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5G Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

5G Cellular Systems Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

QGOV is seeking an experienced 5G cellular systems engineer to architect solutions incorporating commercial Qualcomm System on Chip (SoC) processors into U.S. Government applications. The ideal ...

Aqua Corp.

5G Network Performance Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

5G Network Performance Engineer Apply now Job no: 17673 Work type: Full Time Location: Austin Categories: Information Technology, Engineering We are looking for a network performance engineer to join ...

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Saratoga, CA

We are looking for a 5G Core System Engineering Lead to own end-to-end system design and interface definition for E-Space's satellite 5G Core network. This role sits at the architecture level: you ...

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Saratoga, CA

$180K - $220K/yr

We are looking for a 5G Core System Engineering Lead to own end-to-end system design and interface definition for E-Space's satellite 5G Core network. This role sits at the architecture level: you ...

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5G Developer information

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How much do 5g developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for 5g developer in the United States is $52.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $64.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 5G Developers?

5G Developers are technology professionals who design, implement, and optimize software and hardware solutions that utilize 5G wireless networks. They work on building applications, protocols, and network infrastructure that leverage the speed, low latency, and connectivity of 5G technology. Their work often involves collaborating with network engineers, testing new features, and ensuring compatibility with existing systems. 5G Developers play a key role in enabling advancements in areas like IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

What are some common challenges 5G Developers face when integrating new features into existing networks?

5G Developers often encounter challenges related to ensuring backward compatibility with legacy 4G/LTE systems while implementing advanced 5G features. Integrating new functionalities may require extensive testing and troubleshooting to address issues such as latency, bandwidth optimization, and network interoperability. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including network engineers and security specialists, is essential to smoothly deploy updates and maintain service reliability. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are crucial in this fast-evolving environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 5G Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 5G Developer, you need a solid background in wireless communications, network protocols, computer science, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with technologies such as 5G NR, software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), and tools like MATLAB, Python, and C++ is common, while certifications in networking or telecom add value. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in cross-functional environments and rapidly evolving projects. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, reliable 5G solutions that meet both technical requirements and user needs in a fast-paced industry.

What is the difference between 5G Developer vs Network Engineer?

Aspect5G DeveloperNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or EE, certifications in wireless techBachelor's in CS, EE, or related field, certifications in networking
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, telecom companies, tech firmsTelecom providers, ISPs, enterprise networks
Industry UsageDeveloping 5G applications, protocols, and softwareDesigning, implementing, and maintaining networks
Common Search IntentComparing roles in 5G tech developmentUnderstanding network infrastructure roles

While both roles work within the telecommunications industry, a 5G Developer focuses on creating software and applications for 5G networks, whereas a Network Engineer designs and maintains the network infrastructure. The roles often overlap in wireless technology knowledge, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

More about 5G Developer jobs
What job categories do people searching 5G Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 5G Developer jobs are:
5G Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 5G Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,905 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Cellular 4G/5G System Performance Engineer

Cellular 4G/5G System Performance Engineer

Apple

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what's considered feasible? As part of a world class modem team, you'll craft sophisticated leading-edge embedded firmware that deliver more performance in our products than ever before. You'll work across disciplines to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you'll help us innovate new wireless systems technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations. By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you'll push the industry boundaries of what wireless systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world.
Description
Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product? As a Cellular 4G/5G System Performance Engineer, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular system / firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for designing and productizing state-of-the-art cellular SoCs. This position requires someone comfortable will all aspects of embedded system/firmware verification, that thrives in a dynamic cross-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to pivot on constantly evolving requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
Advanced knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack and procedures.
5+ years of experience in 4G/5G development / system engineering / device performance verification.
Experience in investigating and troubleshooting cellular device performance issues.
Strong analysis and debugging capabilities to be able to debug performance issues and work with firmware development and systems design teams to close these issues.
Understanding of software engineering principles, and core computer science fundamentals.
Proficient in scripting or programming languages such as Python, C/C++.
Experience and knowledge of multiple 4G/5G signaling and physical layer test equipment (Keysight/Anritsu/R&S) along with their automation interfaces.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D degree in wireless communication or electrical engineering.
Advanced knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack, and procedures.
Over 10 years of experience in 4G/5G development / system engineering / device performance verification.
Experience in investigating and troubleshooting cellular device performance issues.
Strong analysis and debugging capabilities to diagnose performance issues and collaborate with firmware development and systems design teams to resolve them.
Deep understanding of software engineering principles and core computer science fundamentals.
Proficient in scripting or programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java. A solid grasp of automation tool chain.
Extensive experience and knowledge of various 4G/5G signaling and physical layer test equipment (including Keysight, Anritsu, and R&S) and their automation interfaces.
Solid knowledge in Layer 2/Layer 3/ NAS and network performance optimization (a plus).
Experience with network emulators, silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms a plus.

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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