General Motors

Senior Wireless Test Engineer

General Motors • $106K — $165K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Reposted Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years in cellular wireless testing (4G LTE/5G NR)
  • Strong understanding of cellular RF fundamentals and protocols
  • Experience developing and executing test plans and scripts
  • Proficiency with cellular test equipment and tools
  • Strong data analysis and debugging skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead lab and field validation of GM's 4G/5G cellular connectivity
  • Translate technical requirements into structured test plans and cases
  • Define and execute RF performance and parametric tests
  • Develop test cases for 4G/5G protocol stack behavior and mobility
  • Create and maintain test suites for voice, data, and emergency services
  • Develop automated test scripts and manage testing infrastructure
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and improve methodologies

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefit programs
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement savings plan and life insurance
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance programs
  • GM vehicle discounts
Full Job Description
Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business if more than 3 days].

The Role

The Senior Wireless Test Engineer - Cellular Systems will lead lab and field validation of GM's 4G and 5G cellular connectivity, ensuring robust voice, data, and safety-critical services for connected vehicles. This role is responsible for translating detailed technical and regulatory requirements into comprehensive test strategies, test cases, and automated test scripts that validate end-to-end system performance across multiple networks, operators, and markets.

You will be a hands-on technical leader, defining test methodologies, selecting tools and equipment, executing complex test campaigns, and driving issue resolution with internal teams and external partners.

What You'll Do

Test Strategy, Planning, and Design

  • Translate system, feature, and regulatory requirements into structured test plans, test cases, and scripts covering lab and field validation for cellular connectivity.
  • Define test coverage strategy for:
  • RF performance and parametric tests
  • Protocol stack behavior for 4G LTE and 5G NR
  • Mobility, roaming, and handover scenarios
  • Application-level voice, data, SMS, emergency calls, and special features.
  • Identify tools, test equipment, fixtures, and environments required to fully validate requirements (e.g., RF chambers, call boxes, loggers, automation frameworks, simulators, load generators).


RF Performance and Parametric Validation

  • Develop and execute RF performance and parametric test cases (e.g., output power, sensitivity, ACLR, EVM, throughput vs. RSRP/RSRQ/SINR, spectrum mask).
  • Specify and use RF test equipment such as signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, OTA chambers, and channel emulators.
  • Analyze RF measurements, correlate with requirements and KPIs, and drive corrective actions with hardware and modem engineering teams.


Cellular Protocol and Mobility Testing (4G/5G)

  • Develop detailed test cases and scripts to validate 4G/5G protocol stack behavior, including:
  • Attach/registration, bearer/session setup, authentication, and security procedures
  • Mobility management, idle/connected mode behaviors, DRX, power-saving features.
  • Design and execute mobility and roaming scenarios, including:
  • Intra- and inter-frequency handovers
  • Inter-RAT mobility (e.g., LTE-NR, LTE-3G/2G where applicable)
  • Domestic and international roaming, PLMN selection, and operator-specific features.
  • Validate throughput and latency across multiple radio conditions, bands, and network configurations; create performance benchmarks and regression baselines.


Service and Feature Validation (Voice, Data, SMS, Emergency, Special Features)

  • Develop and maintain test suites for:
  • Voice services: CS voice (where relevant), VoLTE/VoNR, supplementary services, audio quality KPIs.
  • Packet data: IP connectivity, QoS, APN configurations, VPN and secure tunnel behavior.
  • Messaging: MO/MT SMS, concatenated messages, delivery reports, failure handling.
  • Emergency services: eCall/NG-eCall or regional equivalents, emergency call routing, fallback behaviors, and priority handling.
  • Special features: operator- or GM-specific services (e.g., data-only modes, tethering, OTA updates, remote commands, telematics features).
  • Validate end-to-end system behavior including in-vehicle integration, back-end/cloud interfaces, and mobile network interactions.


Automation, Tooling, and Infrastructure

  • Develop automated test scripts and parsers for cellular and RF test execution, log collection, and results processing.
  • Define and maintain test benches, automation frameworks, and CI/regression test suites for cellular validation.
  • Specify and integrate test tools such as:
  • Cellular network simulators / call boxes
  • RF channel emulators and OTA chambers
  • Packet sniffers, protocol analyzers, and logging tools
  • Traffic generators for voice/data/SMS and application load.
  • Drive test data management: logging, parsing, metrics dashboards, and traceability between requirements, test cases, and results.


Debug, Analysis, and Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Perform deep-dive analysis of field and lab issues involving RF, protocol, and service-level failures; reproduce and triage with modem suppliers, network operators, and internal teams.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware design, modem/software, systems engineering, regulatory, and back-end/cloud teams to:
  • Clarify requirements and KPIs
  • Prioritize defects and drive design or software changes
  • Improve test coverage and methodologies over time.
  • Provide clear, concise test reports and technical summaries for leadership, program teams, and external stakeholders.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in cellular wireless testing or validation (4G LTE and/or 5G NR) in automotive, telecom, handset, or modem domains.
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Cellular RF fundamentals (power, sensitivity, link budget, interference, fading)
  • 4G/5G protocol stack (RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY; NAS and core network interactions)
  • Mobility and roaming concepts, including handovers, reselection, and tracking areas.
  • Demonstrated experience developing test plans, test cases, and test scripts for:
  • RF performance and parametric checks
  • Cellular protocol procedures (attach, bearer setup, registration, security)
  • Mobility/roaming, throughput, and latency characterization
  • Voice, data, SMS, and emergency call scenarios.
  • Hands-on experience with cellular test equipment and tools, such as:
  • Call boxes / network simulators (e.g., Keysight, R&S, Anritsu, Spirent, etc.)
  • Spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators
  • Protocol analyzers and log tools (e.g., QXDM, QCAT, modem logs, Wireshark).
  • Strong data analysis and debugging skills, with the ability to interpret complex RF and protocol logs and narrow down root causes.
  • Proven ability to translate requirements into testable criteria and define the tools, instrumentation, and configurations needed for full coverage.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document test methods, results, and recommendations clearly.


What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master's degree in a related engineering field.
  • Experience with automotive connectivity or telematics control units (TCUs), including in-vehicle integration and back-end/cloud connectivity.
  • Knowledge of Hardware design, PCB, and traces.
  • Familiarity with emergency call regulations, public safety requirements, and regional differences in emergency services.
  • Experience with test automation frameworks (Python or similar) for cellular/RF testing, including scripting for call box control and log parsing.
  • Knowledge of operator certification, conformance, and regulatory test processes (e.g., PTCRB, GCF, carrier-specific programs).
  • Experience with multi-RAT and multi-SIM devices, as well as coexistence with other radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS).
  • Background in requirements management and traceability tools, and in building coverage metrics for large test suites.


This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Compensation:
  • The expected base compensation for this role is: $106,600 - $165,700. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.


#LI-CC1

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Senior Wireless Test Engineer jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI