RAN Test Engineer (5G RAN)

Job Title: Senior RAN Test Engineer

Location: 3 days a week on site, Bristol. 

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior RAN Test Engineer with strong expertise in LTE and 5G Radio Access Networks. This role focuses on RAN integration, system validation, performance testing, and troubleshooting across lab environments. The successful candidate will have strong protocol-level knowledge and practical experience with modern RAN architectures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and maintain test cases for RAN integration, system, and regression testing across LTE and 5G (NSA and SA).
• Perform functional, performance, interoperability, and stability testing of RAN components including eNB, gNB, RU, DU, and CU.
• Analyse UE and RAN logs across Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 and perform detailed Root Cause Analysis.
• Validate mobility scenarios including handovers, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, beam management, and load balancing.
• Support lab testing, including KPI benchmarking and performance optimisation.
• Work closely with RAN engineering teams, vendors, and field teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Document test results, produce test reports, and track defects using tools such as JIRA or HP ALM.

Essential Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of LTE and 5G RAN architecture, including eNB, gNB, CU/DU/RU split, and Open RAN concepts.
• Essential hands-on experience with either Small Cell deployments or Satellite Backhaul (LEO, MEO, or GEO).
• In-depth knowledge of RAN protocols including RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY, SCTP, S1AP, X2, Xn, and F1 interfaces.
• Experience with vRAN, OpenRAN, Massive MIMO, beamforming, and timing synchronisation technologies such as GPS, PTP, and SyncE.
• Hands-on experience with RAN test and analysis tools such as Wireshark, QXDM, XCAL, Viavi, TEMS, Ixia, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of 3GPP standards and RAN KPIs including throughput, latency, SINR, BLER, CQI, and RF performance metrics.

Additional Expectations

• Experience defining RAN test strategies, acceptance criteria, and validation plans.
• Exposure to test automation and scripting, preferably using Python, for log analysis or KPI reporting.
• Experience working in multi-vendor and OpenRAN environments.