5G Core Test Engineer

Description:
**Hybrid | Englewood, CO**

Our client is seeking an experienced 5G Core Test Engineer to support the validation and testing of vendor Network Functions (NFs) in a lab environment. This role requires expert-level knowledge of 5G call flows, experience working in Kubernetes-based environments, and strong technical writing skills. A key responsibility will be creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation, including a test manual that outlines procedures, configurations, and troubleshooting steps for use by engineering and operations teams.

Due to client requirement, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $65 - $75 / hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Perform functional, integration, regression, and performance testing of 5G Core Network Functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, NRF, etc.) in a lab environment.
• Analyze and validate 5G call flows across multiple network interfaces (e.g., N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N10, N11, etc.) based on 3GPP standards.
• Deploy, manage, and troubleshoot containerized NFs within Kubernetes clusters.
• Develop and execute detailed test plans and test cases tailored to vendor-specific NFs.
• Lead the creation of a test operations manual and documentation suite that includes test procedures, environment setup instructions, configuration guides, and troubleshooting playbooks.
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of all lab test results, system behaviors, defects, and resolutions.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to reproduce, analyze, and document issues.
• Provide clear technical documentation to support issue triage, regression tracking, and knowledge transfer.
• Participate in automation planning and contribute to the development of repeatable test processes.

Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience testing 5G Core or 4G EPC systems in lab or pre-production environments.
• Expert-level understanding of 5G/4G call flows and 3GPP interface behaviors.
• Strong hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and containerized NF deployment.
• Experience with vendor NFs from providers such as Ericsson, Nokia, Mavenir, or Samsung.
• Deep familiarity with protocols including PFCP, SCTP, HTTP/2, GTP-U, and Diameter.
• Exceptional documentation skills, including the ability to create structured manuals, guides, and traceable test records.
• Proficient with tools like Wireshark, Tcpdump, and log analysis for troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with Helm charts, YAML, and Kubernetes automation.
• Familiarity with CI/CD and automated testing environments.
• Scripting or test automation knowledge (Python, Bash, Robot Framework, etc.).
• Experience using Spirent Landslide or similar tools for traffic generation and NF validation.
• Background in writing formal technical documentation or internal knowledge bases.