RAN Research Engineer / Scientist (Wireless

InterDigital, Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

InterDigital, Inc. seeks a RAN researcher (Ph.D. completed within the last 5 years or near completion) to advance wireless systems (6G and beyond) and to create intellectual property through standards contributions and collaborative research.

Based in the Wireless Lab, you will develop terminal technologies for the RAN, collaborate globally, and publish/disseminate results. Strong communication and independent work style are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in 5G-advanced or 6G wireless research.
• Ph.D. or near completion in EE/CS with research in wireless.
• Knowledge of AI/ML techniques for communications.
• Strong record of publications and standardization activities.
• Independent, proactive, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced terminal technologies in the RAN area.
• Align internal technology development with broader project objectives.
• Support review and approval of project deliverables.
• Represent InterDigital interests in collaborative project activities.
• Contribute to standard inputs and industry publications in areas of expertise.
• Communicate project activities within greater internal project teams.

Skills

5G-advanced/6G research

Lab prototyping

AI/ML for communications

Publications/standards/talks

Strong communication

Independence/self-management

Fast-paced/high-pressure environment

Presentation skills

Global collaboration in research

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

PhD preferred

MS with equivalent experience

Job description

About InterDigital

InterDigital is a global research and development company focused primarily on wireless, video, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and related technologies. We design and develop foundational technologies that enable connected, immersive experiences in a broad range of communications and entertainment products and services. We license our innovations worldwide to companies providing such products and services, including makers of wireless communications devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, cars and other motor vehicles, and providers of cloud-based services such as video streaming. As a leader in wireless technology, our engineers have designed and developed a wide range of innovations that are used in wireless products and networks, from the earliest digital cellular systems to 5G and today’s most advanced Wi‑Fi technologies. We are also a leader in video processing and video encoding/decoding technology, with a significant AI research effort that intersects with both wireless and video technologies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on Nasdaq.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

About our Department

InterDigital is a global research and development company focused on foundational innovations in wireless, video, and artificial intelligence (AI). Our technologies enable connected, immersive experiences across mobile, consumer electronics, IoT, automotive, and cloud services. As a leader in wireless evolution—from early cellular systems to 5G and beyond—we are actively shaping the future of 6G and AI-native networks.

We foster a collaborative, innovation-driven culture where researchers translate advanced theory into impactful technologies, standards contributions, and real-world solutions.

Summary

We are seeking a qualified candidate to join the Wireless Lab as RAN researcher (Ph.D. completed within the last 5 years or near completion). The role will be to support research and development on advanced wireless systems (6G and beyond). The role will involve active creation of intellectual property, contribution to standards primarily in 3GPP, participation in collaborative R&D projects, and dissemination in scientific and industry forums and consortia. The role will demand excellent technical expertise, and proven communication and collaboration skills. In addition, the role will involve supporting outreach to the local and national/international research community.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the responsible project lead to develop advanced terminal technologies primarily in the RAN area
• Work on internal technology development efforts and ensure alignment with broader project objectives
• Support the project lead to facilitate review and approval of project deliverables
• Support the project lead to facilitate representation of InterDigital interests and positions within collaborative project activities
• Contribute to the generation of standard inputs and industry publications in areas of expertise
• Communication and socialization of project activities within greater internal project teams

Required Qualifications

• Experience in 5G-advanced or 6G wireless research and lab prototyping, for example, acquired through a Ph.D. program.
• Candidates will be expected to hold advanced degrees in EE, CS or similar. A Ph.D. qualification is certainly a plus but strong MSc candidates with equivalent accumulated academic or industrial experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge/ability to ramp up in AI/ML techniques and their application to communication systems a plus.
• Good record of dissemination (e.g., publications, standardization, talks, panels) a plus.
• Dedicated, result oriented professional with an attitude for getting the job done
• Willing to take challenges in a fast paced and high-pressure environment
• A high level of independence, autonomy or self-management is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills

What You Bring

• Curiosity and passion for pushing the boundaries of wireless and AI convergence
• Ability to balance theoretical rigor with practical implementation
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• A collaborative mindset aligned with a global research environment

Why Join InterDigital

• Work at the forefront of 6G, AI-driven networks, and future connectivity paradigms
• Contribute to technologies that influence global standards and billions of devices
• Engage in an environment that values innovation, intellectual property, and research excellence
• Collaborate with world-class experts across wireless, video, and AI domains

Locations

• Melville, NY
• Conshohocken, PA

InterDigital is an equal employment opportunity employer. InterDigital will not engage in or tolerate unlawful discrimination with regard to any employment decision, policy or practice based on a person’s sex, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, assignments, evaluations, coaching, promotion, discipline, discharge and layoff.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range specific to New York is $110,000 - 140,000 /annually + discretionary incentive bonus, benefits and may include other forms of compensation components such as long-term incentives. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.