> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2709141-5g-software-test-engineer-physical-layer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2709141-5g-software-test-engineer-physical-layer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # 5G Software Test Engineer, Physical Layer - **Company:** Espace Inc. - **Location:** Saratoga, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Agile Methodology, Confluence, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Bash Shell, Protocol Stack, Continuous Integration, Data Transmissions, Software Debugging, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Scrum Methodology, Regression Testing, Test Case, Performance Testing, 5G NR, Hardware Acceleration, Decoding - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-5g-software-test-engineer-physical-layer-e-space-7686727 ## About the Role * Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or equivalent * Strong experience in 5G NR PHY testing, validation, or development * Solid understanding of digital communications and PHY-layer concepts * Experience working with SDR platforms and SoC-based systems * Working knowledge of MATLAB and Python for test development and analysis * Strong understanding of real-time embedded system behavior * Excellent problem-solving, communication, and debugging skills Bonus Points: * Deep understanding of 3GPP 5G NR PHY specifications (Rel 15/16/17+) * Experience testing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communication systems * Hands-on experience with DSPs and hardware accelerators * Strong understanding of link budgets, channel models, RF impairments, and lab measurements * Experience with waveform generation, PHY simulation, and system bring-up Additional RequirementsThis is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected. This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed. E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. ## Description Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life. As a Senior 5G Software Test Engineer focused on the Physical Layer, you will lead the verification, validation, and performance testing of 5G NR PHY software for 3GPP Release 15/16/17 and beyond-5G systems. Your primary focus will be ensuring correctness, performance, and robustness of real-time PHY implementations running on processor- and accelerator-based platforms. You will work closely with PHY software developers, RF engineers, DSP teams, and hardware teams to validate PHY features, diagnose complex issues, and ensure high-quality, production-ready software. This position is based in the USA (Arlington, TX or Saratoga, CA). What you will do: * 5G PHY Software Testing and Validation * Design, develop, and execute PHY-level test plans for 5G NR software implementations * Validate key PHY functions such as modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, synchronization, equalization, coding/decoding, and HARQ * Verify compliance of PHY implementations with 3GPP Rel 15/16/17 specifications * Test Case Development and Automation * Create PHY-level test cases, regression tests, and validation scenarios * Generate, analyze, and verify PHY test vectors, waveforms, and logs * Develop scripts and tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, bash) to support test automation and analysis * Lab Verification and Debug * Verify PHY functionality using 5G test equipment (e.g., R&S, Keysight/Agilent) and commercial UEs * Perform over-the-air (OTA) and conducted testing in lab environments * Debug complex PHY, timing, RF, and performance issues across software and hardware boundaries * Work closely with developers to reproduce issues and validate fixes * Platform, RF, and System Interaction * Validate integration of PHY software with RF front-end hardware and digital baseband chains * Work with SDR platforms and SoC architectures, including ARM, DSPs, and hardware accelerators * Understand and test within real-time and low-latency constraints * Collaboration and Ways of Working * Collaborate closely with PHY development, RF, systems, hardware, and protocol stack teams * Work effectively in a global, distributed team across the U.S., Europe, and India * Follow SCRUM / Agile and Continuous Integration development practices * Document test plans, results, and issues in Confluence, JIRA, or equivalent systems ## Related Videos - [Unleash the power of 5G in your code: transform your apps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1567-unleash-the-power-of-5g-in-your-code-transform-your-apps) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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