RAN Tester - Feature Tester

First Point Group; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

First Point Group is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to lead end-to-end LTE/5G RAN feature and call flow validation in a lab environment, focusing on protocol-level signaling, testing, and interoperability across multi-vendor deployments.

The role requires extensive experience in RAN engineering, validation, and FOA readiness, with strong Python/UNIX/Linux scripting skills to accelerate test execution and regression cycles. North America-focused deployments are anticipated.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in LTE/5G RAN engineering, validation, or system integration.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end call flows and 3GPP signaling procedures.
• Strong expertise in RAN feature validation, NPI cycles, and FOA readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end LTE and 5G feature validation, including protocol-level call flows across lab and pre-production environments.
• Validate service lifecycle call flows including attach/detach, handover, mobility events, and session continuity.
• Perform feature-level testing of RAN capabilities, ensuring compliance with 3GPP specs and operator requirements.
• Analyze signaling flows using network tools and logs to identify defects and interoperability issues.
• Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) testing for LTE/5G RAN hardware and software releases.
• Execute integration and feature acceptance testing (ATP) in lab environments prior to field deployment.
• Support FOA readiness and controlled rollout validation for new radio technologies.
• Validate macro and small cell RAN deployments including BBU, RRH, and next-gen radios.
• Troubleshoot multi-layer issues across RAN, transport, and core interfaces.
• Perform root cause analysis on feature failures, call drops, handover issues, and performance degradation.
• Develop automation scripts to accelerate test execution and regression cycles.
• Interface with vendor engineering teams on defect resolution and roadmap validation.

Skills

RAN validation

LTE/5G knowledge

Call flow analysis

Troubleshooting

Automation scripting

Python scripting

Lab testing

Multi-vendor ecosystems

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Tools

Python

UNIX/Linux

Log analysis tools

Job description

Senior Network Engineer – RAN Feature & Call Flow Validation (LTE / 5G)

5 days per week in the lab

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Wireless Systems & RAN Product Validation Engineer to lead end-to-end feature validation, call flow testing, and network readiness for next-generation LTE and 5G deployments across North American operators. Activities are to work in the Lab testing new products and high level troubleshooting on the RAN networks, working with the UE Logs

This role sits at the intersection of lab validation, feature integration, and live network readiness, ensuring that new radio technologies are fully validated—from protocol-level call flows to real-world deployment behavior—before reaching commercial networks.

You will collaborate closely with vendor engineering teams, system architecture, and operator stakeholders to ensure flawless feature introduction, interoperability, and performance stability across multi-vendor RAN environments.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Feature & Call Flow Validation

• Lead end-to-end LTE and 5G feature validation, including protocol-level call flow analysis (RRC, NAS, X2/Xn, S1/NG interfaces) across lab and pre-production environments
• Validate full service lifecycle call flows, including attach/detach, handover, mobility events, bearer setup, and session continuity
• Perform deep feature-level testing of RAN capabilities, ensuring compliance with 3GPP specifications and operator requirements
• Analyze signaling flows using network tools and logs to identify defects, inefficiencies, and interoperability issues

Lab-to-Live Product Integration

• Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) testing for LTE/5G RAN hardware and software releases
• Execute integration and feature acceptance testing (ATP) in lab environments prior to field deployment
• Support First Office Application (FOA) readiness and controlled rollout validation for new radio technologies

RAN System Validation & Troubleshooting

• Validate macro and small cell RAN deployments include BBU, RRH, and next-generation radio units
• Troubleshoot complex multi-layer issues across RAN, transport, and core interfaces
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on feature failures, call drops, handover issues, and performance degradation
• Support Tier-3 escalation for live network performance and stability issues

Network Performance & KPI Assurance

• Monitor and validate key performance indicators (KPIs) post-feature activation
• Ensure feature introduction does not negatively impact network accessibility, retainability, mobility, or throughput
• Conduct comparative analysis of pre- and post-release performance metrics
• Collaborate directly with vendor engineering teams (e.g., Ericsson) on feature design, defect resolution, and roadmap validation
• Partner with system architecture and RF engineering teams to align feature behavior with network design intent
• Interface with operator engineering teams to ensure readiness for commercial deployment
• Develop and enhance automation scripts and tools (Python, UNIX/Linux environments) to accelerate test execution and regression cycles
• Improve validation efficiency through automated log parsing, KPI extraction, and test case execution frameworks
• Support continuous improvement of validation methodologies and lab processes

Documentation & Technical Reporting

• Execute structured Test Object List (TOL) and Acceptance Test Plans (ATP)
• Prepare detailed feature validation reports, call flow diagrams, and technical summaries for stakeholders
• Present findings, defect analysis, and readiness assessments to engineering and customer leadership teams
• 10–15+ years of experience in LTE/5G RAN engineering, validation, or system integration
• Deep understanding of end-to-end call flows and 3GPP signaling procedures
• Strong expertise in RAN feature validation, NPI cycles, and FOA readiness
• Experience with multi-vendor environments and large-scale operator deployments
• Hands‑on troubleshooting of RAN interfaces (X2, Xn, S1, NG, backhaul/IP transport)
• Proficiency with LTE/5G lab tools, log analysis, and performance debugging
• Working knowledge of automation tools (Python, UNIX/Linux scripting preferred)
• Strong analytical skills with ability to isolate protocol-level failures across complex networks
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional and customer-facing collaboration

Preferred Background

• Experience supporting Tier-1 wireless operators in North America
• Prior work with Ericsson or similar RAN vendors
• Experience in lab-to-field validation environments supporting large-scale commercial rollouts
• Background in both legacy (CDMA/LTE) and modern 5G SA/NSA architectures