Wireless Protocol Software Engineer - Layer 2 (MAC, RLC, PDCP)

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world‑class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries.

Keysight is looking for a recent graduate (MSc or PhD) in Telecommunications Engineering to join our R&D team as a Wireless Protocol Software Engineer focused on Layer 2 (L2). This is an excellent opportunity to begin a career working on cutting‑edge 5G and emerging 6G technologies, contributing to real‑world implementations of 3GPP protocol stacks used in advanced wireless test and emulation platforms.

You will work alongside experienced engineers in a collaborative, multi‑site international environment, gaining hands‑on experience in designing and developing high-performance protocol software.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of Layer 2 protocol stack components:
  • MAC (Medium Access Control)
  • RLC (Radio Link Control)
  • PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol)
• Support development of UE and base station (gNB) emulation solutions
• Analyze and implement features from 3GPP LTE and 5G NR specifications
• Assist in translating requirements into:
  • Clean and maintainable code
  • Test cases and validation scenarios
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems, RF, protocol, software) to:
  • Investigate and debug protocol behavior
  • Support issue analysis and resolution
• Participate in continuous learning of evolving standards and technologies (5G Advanced, pre‑6G)

Required Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Strong theoretical knowledge of wireless communications and 3GPP LTE / 5G NR
• Understanding of Layer 2 protocols (MAC, RLC, PDCP) from coursework, thesis, or research
• Programming skills in C or C++
• Basic knowledge of:
  • Multithreading or concurrent programming
  • Software development practices and debugging
• Analytical mindset and strong problem‑solving skills
• Good communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience (academic projects, internship, or thesis) in:
  • Wireless protocol implementation or simulation
  • Network emulation or system‑level modeling
• Familiarity with:
  • Linux development environment
  • Version control systems (e.g., Git)
  • Debugging or protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark)
• Exposure to:
  • O‑RAN concepts or modern network architectures
  • Scripting languages (e.g., Python)

Tools & Technologies (You Will Learn and Use)

• Git, JIRA
• Wireshark
• Debugging tools (e.g., Valgrind)
• CI/CD and modern development workflows

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on real 5G and future 6G systems
• Mentorship from experienced protocol and system engineers
• Exposure to industry standards (3GPP) and real implementations
• A collaborative and international R&D environment
• Clear growth path toward technical expertise or leadership roles

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Passion for wireless technologies and protocol design
• Strong learning agility and curiosity
• Motivation to bridge theory and real‑world systems
• Interest in building high‑performance, production‑quality software

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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