Validation Engineer

Job#: 3034088

Job Description:
Validation Engineer

Location: Foster City, California (On-site)
Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

An opportunity is available for an expert and innovative Hardware & Wireless Validation Engineer. 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 will collaborate with design engineers and external partners to ensure systems meet performance, quality of service, and regulatory compliance targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on functional, performance, environmental, and reliability testing on both physical hardware and network systems using tools like oscilloscopes, VNAs, environmental chambers, and specialized wireless test platforms.
• 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.
• 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.
• Draft and present detailed documentation, including test plans, design reviews, and data reviews.
• Perform or commission conformance testing for international regulatory requirements, including emission compliance, PTCRBF test suites, and MNO conformance testing.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a similar discipline.

Experience: 7+ years of professional, relevant work experience in electronics development, including at least 5+ years in wireless system validation.

Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with wireless test platforms (e.g., 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 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 similar tools.
• Strong understanding of 3GPP and Carrier specifications for LTE and NR.
• Familiarity with Ethernet lab equipment (e.g., Ixia, Spirent) and associated software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Engineering.
• Experience with team/club competitions (e.g., SAE, FIRST, DARPA).
• Foundational knowledge of systems and networking.
• Experience with protocols such as PCIe, CAN, SPI, I2C, MDIO and Ethernet standards like IEEE 802.3x.
• Familiarity with specific chipsets and signaling (NRZ and PAM-4).
• Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, requirement/test case management tools, and Atlassian products (Jira/Confluence).

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.