Lead Wireless Engineer

About Us:

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

Position Overview:

Join our Engineering Test & Evaluation Division to manage and support groundbreaking engineering and applied research projects for commercial and government clients. You will work directly with senior engineers, program managers, and customer staff, driving VT-ARC’s testbed efforts and lead wireless testing and integration in both lab and production environments. This position will require you to provide in-person lab support as necessary. This is an ideal role for someone looking to grow their expertise in cutting-edge wireless technologies, including 5G, Open RAN, and network security.

About You:

You are a detail-oriented, self-driven professional with experience in technology organizations. You thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy collaborating with engineers and researchers, and have a knack for organization and analysis. You have strong experience in wireless network testing and integration. You have effective communication and technical documentation skills. Your goal is to ensure customer program associated tasks and goals are successful.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead VT-ARC’s ORAN network testing and integration efforts for customer wireless programs
• Set up lab environments for RAN/Core testing, including cabling, RF shielding, and equipment calibration
• Perform comprehensive end-to-end network testing, integration, and network security implementation of 5G RAN RU, DU, and CU components and 5G Core components while ensuring compliance with O-RAN Alliance standards
• Develop functional, performance, and interoperability test plans with Senior staff in compliance with O-RAN Alliance and 3GPP test specifications
• Implement and validate security configurations and encryption protocols on wireless interfaces and systems including firewalls, VPNs, IPsec, TLS/SSL, and encryption mechanisms
• Support development and execution of wireless communication test campaigns to include establishing requirements for the testing environment which ensures accurate capture of datasets
• Capture test results including key network metrics and perform detailed documentation of test activities
• Assist Senior and Leadership team in developing technical presentations, reports, and proposals
• Operate and configure RF testing equipment including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
• Automate test scenarios using scripting tools like Python or MATLAB to streamline validation processes
• Collaborate across engineering teams including internal team and external customers to accomplish program objectives
• Assist in developing technical presentations, reports, and proposals

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science or related engineering field and 8 years of experience in network testing and integration OR Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related engineering field and 6 years of experience in network testing and integration
• Strong understanding of 5G, Open RAN, and Next generation technologies, including architecture, interfaces, and protocols
• Strong knowledge of the 3GPP and/or O-RAN Alliance standards and test specifications
• Proficiency in secure network protocols such as IPSec, VPNs, TLS and understanding of authentication mechanisms like SIM-based security and 5G AKA protocols
• Practical experience with configuration, testing, integration, and implementation of SDR platforms including open-sourced software suites and COTS hardware
• Proficiency with lab tools: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, RF signal generators, and traffic generators
• Familiarity with network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark), interfaces (e.g., Open fronthaul, F1, E2, O1, M-plane, Xn, NG) and protocols (C/U/S/M planes)
• Knowledge of modern cellular technologies and concepts, including Network Slicing, O-RAN, Network Function Virtualization, Software-Defined Networking and Cloud Native related technologies?
• Strong scripting skills in Python, Bash, or MATLAB for test automation and security monitoring
• Strong technical writing skills to produce test plans, design documents and technical diagrams
• Ability to work independently based on senior technical staff guidance and within a team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including troubleshooting and identifying innovative solutions to address the problems
• Excellent communication skills and experience in establishing strong relationships with customers and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Visio)
• Be able to lift heavy equipment (up to 40 lbs.) if necessary

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience with network security tools for vulnerability analysis
• Experience with cloud-native deployments, Docker/Kubernetes, and virtualization in RAN/Core environments
• CISCO or equivalent certifications in networking
• Knowledge or experience with network implementation of one or more of the following: AI/ML, Spectrum sharing, Data analytics, RF Simulation, and Modeling
• Familiarity with RF propagation physics and modeling
• Understanding aggregated RF interference concepts and associated modeling techniques
• RF transceiver implementations including receiver and transmitter design. Knowledge of the use and effect of the Friis equation and RF channel analysis approaches.

Primary Work Location:

• Work is to be performed in Arlington, VA with remote work flexibility under the Hybrid Work & Telecommuting Policy.

Security:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be eligible to obtain & hold a Secret or Top-Secret clearance

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal-opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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