Network Test Engineer RAN (Fixed Term Contract)
This position resides in the Three Ireland Networks Test Team, accountable for ensuring delivery of all Mobile Core Network testing. The primary focus is managing the Test Lab RAN environment to support testing across the MCN.
Responsibilities
Hands‑on across a wide range of network equipment and technology; contribute to the introduction of solutions and validation of existing mobile network features.
Manage and drive all RAN‑related testing; design, execute, and maintain test plans for 2G/3G/4G/LTE and 5G NR mobile networks.
Perform functional, regression, interoperability, and performance testing on RAN nodes such as gNodeB/eNodeB/BTS, DU, CU, RNC, BSC and associated interfaces.
Validate mobility procedures, including handovers, cell reselection, carrier aggregation, SRVCC and VoLTE scenarios.
Analyse network logs, protocol traces, and KPIs using tools such as Wireshark, TEMS, QXDM or vendor‑specific platforms.
Conduct lab testing to verify radio coverage, throughput, latency and network stability under varying traffic and mobility conditions.
Troubleshoot and isolate issues related to RF performance, signalling failures, call drops, attach failures and data session interruptions.
Collaborate with RAN design, core network, transport and operations teams to reproduce, debug and resolve network defects.
Automate test execution and reporting using scripting languages such as Python or Bash, integrating with CI/CD pipelines.
Prepare detailed test reports, defect documentation and validation summaries for customer acceptance and release sign‑off activities.
Ensure compliance with 3GPP standards, operator requirements and vendor specifications during feature validation and network integration activities.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Competent in all aspects of networking and security across physical and virtualised platforms, with strong RAN and IP troubleshooting ability and previous testing experience.
Motivated and driven, with a proven ability to work both in a team environment and autonomously.
Degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or equivalent experience.
Hands‑on experience with physical RAN lab setup and integration, including cabling, rack installation, power connections, antenna/RF path configuration, UE test setup and lab infrastructure coordination.
Strong knowledge of RAN architecture, protocols and procedures based on 3GPP standards.
Experience with RAN testing tools and log analysis platforms such as TEMS, Wireshark, Nemo or vendor‑specific OSS tools.
Understanding of RF concepts including propagation, interference, handovers, carrier aggregation, MIMO and beamforming.
Hands‑on experience troubleshooting network issues related to call setup failures, dropped calls, mobility and data performance.
Familiarity with interfaces and signalling protocols such as S1, X2, NG, SCTP, GTP and RRC.
Ability to develop and maintain test automation scripts using Python, Bash or similar scripting languages.
Experience working in lab and field test environments with telecom equipment from vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei or Samsung.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication and documentation skills with the ability to work in cross‑functional engineering teams.
Nice to Have
Knowledge of Mobile Core and RAN Network architectures.
Linux system administration experience.
Understanding of project and design lifecycle.
Benefits of Working at Three
Flexible working with our new hybrid model (three days per week in office).
Competitive salary, annual performance bonus and pension contribution.
25 days holiday plus 2.5 company days.
Annual leave buy or sell up to five days per year.
Health and care insurance through our flexible benefits programme.
Life assurance, phone and laptop, subsidised canteen.
Access to learning and development tools such as Coursera.
Free on‑site parking.
Equal Opportunity
At Three, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As Ireland’s largest mobile telecommunications provider, we provide a better connected life for our diverse customer base and want our teams to reflect this. We welcome and celebrate all identities and strive to create a culture of belonging where employees can thrive as their authentic selves. If you do not tick every box in this job description, you likely have other valuable skills that would make you a great fit for one of our teams.
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