Field Test Engineer (Smartphones)

Fairphone is more than just a company - we are a global leader in sustainable, modular electronics, on a mission to change the electronics industry from the inside out. Built on strong social and environmental values, we are a diverse and inclusive team from all walks of life creating market consumer electronics that make a real impact.

At Fairphone, you will find a supportive and safe space where everyone can be themselves, collaborate openly, and have the freedom to learn and grow - because that’s how we innovate and drive change together! 

So… are you a proactive, self-motivated team player who loves taking initiative and bringing positive energy? Do you thrive in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environment? Are you a great communicator who values collaboration and embraces different perspectives? And most importantly, do you feel a strong connection to Fairphone’s mission and values? If you're nodding along and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then check out our vacancy below! 

Please know that we acknowledge that we are living in a time where the use of AI can bring many efficiencies and support. However, we want to know the real YOU. Please try to limit the use of AI tools to generate answers to the application; we value authenticity and encourage you to use your creativity! 

• Location: Amsterdam-based position 
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Start: ASAP, preferably 01.07.2026
• Contract duration: The 1st 12-month employment contract with the possibility of extension to permanent 
• Deadline to apply: We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible. 

The Field Test Engineer is a vital role within the Quality Assurance team, ensuring that Fairphone devices meet the highest standards of functionality and performance on the live network. This position acts as the central technical expert bridging between engineering execution, external testing partners, and operator technical account managers.

You will lead the end-to-end validation of mobile connectivity and device performance on the network throughout the product lifecycle, from early development and operator onboarding to post-launch maintenance releases. This role is split between Field Test Management & Planning and Hands-on Technical Testing & Triage.

Key Objectives

• Define tailored testing suite for every software build by analyzing release notes to identify technical risks and priority areas.
• Guarantee a superior user experience by measuring and optimizing key performance indicators (KPIs) like audio quality (MOS) and call reliability.
• Act as the primary technical interface for external testing partners and labs, ensuring test results are delivered according to software release schedules.
• Support engineering teams and our development partners by isolating field issues, identifying reproduction scenarios, and providing comprehensive documentation to drive issue resolution.

Key Responsibilities
Field Test Management & Planning

• Own and maintain comprehensive test plans and test cases for smartphone connectivity and hardware performance.
• Define and map testing scopes for software releases (product introductions, maintenance, OS upgrades) by analyzing release notes to prioritize high-risk code changes.
• Lead incidental troubleshooting efforts during field trials to help isolate environmental variables and provide complete issue documentation to support the investigation and resolution process. 
• Manage the technical relationship with external certification and testing labs for live network testing and telco operator certifications, defining scopes and auditing the quality of their deliverables.
• Partner with the Software Delivery Manager to align validation milestones with release schedules and provide risk-based recommendations.
• Build and manage a scalable network of global testing partners to support our long term testing strategy.

Hands-on Field Testing & Triage

• Execute functional test cases and exploratory testing techniques to verify and document the end-user experience and behaviour of telephony/modem-related features in the field. 
• Execute specialized field tests to validate the performance of the device on the real network (Covering from Battery drain, Audio MOS to call completion rates). 
• Lead first-level analysis of field failures using troubleshooting techniques to isolate failures and Qualcomm diagnostic tools (QXDM, QCAT) to identify protocol-level issues.
• Develop specific scenarios to reproduce defects; provide our development partners and engineering teams with complete Issue documentation (ie. issue logs, environment data, steps) to expedite fixes.
• Conduct rigorous field validation of software fixes and modem configurations provided by the development partners to ensure zero regressions.
• Assist Technical Account Managers (TAMs) by executing network-specific test scripts and self-certification programs required for network operator technical acceptance.

Must-Have Skills

• You have a minimum of 4-7 years of experience in smartphone field testing, mobile network engineering, or a similar QA role.
• You have a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• You have a deep understanding of 4G LTE, 5G NR, and IMS (VoLTE/VoWiFi) technologies and smartphone architecture.
• You have strong problem-solving skills to turn ambiguous field reports into structured technical data for engineers.
• You have a proven ability to manage deliverables from external partners and coordinate with cross-functional teams under strict timelines.
• You are able to work independently and as part of a team.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Proficiency in capturing and performing initial analysis of diagnostic logs using Qualcomm tools.
• Familiarity with the Android telephony stack, RIL, and debugging tools (ADB).
• Knowledge of scripting (Python, JavaScript) for data analysis or automated test scripts. ISTQB Foundation or similar.