Senior Software Engineer - 5G Cloud-Native Networks

Job Title: Sr. Software Engineer – R&D (5G/Cloud-Native Networks) Job Description This Sr. level Software Engineer role focuses on research and development for cutting-edge 5G NR and 4G LTE products and solutions within a product development team. You design, implement, and test cloud-native network management systems running on modern virtualization platforms such as Kubernetes, Rancher, and ESXi, while developing in languages like Go, C/C++, Java, and SQL. You contribute to innovative hardware and software configurations that support unique customer requirements, including integration with Tier 3 networks, SIM management, charging and billing systems, and emerging AI use cases in large and small data center environments. This position reports to the R&D Director and plays a key role in advancing next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. Responsibilities Collaborate with the R&D team to design, implement, and functionally test software products for 5G NR and 4G LTE solutions.Work closely with R&D teams on product releases, including defining features, requirements, and test tools.Mentor and lead less experienced software engineers, providing technical guidance and support.Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure project alignment and clarity.Proactively maintain and enhance technical skillsets to keep pace with evolving technologies and industry best practices.Manage time effectively to meet project schedules and deliverables.Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities for improvement and driving solutions.Interact with project leadership and other team members as needed to meet project milestones and deadlines.Design, implement, and test software components and services for target Linux platforms.Create and maintain shared libraries used across multiple products and platforms.Develop multi-threaded and multi-process applications following established development best practices.Implement and manage Linux services, including installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance.Develop network programming solutions with robust client/server architectures.Build web server applications using HTML and server-side languages such as PHP, Node.js, or Go.Design relational database schemas, create and execute SQL programmatically, and optimize code for long-term database performance.Configure, integrate, and design solutions using virtualization technologies such as ESXi, VMware, and Kubernetes.Contribute to the development of management systems for telecommunications networks, integrating with Tier 3 networks and SIM management, charging, billing, and AI-related functionalities.Support the integration of AI use cases into larger network environments, including big and small data centers.Participate in studies and efforts to migrate from existing VMware/ESXi deployments to modern platforms.Apply good analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex issues with minimal supervision.Maintain strong partnership interactions and manage complex relationships associated with R&D projects.Ensure high-quality deliverables by working under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adhering to development standards.Travel domestically and internationally as needed, generally less than 10%, to support project and customer needs. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree (BS) required.10–12+ years of experience in software development.Strong ability to work in a small team environment focused on designing, implementing, and testing products.Excellent knowledge of C, C++, Java, and Go for target Linux platforms.Experience creating and maintaining shared libraries across multiple products and platforms.Extensive experience with multi-threaded development and adherence to development best practices.Strong experience with GitLab and GitLab Runners for source control, builds, and trouble report management.Solid experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.Experience with at least one of the following development tools: CLion or Android Studio.Excellent experience with Linux platforms, including permission levels and multi-process concepts.Excellent experience installing, managing, and developing Linux services.Experience developing in at least one of Go, Angular, or Rust for target Linux platforms.Excellent network programming skills with client/server experience.Strong knowledge of web server application development using HTML and server-side languages such as PHP, Node.js, or Go.2–3+ years of relational database experience, including designing data tables, creating and executing SQL programmatically, and coding for long-term database performance.Good knowledge of virtual machines, containers, and virtual environments.Good understanding of client/server architectures.Good understanding of IP networks.Effective communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to express ideas and exchange information clearly.Fluency in English.Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.Ability to solve problems and work with minimal supervision.Ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively in a team environment.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Good breadth of telecommunications technologies.Ability to build and manage complex relationships associated with R&D projects.Legally able to work in the U.S.Willingness and ability to be granted a security clearance. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience developing software for telecommunications is a plus, including familiarity with NR, LTE, and GSM wireless technologies and related protocols.Modern Android development experience is a plus.Device driver development experience is a plus.Experience with kernel-level development is a plus.Understanding of peer-to-peer encryption is a plus.Understanding of information assurance requirements on products is a plus.Experience with ESXi and VMware virtualization platforms.Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration.Experience with networking configuration, integration, and design.Experience with Go development for backend services.Experience with backend databases such as MariaDB, open-source data stores, Redpanda, or KSQL.Industry experience in telecommunications is beneficial but not required.Interest or experience in cybersecurity and AI, particularly in network-related use cases.Experience working with large and small data centers and integrating AI into network infrastructure.Less than 10% domestic travel and up to approximately 5% international travel may be required. Work Environment You join a collaborative R&D team of approximately 10–12 software engineers working on advanced 5G NR and 4G LTE network products and cloud-native management systems. The environment centers on Linux-based development using PCs, workstations, and mobile devices, with extensive use of GitLab for software builds and trouble report management. The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies and works with virtualization and container technologies such as VMware, ESXi, and Kubernetes, as well as tools like Rancher, Ansible, and Helm. Work involves both large and small data center contexts, integrating AI capabilities into broader network infrastructure. Travel requirements are modest, with less than 10% overall travel and occasional international trips, providing exposure to diverse network deployments while maintaining a primarily office-based, team-oriented setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of The Colony, TX. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $86.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 onsite position in The Colony,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. 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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.