Wireless Protocol Software Engineer - Layer ; MAC, RLC, PDCP

Position: Wireless Protocol Software Engineer - Layer 2 (MAC, RLC, PDCP)
Overview

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

Our  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  3

GPP 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  3

GPP LTE and 5G
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 3

GPP LTE / 5G
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 (3

GPP) 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.

*** Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***