| Location | Santa Clara, CA |
| Job Type | Full-time |
We are hiring a Core Software Engineer to deliver reliable 5G Core network functions and control-plane services that support next-generation mobile and satellite networks. You will architect, develop, and maintain critical network functions and control-plane services that form the backbone of next-generation mobile telecommunications infrastructure.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who takes responsibility for results, makes timely decisions, and stays engaged until the solution works. You will apply your knowledge of 3GPP protocols, distributed systems, and service-oriented architecture to advance our 5G Core processing solutions and turn technical commitments into working software.
Network Function Delivery: Design, develop, and maintain 5G Core Network Functions and their associated service-based interfaces (Namf, Nsmf, Nupf, etc.) using modern C++, Python, or equivalent languages on Linux-based systems
Protocol implementation: Develop and implement 3GPP protocols including NAS, PFCP, GTP-U, HTTP/2, and network interfaces such as N4 and N11 to ensure standards compliance and interoperability
Distributed architecture: Build and enhance service-based microservices architecture with REST-like APIs, leveraging distributed systems design patterns and modern deployment practices
Fault resolution:Troubleshoot complex distributed systems issues, analyze control-plane signaling paths, and debug protocol interactions across the 5G core infrastructure
Control-plane visibility: Develop and maintain 5G core network control-plane probes for real-time monitoring, protocol decoding, signaling extraction, and network traffic analysis
Test coverage and release readiness: Design and implement automated test frameworks for functional, integration, and regression testing of 5G Core features with comprehensive results tracking and validation
Technical alignment:Collaborate with technical leaders and cross-functional teams to elicit requirements, develop technical documentation, and lead concept demonstrations
Performance improvement:Perform technical research, develop performance analysis tools, and optimize network configurations to improve system KPIs and operational efficiency
Hands-on development experience with 5G Core Network Functions or equivalent LTE/4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) systems
Proficiency in C++, Python, or equivalent modern programming languages with demonstrated ability to architect and implement complex telecommunications processing solutions
Deep knowledge of 3GPP specifications and RAN/5G-NR/LTE protocols with hands-on experience resolving protocol-layer issues
Strong understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and control-plane signaling patterns
Experience with automated testing frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and test case development with comprehensive tracking methodologies
Proven debugging and performance optimization skills with exceptional analytical capabilities and strong engineering fundamentals
Experience troubleshooting and analyzing logs from network elements using specialized tools
5G Core network control-plane probe development for advanced monitoring, traffic replay, and protocol analysis
In-depth knowledge of specific 5G network functions: AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, NRF including behavior, interactions, and call flows
Observability frameworks and tools (OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana) for monitoring distributed telecommunications systems
Network virtualization and containerization technologies (KVM, VMware, OpenStack, AWS, Kubernetes, Helm, Docker)
Reverse engineering of telecommunications protocols and proprietary network implementations
User Equipment (UE) and network element log analysis using specialized tools (QXDM, XCAL, or equivalent)
Development with modern languages like Go or Rust for systems programming
Experience with LTE/4G EPC systems (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) demonstrating protocol evolution knowledge
Building software tools and data pipelines for network performance analysis and optimization
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Santa Clara, CA location. The target base pay for this position in Santa Clara, California is $160,000-$200,00 annually. The total compensation package will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience and location.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.