QA & Field Test Intern

NextNav (Nasdaq: NN) is a leader in next generation position, navigation and timing (PNT), enabling a whole new ecosystem of applications and services that rely upon 3D geolocation and PNT technology. Powered by low-band licensed spectrum, NextNav’s positioning and timing technologies can deliver accurate, reliable and resilient 3D PNT solutions for critical infrastructure, GPS resiliency and commercial use cases.

About the role

In this Fall Internship with the QA & Field Test team, you will focus on Spectrum/Co-existence testing. The work involves hands-on integration, test setup, test execution, and validation of various wireless equipment and systems in the 900 MHz band. You will create Python-based automation and data-analysis tools to improve testing efficiency and collaborate with QA, RF, software, hardware, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues, validate fixes, and perform regression testing. You will also prepare clear reports and presentations while following established safety, regulatory, and data-integrity requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing of wireless communication systems, including spectrum, interference, and coexistence testing in the 900 MHz band.
• Configure and operate RF and data-collection equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, antennas, radios, GPS/GNSS receivers, oscilloscopes, and logging tools.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, test cases, and acceptance criteria; document test environments, equipment configurations, results, and field observations.
• Collect and analyze RF and system-performance data—including signal strength, coverage, latency, accuracy, interference, and reliability—to identify trends, anomalies, and performance gaps.
• Develop Python, MATLAB, or similar automation and analysis tools to streamline test execution, data collection, visualization, and reporting.
• Identify, reproduce, document, and track defects; collaborate with QA, RF, spectrum, systems, software, and hardware engineers to troubleshoot issues, validate corrective actions, and conduct regression testing.
• Communicate findings through concise technical reports, charts, presentations, test-readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs while maintaining safety, data-integrity, confidentiality, and regulatory standards.
• Analyze test logs and visualize results to identify performance trends and improve testing efficiency.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical, telecommunications, or wireless engineering.
• Ability to develop scripts/programs for automation of control and logging with test equipment and embedded platforms.
• Experience with using and controlling verification test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes is required; 4G/5G BTS/UE emulators and logic analyzers are a plus.
• Experience coding with Python is required; programming languages such as C/C++ or MATLAB are a plus.
• Coursework with lab experience in digital and analog communications and signal processing is desired.
• Attention to detail/quality, systematic analysis, pride of ownership, and accountability.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work with different teams.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Required to spend time outside the office driving to test locations, driving test routes, and moving equipment from the car to test setups (inside buildings on any floor or outside) while ensuring personal safety and equipment security.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport testing equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and perform equipment setup in laboratory and field environments.

Work Environment

• Main job responsibilities will be out of the Santa Clara, CA NextNav office.
• This position requires availability for up to 40 hours per week and physical presence in the office and laboratory during normal business hours on Tuesday through Thursday.
• Travel to and from Palo Alto for field testing will occasionally be required.
• An internship report on the work done should be prepared and presented.