Hardware & Wireless Validation Engineer

Title: Hardware & Wireless Validation Engineer
Job Type:  Contract
Contract Length:  6 months
Pay Rate:  $80 - $85/hr (W2 Only)
Start Date:  ASAP
Location:  Onsite - Foster City, CA

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leader in the autonomous vehicle and technology sector, is looking for an expert, innovative, and self-starting Hardware & Wireless Validation Engineer to join their team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, documenting, and executing comprehensive unit and system-level validation tests for both general hardware and network-connected devices. Your work will focus on mission-critical wireless interfaces, including 4G-LTE, 5G-NR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, as well as Ethernet and other on-vehicle network protocols. You'll collaborate with design engineers and external partners to ensure systems meet performance, quality of service, and regulatory compliance targets.

. Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Test Execution & Analysis: Conduct hands-on functional, performance, environmental, and reliability testing on physical hardware and network systems. You will use a variety of tools, including oscilloscopes, VNAs, environmental chambers, and specialized wireless test platforms from vendors like Keysight and Rohde & Schwarz.
• Test Infrastructure Development: Select, procure, commission, and configure test equipment and software. Develop custom test assets such as load simulators, test harnesses, and scripts using Python and TTCN. Construct and maintain lab infrastructure, from fixed network test harnesses to RF cabling.
• Protocol & System Validation: Develop and execute test cases to analyze the behavior of wireless and fixed networks, including 4G-LTE, 5G-NR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and IP. Collaborate with suppliers to validate network performance and identify the root cause of failures.
• Documentation & Compliance: Draft and present detailed documentation, including test plans, design reviews, and data reviews. You will also perform or commission conformance testing for international regulatory requirements, such as FCC emission compliance, PTCRB/GCF test suites, and U.S. MNO conformance testing.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education:  Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a similar discipline is required. An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) is a bonus.
• Experience:  7+ years of professional, relevant work experience in electronics development, including at least 5+ years in wireless system validation.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Hands-on experience configuring/programming and developing test cases using wireless test platforms (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz) and testing/troubleshooting Automotive Ethernet products.
  • Expertise in Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.1AS, 802.11), IP network protocols, and 3GPP 4G-LTE / 5G-NR network architecture.
  • Experience with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Classic/LE protocol and PHY designs.
  • Proficiency with lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, e-loads, VNAs, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with regulatory conformance testing and analyzing network diagnostics using tools like Wireshark and Qualcomm QXDM logs.
  • Ability to execute test plans targeting LTE, NR-NSA and NR-SA L1/L2/L3 protocol features.
  • Experience with modem log analysis using QXDM/QCAT or ShannonDM tools.
  • Strong understanding of 3GPP and Carrier specifications for LTE and NR.
• Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Ethernet lab equipment (Ixia, Spirent) and associated software (IxNetwork, TTworkbench).
  • Foundational knowledge of systems and networking (e.g., systems architecture, storage subsystems, routing).
  • Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE.

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