1

5G Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of wireless communication theory and systems such as 5G NR, 802.11 * Experience in ... programming skills. Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a ...

Firmware Developer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$75 - $90/hr

Support wireless technologies including cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, and NFC. This ... Skills C++, Firmware, JTAG, Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer Top Skills Details C ...

New

Firmware Developer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$75 - $90/hr

Support wireless technologies including cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, and NFC. This ... Skills C++, Firmware, JTAG, Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer Top Skills Details C ...

New

Firmware Developer

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$75 - $90/hr

Support wireless technologies including cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, and NFC. This ... Skills C++, Firmware, JTAG, Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer Top Skills Details C ...

New

Firmware Developer

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$75 - $90/hr

Support wireless technologies including cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, and NFC. This ... Skills C++, Firmware, JTAG, Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer Top Skills Details C ...

New

Be Seen First

RDK-B * 3GPP LTE/5G Conditions: * 3 to 5 years of Firmware Developer (RDK-B) experience required * Location: Dallas, TX * Work arrangement: On-site, 5 days/week

New

Showing results 41-60

5G Firmware Engineer information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do 5g firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for 5g firmware engineer in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 5G firmware engineer?

5G Firmware Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that enables wireless devices and network equipment to communicate using 5G technology. They work on coding, testing, and optimizing firmware that controls hardware components like modems, antennas, and processors. Their work is critical in ensuring high-speed, reliable, and secure 5G connectivity for smartphones, IoT devices, and telecom infrastructure. In addition to programming, they often collaborate with hardware engineers and participate in troubleshooting and performance tuning.

What are some common challenges faced by 5G firmware engineers when working on new product development?

5G Firmware Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating complex protocols, optimizing code for low-latency performance, and ensuring compatibility with evolving hardware platforms. They must work closely with hardware and software teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues during development and testing phases. Additionally, adapting to rapid changes in 5G standards requires continuous learning and flexibility, making collaboration and clear communication essential in a dynamic work environment.

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

To thrive as a 5G Firmware Engineer, you need a strong background in embedded systems, wireless communication protocols, and programming languages such as C/C++. Familiarity with tools like Git, RTOS, protocol analyzers, and relevant certifications (e.g., in wireless technologies or embedded systems) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable, cutting-edge firmware that enables high-performance 5G connectivity in rapidly evolving tech environments.

What are popular job titles related to 5G Firmware Engineer jobs?

For 5G Firmware Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 5G Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Cellular 4G/5G System Performance Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$122K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with system engineers and firmware developers to understand system design, feature design, and firmware implementation.

  • Design performance verification lab use cases and test cases to identify potential UE performance issues and ensure performance meets expectations.

  • Troubleshoot performance-related issues and develop test scripts to implement performance test cases or reproduce issues.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th 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.","responsibilities":"Collaborate with system engineers and firmware developers to understand details of system design, feature design and FW implementation
Design performance verification lab use cases and test cases to effectively identify potential UE performance issues and ensure overall UE performance meet expectations
Collaborate with system engineers, firmware developers, integration, and test engineers to troubleshoot performance-related issues and enhance the overall UE performance
Develop test scripts over lab network emulator (TE) to implement defined performance test cases or reproduce issues
Guide test executors in performing validation of new and existing features.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's or PhD degree in wireless communication or electrical engineering.
Advanced knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack, and procedures.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
Knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack and procedures.
Knowledge of 4G/5G development / system engineering / device performance verification.
Knowledge of investigating and troubleshooting cellular device performance issues.
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.
Ability to script or program in 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.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $122,700 and $214,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

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