Sr. Software Engineer – 5G RAN

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD

Type: Remote (Travel as needed)

Salary Range: $150,000 – $200,000 annually

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Communications Software Engineer with hands-on 5G RAN and/or radio SW development experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ORAN gNB and Radio SW systems. This role will focus on adapting the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to support military Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Low Probability of Detection (LPD) objectives by employing DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques on top of 5G architecture.

This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Support SW architecture design for an end-to-end 5G communications system based on Open AirInterface (OAI) open-source SW stack
• Deliver software requirements, documents and integration and test plans
• Act as software engineer and implement the software needed changes into the 5G SW stack
• Adapt and extend the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to optimize military LPI/LPD requirements, specifically through the implementation of DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques
• Support integration and testing of communication systems in lab and field settings
• Interface with hardware and system teams to drive system-level performance
• Author technical documentation and support generation of system specifications and SBIR deliverables

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of design experience in 5G RAN/Radio software development with deep knowledge of 5G and/or ORAN systems and 5G waveforms
• 10+ years of experience coding and reverse engineering with C/C++
• 7+ years of debugging real time communication SW
• Experience in writing 5G systems and SW specifications
• U.S. Citizenship and eligible for DoD security clearance

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Computer Science / Engineering, or Wireless Systems
• Experience with 5G core deployment using containerized or virtualized environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience in utilizing AI in code writing and reviews
• Hands-on experience with the 5G OpenAirInterface (OAI) stack, including gNB, and UE integration
• Experience in L1 and L2 integration of 5G RAN or SATCOM communications systems
• Familiarity with adapting 5G/OAI for military applications, including LPI/LPD techniques
• Experience of User Equipment 5G software
• Practical knowledge of DSSS and Frequency Hopping as applied to secure, resilient wireless communications
• Experience with Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial (NTN) communications systems
• Understanding of 3GPP specifications (Rel-15 to Rel-18)

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US. Must hold active secret clearance.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience.