Forward Deployment Engineer – Senior - 5G/6G/NTN

Keysight Technologies, Inc.•San Diego, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Keysight is seeking a highly skilled wireless software engineer with deep wireless protocol expertise for its Forward Deployment Engineer team. The role focuses on 5G-Advanced and next-generation wireless technologies, combining production software development with direct technical collaboration with customer engineering teams and Keysight R&D. The engineer will develop, customize, integrate, and optimize software solutions used to build next-generation wireless systems. This is a development-focused role involving code contributions, protocol-stack debugging, software feature development, and technical solutions that influence customer products and Keysight technology roadmaps. The work includes investigating issues across protocol layers, performing root-cause analysis, modifying production code, and translating field challenges into product improvements and software innovations. The position is on-site in San Diego, California, with travel of up to 50% to local client sites; occasional international travel may also be required. Relocation is available, but visa sponsorship is not. The level offered depends on applicable experience, education, and skills. California pay range: $134,950–$224,920, with most offers between the minimum and midpoint.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
6 to 7 years of experience in software development for wireless communication systems.
Strong software development experience in C/C++ and Python.
Experience developing software in Linux environments.
Solid understanding of 4G LTE, 5G NR, or 5G-Advanced technologies.
Deep understanding of 3GPP protocols across Layers 1–3, particularly RRC and NAS.
Hands-on software development experience in one or more wireless protocol-stack layers, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, or NAS.
Experience as an R&D, platform, systems, or protocol-stack development engineer, with ownership of software design, implementation, debugging, and maintenance.
Experience investigating and troubleshooting complex software and protocol issues across multiple wireless-stack layers.
Strong root-cause analysis and debugging skills using logs, traces, packet captures, signaling analysis, performance metrics, and software debugging tools.
Familiarity with 3GPP specifications and wireless protocol implementation.
Strong understanding of software architecture and development processes, including the ability to understand, modify, and extend existing codebases.
Experience participating in code reviews and working in collaborative software development environments.
Ability to design, develop, test, and deliver production-quality software.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with modem software, protocol-stack development, wireless infrastructure, device testing, or network simulation platforms.
Experience with embedded software, real-time systems, or firmware development.
Experience developing software tools, automation frameworks, and APIs.
Knowledge of wireless test and measurement systems.
Experience working directly with customers on complex technical projects.
Experience leading technical investigations and cross-functional engineering efforts.
Exposure to 5G-Advanced, NTN, Open RAN, or emerging 6G technologies.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and enhance software features within wireless communication systems and protocol stacks.
Develop production-quality software in C/C++ and Python for Linux-based environments.
Analyze and debug issues across Layer 1 (PHY), Layer 2 (MAC/RLC/PDCP), and Layer 3 (RRC/NAS) protocols.
Investigate issues across the full protocol stack and collaborate with development teams on root-cause resolution.
Diagnose and resolve complex issues encountered during customer deployments, integrations, and performance optimization.
Modify existing software and develop code to address customer-specific requirements and technical challenges.
Develop APIs, software tools, automation frameworks, and diagnostics to improve development productivity and system visibility.
Analyze signaling logs, traces, packet captures, performance metrics, and timing behavior to identify root causes.
Build prototypes and rapidly validate new features and protocol enhancements.
Improve existing Keysight software through feature development, performance improvements, and customer-driven innovations.
Participate in code reviews and contribute to software quality, maintainability, and engineering best practices.
Develop a deep understanding of Keysight software architecture, feature implementation, and protocol-stack behavior to diagnose and resolve technical issues.
Collaborate with Keysight R&D to translate field findings into product improvements, software enhancements, and new capabilities.
Lead technical discussions with customers and provide guidance on protocol implementation, system architecture, and performance optimization.
Contribute to software releases, validation activities, and deployment of new features into customer development environments.