Job Information
Actalent Software Engineer in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Communications Software Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a Communications Software Engineer with hands-on 5G RAN and/or radio software development experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ORAN gNB and Radio Software systems. 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 on top of 5G architecture.
Responsibilities
Support software architecture design for an end-to-end 5G communications system based on the Open AirInterface (OAI) open-source software stack.
Deliver software requirements, documents, and integration and test plans.
Act as a software engineer and implement necessary changes into the 5G software stack.
Adapt and extend the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to optimize military LPI/LPD requirements, specifically through the implementation of DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques.
Support integration and testing of communication systems in lab and field settings.
Interface with hardware and system teams to drive system-level performance.
Author technical documentation and support generation of system specifications and SBIR deliverables.
Essential Skills
5+ years of design experience in 5G RAN/Radio software development with deep knowledge of 5G and/or ORAN systems and 5G waveforms.
10+ years of experience coding and reverse engineering with C/C++.
7+ years of debugging real-time communication software.
Experience in writing 5G systems and software specifications.
U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for DoD security clearance.
Hands-on experience with the 5G OpenAirInterface (OAI) stack, including gNB.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Master’s degree in Communications, Computer Science/Engineering, or Wireless Systems is preferred.
Experience with 5G core deployment using containerized or virtualized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience in utilizing AI in code writing and reviews.
Familiarity with adapting 5G/OAI for military applications, including LPI/LPD techniques.
Experience with User Equipment 5G software.
Practical knowledge of DSSS and Frequency Hopping as applied to secure, resilient wireless communications.
Experience with Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial (NTN) communications systems.
Understanding of 3GPP specifications (Rel-15 to Rel-18).
Work Environment
This position offers flexibility with the option to work fully remotely or in a hybrid model, depending on the candidate's location. The role involves supporting a Military 5G Waveform program for Space Force, funded under a SBIR award for 24 months. The team includes two DSP Engineers who are also fully remote, and plans to add another DSP Engineer and a 5G Systems Architect. Our firm specializes in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), providing advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $96.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 24, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.