Senior 5G Software Test Engineer, Physical Layer

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

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.