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. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

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 start your 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

Salary Range (Italy): €38,780 – €64,630 gross annual

CCNL: Terziario, Distribuzione e Servizi (CCNL Commercio)

While posted at a specific level, this role may be filled at a different level based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. Compensation will be aligned with the final level of the role.

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***