Validation Engineer

Title: Validation Engineer
Job Type: Contract
Contract Length: 6+ months
Target Start Date: ASAP
Work Location/Structure: Onsite in Foster City, CA / W2 Only

About the Opportunity:

Our client, a leader in Autonomous Vehicle Technology, is looking for a skilled Validation Engineer to join their team for a 6+ months engagement. This project involves developing, documenting, and executing comprehensive unit and system-level validation tests for both general hardware and network-connected devices, focusing on mission-critical wireless interfaces, including 4G-LTE, 5G-NR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, as well as Ethernet and other on-vehicle network protocols. This is a high-impact role that requires a self-motivated professional who can hit the ground running and deliver results quickly.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

This role is focused on the successful completion of specific tasks and deliverables. Your responsibilities will include:

• Test Execution & Analysis: Conducting hands-on functional, performance, environmental, and reliability testing on both physical hardware and network systems, using a variety of tools, from oscilloscopes, VNAs, and environmental chambers to specialized wireless test platforms from vendors like Keysight and Rohde & Schwarz.
• Test Infrastructure Development: Selecting, procuring, commissioning, and configuring test equipment and software; developing custom test assets such as load simulators, test harnesses, and scripts using Python and TTCN; and constructing and maintaining lab infrastructure, from fixed network test harnesses to RF cabling.
• Protocol & System Validation: Developing and executing test cases to analyze the behavior of wireless and fixed networks, including 4G-LTE, 5G-NR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and IP; and collaborating with suppliers to validate network performance and identify the root cause of failures.
• Documentation & Compliance: Drafting and presenting detailed documentation, including test plans, design reviews, and data reviews; and performing or commissioning conformance testing for international regulatory requirements, such as FCC emission compliance, PTCRB/GCF test suites, and U.S. MNO conformance testing.

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of successful contract engagements. The ideal candidate will have:

• 6+ years of professional, relevant work experience in electronics development.
• Deep expertise in hands-on experience configuring/programming wireless test platforms (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz) and testing/troubleshooting Automotive Ethernet products; expertise in Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.1AS, 802.11), IP network protocols, and 3GPP 4G-LTE / 5G-NR network architecture; experience with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Classic/LE protocol and PHY designs; proficiency with lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, e-loads, VNAs, and spectrum analyzers; experience with regulatory conformance testing and analyzing network diagnostics using tools like Wireshark and Qualcomm QXDM logs; and familiarity with Ethernet lab equipment (Ixia, Spirent) and associated software (IxNetwork, TTworkbench). This isn't a learning role—you need to be a subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage your own time effectively to meet project goals.
• Experience with advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Engineering; team/club competitions (e.g., SAE, FIRST, DARPA); foundational knowledge of systems and networking (e.g., systems architecture, memory hierarchy, storage subsystems, routing); specific protocols (PCIe, CAN, SPI, I2C, MDIO) and Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3x); specific chipsets (e.g., Broadcom, Marvell) and signaling (NRZ and PAM-4); certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE; data acquisition systems (UEI or Keysight), requirement-test case management tools (Polarion), and Atlassian products (Jira/Confluence) are a plus.
• Strong communication skills to provide clear and concise status updates to the project team.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a similar discipline.