Senior Network Engineer – RAN Feature & Call Flow Validation (LTE / 5G)
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.
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
- Ensure seamless transition from lab validation → staging → live network deployment
RAN System Validation & Troubleshooting
- Validate macro and small cell RAN deployments including 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
Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration
- 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
Automation & Efficiency Improvements
- 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
Skills & Expertise Required
- 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
