Senior 5G Software Test Engineer, Physical Layer

Medium; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Space is seeking a Senior 5G Software Test Engineer focused on the Physical Layer to lead verification, validation, and performance testing of 5G NR PHY software for Release 15/16/17+. You will work with PHY software developers, RF, DSP, and hardware teams to ensure robust real-time PHY implementations, including OTA and lab testing in a global setup.

The role is based in the USA (Arlington, TX or Saratoga, CA) with a base pay range of $150,000–$200,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in 5G NR PHY testing, validation, or development.
• Solid understanding of digital communications and PHY-layer concepts.
• Experience working with SDR platforms and SoC-based systems.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for test development and analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• 5G PHY Software Testing and Validation.
• Design, develop, and execute PHY-level test plans for 5G NR software implementations.
• Validate key PHY functions such as modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, synchronization, equalization, coding/decoding, and HARQ.
• Verify compliance of PHY implementations with 3GPP Rel 15/16/17 specifications.
• Test Case Development and Automation, including test vectors and logs.
• Lab Verification and Debug across software and hardware boundaries.
• Platform, RF, and System Interaction with SDR platforms and SoC architectures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a distributed environment.

Skills

5G NR PHY testing

Validation

Development

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then youve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service deliveryassociated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

Were intentional, were unapologetically curious and were 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

As a Senior 5G Software Test Engineer focused on the Physical Layer, you will lead the verification, validation, and performance testing of 5G NR PHY software for 3GPP Release 15/16/17 and beyond-5G systems. Your primary focus will be ensuring correctness, performance, and robustness of real-time PHY implementations running on processor- and accelerator-based platforms.

You will work closely with PHY software developers, RF engineers, DSP teams, and hardware teams to validate PHY features, diagnose complex issues, and ensure high-quality, production-ready software.

This position is based in the USA (Arlington, TX or Saratoga, CA).

What you will do:

• 5G PHY Software Testing and Validation
• Design, develop, and execute PHY-level test plans for 5G NR software implementations
• Validate key PHY functions such as modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, synchronization, equalization, coding/decoding, and HARQ
• Verify compliance of PHY implementations with 3GPP Rel 15/16/17 specifications
• Test Case Development and Automation
• Create PHY-level test cases, regression tests, and validation scenarios
• Generate, analyze, and verify PHY test vectors, waveforms, and logs
• Develop scripts and tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, bash) to support test automation and analysis
• Lab Verification and Debug
• Verify PHY functionality using 5G test equipment (e.g., R&S, Keysight/Agilent) and commercial UEs
• Perform over-the-air (OTA) and conducted testing in lab environments
• Debug complex PHY, timing, RF, and performance issues across software and hardware boundaries
• Work closely with developers to reproduce issues and validate fixes
• Platform, RF, and System Interaction
• Validate integration of PHY software with RF front-end hardware and digital baseband chains
• Work with SDR platforms and SoC architectures, including ARM, DSPs, and hardware accelerators
• Understand and test within real-time and low-latency constraints
• Collaboration and Ways of Working
• Collaborate closely with PHY development, RF, systems, hardware, and protocol stack teams
• Work effectively in a global, distributed team across the U.S., Europe, and India
• Follow SCRUM / Agile and Continuous Integration development practices
• Document test plans, results, and issues in Confluence, JIRA, or equivalent systems

What you bring to this role:

• Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or equivalent
• Strong experience in 5G NR PHY testing, validation, or development
• Solid understanding of digital communications and PHY-layer concepts
• Experience working with SDR platforms and SoC-based systems
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for test development and analysis
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded system behavior
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and debugging skills

Bonus Points:

• Deep understanding of 3GPP 5G NR PHY specifications (Rel 15/16/17+)
• Experience testing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communication systems
• Hands-on experience with DSPs and hardware accelerators
• Strong understanding of link budgets, channel models, RF impairments, and lab measurements
• Experience with waveform generation, PHY simulation, and system bring-up

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so were looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If thats your experience – then well be immediately wow-ed.

E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. Thats why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.