Sr. Systems Engineer-5G ORAN Radio and RAN Software Architect bei Fairwinds Technologies

Sr. Systems Engineer - 5G ORAN Radio and RAN Software Architect (HYBRID- ABERDEEN, MARYLAND)

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
Type: Hybrid (Up to 40 hours/week in-office as needed)
Salary Range: $150,000 – $200,000 annually

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer with deep expertise in 5G ORAN architecture, Radio and/or RAN software architecture, 5G waveforms, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Frequency Hopping, and OpenAirInterface (OAI) to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced RF, SATCOM, and tactical network architectures. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in 5G systems engineering, digital signal processing, and embedded software, and will lead a multidisciplinary team of DSP and embedded software engineers.

This role will focus on adapting the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to support military Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Low Probability of Detection (LPD) objectives by employing DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques. The engineer will architect and evaluate end-to-end systems for fixed and mobile platforms operating in contested environments, enabling beyond-line-of-sight UAV command and control over hybrid 5G and SATCOM links. Additional responsibilities include waveform optimization and mesh networking for airborne nodes in dynamic environments.

This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect integrated communications systems using RF, SATCOM, and IP-based technologies, with a focus on 5G waveforms, DSSS, Frequency Hopping, and OpenAirInterface.
• Lead and mentor a team of DSP and embedded software engineers to deliver robust, real-time communications solutions.
• Adapt and extend the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to meet military LPI/LPD requirements, specifically through the implementation of DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques.
• Develop and validate system-level approaches for integrating DSSS and Frequency Hopping into 5G-based tactical communications.
• Conduct link budgets, interference analysis, and RF propagation assessments, including the impact of spread spectrum and frequency agility.
• Support integration and testing of communication systems in lab and field settings.
• Interface with hardware and software teams to drive system-level performance.
• Author technical documentation, system specifications, and SBIR deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ORAN 5G RAN and Radio systems, RF or SATCOM systems engineering, with a focus on 5G waveforms, digital signal processing, and spread spectrum techniques.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in DSP and embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with the 5G OpenAirInterface (OAI) stack, including gNB, EPC/5GC, and UE integration.
• Practical knowledge of DSSS and Frequency Hopping as applied to secure, resilient wireless communications.
• Familiarity with adapting 5G/OAI for military applications, including LPI/LPD techniques.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, STK, or similar simulation tools.
• Experience with Tactical and Commercial MANET Radios.
• U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Wireless Systems.
• Experience with 5G core deployment using containerized or virtualized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience integrating 5G RAN with SATCOM or tactical mesh backhaul for hybrid deployments.
• Knowledge of network slicing, QoS management, and URLLC/eMBB optimization for airborne and mobile platforms.
• Understanding of 3GPP specifications (Rel-15 to Rel-18) and their application to UAV communications.
• Background in RF planning, beamforming, and MIMO antenna systems for UAV-mounted 5G nodes.
• Prior work on field deployment of private 5G networks for military, aerospace, or large-scale IoT systems.
• Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will supervise DSP and embedded software engineering teams.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 25–30% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Why Join Us

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, including DoD SBIR initiatives.
 Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
 Competitive salary and benefits package.
 Professional development and growth opportunities.