Principal 5G Software Engineer

About the job Principal 5G Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer (5G / RAN / Core Networks) Abu Dhabi, UAE

Join a leading organization at the forefront of developing cutting-edge secure communication technologies. This company specializes in advanced RF systems, satellite communications, and ultra-secure devices used across defence, aerospace, and critical infrastructure environments.

As a Principal Software Engineer (5G), you will play a key role in the design and development of next-generation 5G communication systems. This is a highly technical, hands-on leadership position where you will drive software architecture and development across 5G Core and/or Radio Access Network (RAN) systems, working closely with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, RF, and system engineering.

• Lead the design and development of scalable, high-performance 5G software solutions across 5G Core (5GC) and/or Radio Access Network (RAN).
• Define and drive software architecture, ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability of complex telecom systems.
• Develop and implement interworking solutions across multiple communication systems (5G, WiFi, satellite, legacy radio).
• Remain hands‑on with coding, debugging, and optimisation of complex software modules.
• Collaborate with hardware, RF, and system engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid‑level engineers, conducting code reviews and promoting best practices.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, ensuring carrier‑grade system performance.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• Contribute to technical decision‑making, risk assessment, and overall system design strategy.
• Ensure high‑quality, maintainable code through strong development standards and processes.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for software design, architecture, and processes.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on telecommunications systems.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in 5G Core (5GC) and/or RAN software development.
• Strong experience with programming languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Solid understanding of 5G , 3
  
  GPP standards, and wireless communication protocols.
• Experience designing and developing high‑performance, scalable, and distributed systems.
• Strong knowledge of system architecture, software design patterns, and performance optimisation.
• Experience working in Linux-based environments and embedded or real‑time systems is beneficial.
• Proven ability to lead technically, mentor engineers, and influence architectural decisions.

If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and working at the forefront of 5G and secure communications technology, this is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping next‑generation communication systems with real‑world impact across defence, government, and critical infrastructure sectors.