QA & Field Test Intern

NextNav; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

NextNav invites a Fall Intern to join the QA & Field Test team, focusing on Spectrum/Co-existence testing in the 900 MHz band. You’ll set up, run, and validate tests on wireless systems, and create Python-based automation and data-analysis tools to enhance testing efficiency.

Collaboration with QA, RF, software, hardware, and systems engineers will be essential for troubleshooting and regression testing. Responsibilities include planning test activities, configuring measurement equipment, and

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical, telecommunications, or wireless engineering.
• Ability to develop scripts/programs for automation of control and logging with test equipment and embedded platforms.
• Experience with verifying test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes is preferred; BTS/UE emulators and logic analyzers are a plus.

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 and logging tools.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria; document environments, results, and observations.

Skills

Python

Automation

Lab testing

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications or Wireless Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

4G/5G emulators

Logic analyzers

Job description

NextNav (Nasdaq: NN) is a leader in next generation position, navigation and 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’s positioning and timing technologies can deliver accurate, reliable and resilient 3D PNT solutions for critical infrastructure, GPS resiliency and 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.