Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

5G System Integration Engineer

Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Strong understanding of cellular architecture (5G or 4G LTE) and 3GPP standards.
  • Hands-on wireless systems test experience including performance and interoperability testing.
  • Proficiency with test equipment such as signal generators and spectrum analyzers.
  • Proficiency in C++ for tooling and system-level development.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute integration across core, RAN (O-RAN), PHY/MAC, RF front-end, and telemetry.
  • Build CI driven integration test harnesses and log analysis pipelines.
  • Drive configuration baselines, soak testing, and OTA demo support.
  • Lead cross-functional issue triage and implement fixes with regression safeguards.
  • Tune parameters for performance optimization to meet contractual KPIs.
  • Validate compliance against relevant specs and ensure interoperability with partner equipment.
  • Develop and maintain C++ utilities and Python scripts for automation.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
  • Engagement in Agile ceremonies for collaborative team efforts.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge 5G technologies and industry standards.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled 5G Systems Integration Engineer with a strong background in gNB system architecture, integration, and validation. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with 5G NR, O-RAN components, and end-to-end system bring-up, as well as practical programming skills (C++ preferred) to support automation, debugging, and custom tooling development.

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • System Integration Ownership: Plan and execute integration across core, RAN (O?RAN), PHY/MAC (L1/L2), RF front?end, timing/GNSS, and management/telemetry.
  • Test Automation & Tooling: Build CI driven integration test harnesses (E2E attach, bearer setup, handover, throughput/latency, BLER, KPI trending), log analysis pipelines, and reproducible lab scenarios.
  • Lab-to-Field Readiness: Drive configuration baselines, soak testing, and pre-flight checklists; support OTA demos and field trials; ensure smooth handoff to customer ops.
  • Issue Triage & Root Cause: Lead cross-functional triage (firmware, RF, core, networking), isolate defects, and implement fixes with regression safeguards.
  • Performance Optimization: Tune parameters for scheduling, HARQ, beamforming, and RF chains to meet contractual KPIs.
  • Compliance & Interop: Validate against relevant specs (e.g., 3GPP call flows for SA, NTN-specific scenarios) and partner equipment interoperability.
  • Develop and maintain C++ utilities and Python scripts for automation, log parsing, test harnesses, and debugging workflows.
    • Documentation & Repeatability: Maintain integration runbooks, configuration guides, and acceptance test procedures for reuse across customers.
    • Participate in Agile ceremonies and demonstrate test results


  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Strong understanding of cellular architecture (5G or 4G LTE): RAN, air interface (5GNR/LTE), and 3GPP standards
  • Hands-on wireless systems test experience: performance, interoperability, protocol testing
  • Proficiency with test equipment: signal generators, spectrum analyzers, UE simulators, protocol analyzers
  • Proficiency in C++ for tooling, integration support, and system-level development.
  • Strong cross-functional triage and documentation skills

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Viavi TM500 UE simulator experience
  • Customer deployments, field testing, or carrier certification processes.
  • Ability to write clean, maintainable, production-grade C++ (C++14/17/20 experience preferred).
  • Experience with NTN scenarios, OTA demos, and lab-to-field transitions.

#LI-Hybrid

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $130,000-$170,000

About Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, solutions, and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Kratos Government Solutions, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety & Security. The Kratos Government Solutions segment offers microwave electronic products, satellite communications, training systems, modular systems, and defense and rocket support services. The Unmanned Systems segment provides unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne, as well as command, control, and communications systems. The Public Safety & Security segment designs, engineers, deploys, operates, integrates, maintains, and operates security and surveillance solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, government, and commercial customers. The company serves national security related agencies, the department of defense, intelligence agencies, and classified agencies, as well as international government agencies and domestic and international commercial customers; and critical infrastructure, power generation, power transport, nuclear energy, financial, IT, healthcare, education, transportation, and petro-chemical industries, as well as government and military customers. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Size
3,300 employees
Market Cap
$1.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.6 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$747.6 million
NASDAQ

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