RAN Tester - Feature Tester

Senior Network Engineer – RAN Feature & Call Flow Validation (LTE / 5G)About the RoleWe 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.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 ResponsibilitiesEnd-to-End Feature & Call Flow ValidationLead 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 environmentsValidate full service lifecycle call flows, including attach/detach, handover, mobility events, bearer setup, and session continuityPerform deep feature-level testing of RAN capabilities, ensuring compliance with 3GPP specifications and operator requirementsAnalyze signaling flows using network tools and logs to identify defects, inefficiencies, and interoperability issuesLab-to-Live Product IntegrationDrive New Product Introduction (NPI) testing for LTE/5G RAN hardware and software releasesExecute integration and feature acceptance testing (ATP) in lab environments prior to field deploymentSupport First Office Application (FOA) readiness and controlled rollout validation for new radio technologiesEnsure seamless transition from lab validation → staging → live network deploymentRAN System Validation & TroubleshootingValidate macro and small cell RAN deployments including BBU, RRH, and next-generation radio unitsTroubleshoot complex multi-layer issues across RAN, transport, and core interfacesPerform root cause analysis (RCA) on feature failures, call drops, handover issues, and performance degradationSupport Tier-3 escalation for live network performance and stability issuesNetwork Performance & KPI AssuranceMonitor and validate key performance indicators (KPIs) post-feature activationEnsure feature introduction does not negatively impact network accessibility, retainability, mobility, or throughputConduct comparative analysis of pre- and post-release performance metricsCross-Functional & Vendor CollaborationCollaborate directly with vendor engineering teams (e.g., Ericsson) on feature design, defect resolution, and roadmap validationPartner with system architecture and RF engineering teams to align feature behavior with network design intentInterface with operator engineering teams to ensure readiness for commercial deploymentAutomation & Efficiency ImprovementsDevelop and enhance automation scripts and tools (Python, UNIX/Linux environments) to accelerate test execution and regression cyclesImprove validation efficiency through automated log parsing, KPI extraction, and test case execution frameworksSupport continuous improvement of validation methodologies and lab processesDocumentation & Technical ReportingExecute structured Test Object List (TOL) and Acceptance Test Plans (ATP)Prepare detailed feature validation reports, call flow diagrams, and technical summaries for stakeholdersPresent findings, defect analysis, and readiness assessments to engineering and customer leadership teamsSkills & Expertise Required10–15+ years of experience in LTE/5G RAN engineering, validation, or system integrationDeep understanding of end-to-end call flows and 3GPP signaling proceduresStrong expertise in RAN feature validation, NPI cycles, and FOA readinessExperience with multi-vendor environments and large-scale operator deploymentsHands-on troubleshooting of RAN interfaces (X2, Xn, S1, NG, backhaul/IP transport)Proficiency with LTE/5G lab tools, log analysis, and performance debuggingWorking knowledge of automation tools (Python, UNIX/Linux scripting preferred)Strong analytical skills with ability to isolate protocol-level failures across complex networksExcellent communication skills for cross-functional and customer-facing collaborationPreferred BackgroundExperience supporting Tier-1 wireless operators in North AmericaPrior work with Ericsson or similar RAN vendorsExperience in lab-to-field validation environments supporting large-scale commercial rolloutsBackground in both legacy (CDMA/LTE) and modern 5G SA/NSA architectures