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Cellular Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cellular/RF Engineer is responsible for assessing, designing, and optimizing wireless communication systems utilizing LTE, 5G, and other RF technologies Cellular/RF Engineer responsibilities:

Cellular & RF Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

The Cellular/RF Engineer is responsible for assessing, designing, and optimizing wireless communication systems utilizing LTE, 5G, and other RF technologies Cellular/RF Engineer responsibilities:

The Cellular/RF Engineer is responsible for assessing, designing, and optimizing wireless communication systems utilizing LTE, 5G, and other RF technologies Cellular/RF Engineer responsibilities:

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Description In this role, you will develop the embedded systems for cellular RF transceivers and ... This position requires a close collaboration with our system engineers, hardware developers, and ...

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Cellular Engineer information

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$73K

$129.5K

$249K

How much do cellular engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cellular engineer in the United States is $129,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $134,500.00 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.
More about Cellular Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cellular Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Cellular Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Cellular Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cellular Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cellular Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,511 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Cellular & RF Engineer

Cellular & RF Engineer

Peraton

Washington, DC

$176K - $282K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 207 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Program Overview

Peraton provides a secure, worldwide, high-performance communications network comprised of real-time interactive applications operating over a dedicated IP backbone with secure services for complex national and worldwide executive-level communications. Peraton provides the O&M of the network infrastructure and its components, integration for development of hardware and software solutions, and task support for the delivery of system, network, software, and security solutions.

About The Role

Peraton is seeking a self-driven and resourceful Cellular/RF Engineer to join our dynamic of Network and UC engineers in Washington, DC. The Cellular/RF Engineer is responsible for assessing, designing, and optimizing wireless communication systems utilizing LTE, 5G, and other RF technologies

Cellular/RF Engineer responsibilities: 

  • Drive modernization efforts by engineering and implementing infrastructure improvements, automation capabilities, and technology refresh initiatives
  • Conduct RF engineering studies and site surveys.
  • Perform RF analysis, and support deployment efforts that enhance coverage, reliability, and mission effectiveness.
  • Design and optimize LTE and 5G networks.
  • Perform signal propagation and coverage analysis.
  • Evaluate in-building wireless solutions.
  • Analyze spectrum utilization and interference issues.
  • Develop RF design documentation and implementation plans.
  • Support deployment, testing, and acceptance activities.
  • Coordinate with telecommunications and infrastructure teams.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • An active/current TS/SCI Security Clearance is required.
  • Bachelors degree in engineering (or similar technical field) and eight (8+) years relevant experience; an additional four years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • OEM-specific wireless certifications where applicable.
  • Relevant RF design credentials.
  • DoD 8140/8570 Compliant.
  • Experience with LTE, 5G, and wireless communication technologies.
  • Knowledge of RF planning and optimization tools.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

  • iBwave certifications
  • DAS design certifications
  • Enterprise telecom architecture training
  • 5G protocols
  • LTE technologies
  • RF planning tools
  • Band 12/Band 14 systems
  • FirstNet
  • Next Generation Fixed Wireless (ngFWA)
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$176,000 - $282,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017