Senior Integration & Test Engineer, 5G (L1/L2) We are seeking a 5G L1/L2 Integration & Test Engineer to support the integration, testing, validation, and performance evaluation of LTE, 5G, Software Defined Radio (SDR), OpenAirInterface (OAI), and advanced military waveform technologies. This is a hybrid position based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, requiring approximately 2-3 days per week onsite to support laboratory activities, hardware integration, testing, and system demonstrations. The primary focus of this role is Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration and testing. The successful candidate will be responsible for configuring, operating, troubleshooting, and validating wireless systems while supporting laboratory environments used to evaluate waveform performance across a wide range of operational and radio frequency (RF) conditions. In addition to LTE and 5G protocol integration activities, this engineer will help build, configure, automate, and maintain wireless test environments that support waveform development, interoperability testing, network validation, and performance characterization. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with LTE and 5G systems and enjoys solving complex integration challenges in both laboratory and operational environments.
Responsibilities include:
Support Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration, verification, and testing activities for LTE and 5G systems.
Develop and execute integration, validation, and performance test plans.
Configure, integrate, and troubleshoot LTE and 5G network components and supporting infrastructure.
Design, configure, and maintain wireless communications laboratories and test environments.
Build infrastructure supporting LTE, 5G, OpenAirInterface (OAI), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and advanced waveform development efforts.
Configure and integrate radio equipment, SDR platforms, network infrastructure, test instrumentation, and supporting software.
Develop test environments capable of evaluating waveform performance under varying RF, network, and operational conditions.
Configure and operate LTE and 5G systems for throughput, latency, reliability, handover, interoperability, and performance testing.
Support OpenAirInterface (OAI), Open RAN, LTE, and 5G experimentation activities.
Integrate channel emulators, traffic generators, RF impairment tools, and network simulation environments.
Analyze test results, identify root causes of performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
Develop automation solutions for test execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, RF, and system integration issues.
Maintain laboratory documentation, procedures, configurations, and test records.
Support demonstrations, field exercises, technology evaluations, and customer engagements as required.
Required Qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.4-8 years of experience supporting LTE and/or 5G Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration, testing, validation, or system verification activities. Experience preparing and executing LTE and 5G integration and test plans. Experience configuring and operating LTE and/or 5G systems. Experience troubleshooting LTE and 5G integration, interoperability, and performance issues. Experience building, configuring, or maintaining communications test environments. Familiarity with Linux-based development and testing environments. Understanding of wireless communications principles, LTE/5G architectures, and network fundamentals. Strong troubleshooting and systems integration skills. Ability to independently build, configure, and maintain technical test environments. Ability to work onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground approximately 2-3 days per week.
Desired Qualifications include:
OpenAirInterface (OAI) experience.
Open RAN or O-RAN experience.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) experience.
Experience supporting LTE or 5G Standalone deployments.
Experience with gNodeB (gNB), Evolved NodeB (eNB), or core network integration.
Channel emulator experience.
Over-the-Air testing experience.
Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communications.
Python-based automation experience.
Familiarity with automated test frameworks.
Experience with Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz test equipment.
Experience supporting government, defense, or telecommunications research and development programs.
Experience evaluating wireless systems under degraded, congested, contested, or interference-prone operating conditions.
Desired Technical Skills include:- LTE and 5G Integration Testing
- Layer 1 (Physical Layer) Validation
- Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) Validation
- Wireless Systems Integration
- OpenAirInterface (OAI)
- Open RAN / O-RANSoftware Defined Radio (SDR)RF Laboratory IntegrationRF Test and Measurement Equipment
- Keysight Test Equipment
- Rohde & Schwarz Test Equipment
- Wireless Network Validation
- Test Automation
- Python Scripting
- Linux Administration
- Channel Emulation
- Over-the-Air Testing
- Network Performance Analysis
- Laboratory Build-Out and Sustainment
What Success Looks Like:
Within the first several months, you will:
Lead and support LTE and 5G Layer 1 and Layer 2 integration and validation activities.
Stand up and maintain wireless test environments supporting LTE, 5G, SDR, and advanced waveform development.
Configure laboratory infrastructure that enables repeatable testing across multiple operating scenarios.
Support integration and verification activities for both commercial and custom communications systems.
Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of test activities through automation and process improvements.
Enable engineers to evaluate waveform performance under a variety of realistic network and RF conditions.
Become a key contributor to the organization's wireless testing, integration, and advanced waveform evaluation capabilities.
This position requires hands-on interaction with laboratory equipment, LTE/5G systems, Software Defined Radios (SDRs), and communications infrastructure and therefore cannot be performed fully remotely. The hybrid work schedule is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring support for critical integration, testing, laboratory, and demonstration activities.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting advanced wireless communications research, LTE and 5G experimentation, OpenAirInterface development, Software Defined Radio initiatives, and next-generation military waveform technologies.
Compensation: Salary:
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full time, exempt position. Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must be eligible to work in the US.
AAP/EEO Statement:
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
