QA Field Test Intern

NextNav, LLC; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

NextNav LLC in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Fall Intern for the QA & Field Test team to perform hands-on integration, testing and validation of wireless systems in the 900 MHz band. You will build Python-based automation, analyze data, and collaborate with RF, software, and hardware engineers to troubleshoot issues.

You will be responsible for planning and executing laboratory and field tests, preparing clear reports, and traveling to test locations as needed, while maintaining safety and data

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical or telecommunications or wireless engineering.
• Ability to develop scripts/programs for automation of control and logging with test equipment and embedded platforms.
• Experience with using and controlling verification test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes is a must. 4G/5G BTS/UE emulators, logic analyzers are a plus
• Coursework in digital/analog communications and signal processing is desired.
• Attention to detail, systematic analysis, ownership and accountability.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work with different teams.
• Must have a valid state-issued Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing of wireless systems, including spectrum, interference, and coexistence testing in the 900 MHz band.
• Configure and operate RF and data-collection equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, antennas, radios, GPS/GNSS receivers, oscilloscopes, and logging tools.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, test cases, and acceptance criteria; document test environments and results.
• Collect and analyze RF and system-performance data to identify trends, anomalies and gaps.
• Develop Python, MATLAB, or similar automation and analysis tools to streamline testing and reporting.
• Identify, reproduce, document and track defects; work with engineers to troubleshoot and validate fixes.
• Communicate findings through reports, charts, presentations and test-readiness reviews.
• Analyze test logs and visualize results to improve testing efficiency.

Skills

Python

C/C++

QA

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Telecommunications or Wireless Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

BTS/UE emulators

MATLAB

Job description

NextNav(Nasdaq: NN) is a leader in next generation position,navigationand timing (PNT), enabling a whole new ecosystem of applications and services that rely upon 3D geolocation and PNT technology. Powered by low-band licensed spectrum,NextNav’spositioning and timing technologies can deliveraccurate,reliableand resilient 3D PNT solutions for critical infrastructure, GPSresiliencyand commercial use cases.

In this role, you will be working as a Fall Intern with QA & Field Test team working for Spectrum/Co-existence test. The work will involve hands-on integration, test setup, test execution and validation of various wireless equipment & systems in 900 MHz band. You will create Python-based automation and data-analysis tools to improve testing efficiency, and collaborate with QA, RF, software, hardware, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues, validate fixes, and perform regression testing. Prepare clear reports and presentations while following established safety, regulatory, and data-integrity requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing of wireless communication systems, including spectrum, interference, and coexistence testing in the 900 MHz band.
• Configure and operate RF and data-collection equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, antennas, radios, GPS/GNSS receivers, oscilloscopes, and logging tools.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, test cases, and acceptance criteria; document test environments, equipment configurations, results, and field observations.
• Collect and analyze RF and system-performance data—including signal strength, coverage, latency, accuracy, interference, and reliability—to identify trends, anomalies, and performance gaps.
• Develop Python, MATLAB, or similar automation and analysis tools to streamline test execution, data collection, visualization, and reporting.
• Identify, reproduce, document, and track defects; collaborate with QA, RF, spectrum, systems, software, and hardware engineers to troubleshoot issues, validate corrective actions, and conduct regression testing.
• Communicate findings through concise technical reports, charts, presentations, test-readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs while maintaining safety, data-integrity, confidentiality, and regulatory standards.
• Analyze test logs and visualize results to identify performance trends and improve testing efficiency.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical or Telecommunications or Wireless Engineering.
• Ability to develop scripts/programs for automation of control and logging with test equipment and embedded platforms.
• Experience with using and controlling verification test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes is a must. 4G/5G BTS/UE emulators, logic analyzers are a plus
• Experience coding with Python is a must, programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB is a plus
• Coursework with lab experience in (digital and analog), communications and signal processing is desired.
• Attention to detail/quality, systematic analysis, pride of ownership and accountability
• Good communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work with different teams
• Must have a Valid state issued Driver’s License
• Required to spend time outside the office driving to test locations, driving test routes, moving equipment from the car to a test set up that may be a long distance from the car (inside a building on any floor or outside) while ensuring your own safety and the security of the equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport testing equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and perform equipment setup in laboratory and field environments.
• Main job responsibilities will be out of the Santa Clara, CA NextNav office.
• This position requires availability for up to 40 hours per week and physical presence in the office and laboratory during normal business hours on Tuesday through Thursday.
• Travel to and from Palo Alto for Field Testing will be occasionally required.
• The internship report on the work done, should be prepared and presented.

NextNav is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NextNav is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruiting process and during employment. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know so we can work with you to meet your needs.

NextNav complies with all applicable pay transparency and pay equity laws. Compensation decisions are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and business needs.