as identified by program coordinator, while working forty (40) hours per week with IT&E.

Licensure/Certification

• Must be able to obtain required industry and manufacturer certifications within established timelines.
• Must obtain Apple Carrier Development Certification as required by the Company.
• Valid passport required or the ability to obtain one, as domestic and international travel may be required.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn:

• Mobile-device acceptance testing and network-device evaluation practices.
• Wireless telecommunications concepts, including mobile-network performance, interoperability, roaming, SIM/UICC functionality, and device configuration.
• Basic Android and iOS device functionality and troubleshooting.
• Device testing, root-cause analysis, and technical documentation practices.
• Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, and Access.
• Recordkeeping, inventory control, report preparation, and file management.
• Applicable safety, regulatory, vendor, and quality requirements.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply technical testing procedures with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and elevate findings appropriately.
• Operate computers, testing equipment, office equipment, and telecommunications tools.
• Manage time, organize multiple assignments, and meet established deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Listen actively, ask appropriate technical questions, and follow direction from the journeyman or technical lead.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, customers, and the public.
• Travel domestically and internationally when required.