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Cellular Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Cellular Field Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$144K - $218K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent major Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from LTE PHY/MAC to higher layers, call processing. Experience ...

Apple

Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

The Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) hardware circuits and systems for wireless communications devices. The engineer will be responsible ...

Apple

Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

The Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) hardware circuits and systems for wireless communications devices. The engineer will be responsible ...

Apple

Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

The Cellular RF Hardware Design Engineer will design, develop, and optimize radio frequency (RF) hardware circuits and systems for wireless communications devices. The engineer will be responsible ...

Apple

Cellular PHY Systems Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

Description As a Cellular System Engineer, you will be responsible for the pre- and post-silicon bring up, and validation of end-to-end cellular systems. You will understand and map systems ...

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Cellular Engineer information

See California salary details

$72K

$127.8K

$245.7K

How much do cellular engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for cellular engineer in California is $127,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cellular engineers make?

Cellular engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in network design and optimization can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain electrical or aerospace engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing specialized certifications and expertise.

What are Cellular Engineers?

Cellular Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain wireless communication networks, specifically those that use cellular technology such as 4G and 5G. They work on optimizing network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring reliable coverage for mobile devices. Their responsibilities often include planning cell tower locations, upgrading hardware and software, and collaborating with other engineers to improve network efficiency. Cellular Engineers play a crucial role in enabling the seamless connectivity that supports modern mobile communications.

What is the difference between Cellular Engineer vs Wireless Network Engineer?

AspectCellular EngineerWireless Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, certifications like Cisco CCNA, LTE certificationsBachelor's in Telecommunications, certifications like CWNA, Cisco CCNA Wireless
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, network providers, infrastructure sitesIT firms, service providers, enterprise network setups
Industry UsageDesign, optimize, and maintain cellular networks (LTE, 5G)Design, implement, and troubleshoot wireless LANs and Wi-Fi networks

While both roles focus on wireless communication, Cellular Engineers specialize in cellular networks like LTE and 5G, whereas Wireless Network Engineers focus on Wi-Fi and local wireless networks. Both require similar certifications and often work in related environments, but their specific technical expertise and network types differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cellular Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cellular Engineer, you need a strong background in telecommunications engineering, wireless communications, and network optimization, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as RF planning software, drive test equipment, and certifications like CCNA or 5G-related credentials is typical. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration skills help you address complex network issues and communicate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable cellular network performance, user satisfaction, and successful deployment of evolving wireless technologies.

What are some common challenges Cellular Engineers face when working on network optimization projects?

Cellular Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing coverage and capacity, minimizing dropped calls, and adapting network parameters to fluctuating user demand. They may need to troubleshoot interference issues, integrate new technologies like 5G, and coordinate upgrades with minimal service disruption. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including RF engineers, software developers, and field technicians, is essential to address these challenges efficiently and ensure optimal network performance.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain aerospace engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-demand industries or leadership positions.

What does a cellular engineer do?

A cellular engineer designs, develops, and maintains wireless communication systems, including cellular networks and infrastructure. They work with radio frequency technology, network protocols, and equipment to ensure reliable mobile connectivity, often using tools like spectrum analyzers and network simulators. The role may require knowledge of telecommunications standards and certifications in wireless technology.
What are popular job titles related to Cellular Engineer jobs in California? For Cellular Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cellular Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cellular Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cellular Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Cellular Engineer job openings:
Cellular Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cellular Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,815 per year, or $61.4 per hour.
Cellular Embedded Software Engineer, Wireless Technologies & Ecosystems

Cellular Embedded Software Engineer, Wireless Technologies & Ecosystems

Apple

San Diego, CA • On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 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

Join the Wireless Technologies and Ecosystems (WTE) organization and be part of a best-in-class team of engineers, working with multi-functional teams to drive innovation and develop products used by millions worldwide. We are looking for a highly reciprocal individual who can excel in a high-paced environment. Be ready to make something extraordinary when you come here. Dynamic, encouraging people and innovative, industry-defining technologies are the norm at Apple. The people who work here have reinvented and defined entire industries with our products and services. The same real passion for innovation also applies to our business practices - strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it. You should join Apple if you want to help deliver the next amazing Apple product.
Description
Apple's Cellular Software team is seeking talented, highly motivated and disciplined engineers to work across layers on groundbreaking cellular technologies. The position involves identifying and/or developing core cellular technologies that solves everyday problems for customers using iPhone, iPad, Watch and other wireless product lines. We are passionate about keeping our users connected 24/7 wherever they go. This team takes pride in not just coming up with proven software designs but also in disrupting traditional models of the cellular ecosystem. We do whatever it takes to bring user experience to the next level. Our members enjoy the flexibility to work on all aspects of Cellular Protocol software - SIM, NAS, AS and iOS interfaces, to come up with the best possible solution for any given problem. Are you equally passionate about cellular technologies and have the dream to work on groundbreaking cellular technologies? Then we are looking for you. As part of this team you will impact iPhone user experience worldwide.
Minimum Qualifications
- Proven experience designing, executing and launching Dual-sim technology on Phones.
- Strong Software Engineering skills including design, programming (using C, C++).
Highly motivated and self-directed
Excellent debugging skills
Thrive in a collaborative environment and can clearly communicate while confidently driving multiple projects across
many teams.
Obsessively passionate and inquisitive, and seeks to solve everyday problems in innovative ways.
Laser-focused on the smallest details that are meaningful to our customers.
Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with cellular protocol stacks preferred 2G, 3G, LTE and 5G NR.

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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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