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Cellular Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Would you like to join Apple's growing mmW and cellular wireless design team? Our team is ... As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ...

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Would you like to join Apple's growing mmW and cellular wireless design team? Our team is ... As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ...

Google

Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... Test Engineer-related occupation. * Position requires 3 years of experience in the following ... cellular, WiFi, BT, and UWB on both MLB and OTA levels for consumer hardware; Analyzing systems ...

idexcel

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

... of test equipment (i.e.- power supplies, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, power meters, vector ... Solid understanding of RF principles, RF engineering tools and cellular radio building blocks

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Would you like to join Apple's growing mmW and cellular wireless design team? Our team is ... As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ...

NextNav

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

As a Field Test Engineer, you will have a critical role in defining and establishing mobile and ... Basic understanding of cellular/wireless communication systems * Basic understanding of navigation ...

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

Would you like to join Apple's growing mmW and cellular wireless design team? Our team is ... As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ...

Nextnav

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

As a Field Test Engineer, you will have a critical role in defining and establishing mobile and ... Basic understanding of cellular/wireless communication systems * Basic understanding of navigation ...

Nextnav

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As a Field Test Engineer, you will have a critical role in defining and establishing mobile and ... Basic understanding of cellular/wireless communication systems * Basic understanding of navigation ...

Qualcomm

#Systems Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Test Engineering General Summary: ** This position ... Validates multi-sensor location solutions that combine GNSS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and device sensors (e ...

Hark

Hardware Test Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to build the test infrastructure that ... Background in RF test for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular radios. * Familiarity with LabVIEW ...

Hark

Hardware Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to build the test infrastructure that ... Background in RF test for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular radios. * Familiarity with LabVIEW ...

Qualcomm

System Level Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

To drive our next phase of growth in cellular, 5G/6G, compute, auto, and servers we are expanding ... Engineer will also partner with development teams to create automated test content solutions that ...

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Cellular Test Engineer information

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How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cellular test engineer in California is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Cellular Test Engineer might face when working with new network technologies?

Cellular Test Engineers often encounter challenges when validating and troubleshooting new network technologies like 5G or IoT protocols. These can include adapting to rapidly evolving standards, ensuring device compatibility across different carriers, and diagnosing complex issues that arise from interoperability between hardware and software. The role requires strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to learning, as well as effective communication with cross-functional teams such as hardware, software, and network operations to resolve issues efficiently. Staying up-to-date with industry developments is essential to succeed in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Cellular Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, RF testing, and protocol analysis, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with cellular test equipment (such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and protocol analyzers), as well as knowledge of 3G/4G/5G standards and relevant certifications, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you diagnose issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure reliable device performance, regulatory compliance, and successful product launches in a rapidly evolving wireless industry.

What are Cellular Test Engineers?

Cellular Test Engineers are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze tests to ensure the quality and performance of cellular devices and networks. They work with mobile phones, modems, and network infrastructure to verify compliance with industry standards such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. Their job often involves troubleshooting, documenting test results, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to resolve issues and improve product reliability. Cellular Test Engineers play a critical role in the development and maintenance of wireless communication technologies.

What is the difference between Cellular Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer?

AspectCellular Test EngineerRF Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; certifications like FCC or RF testing certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; RF certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, R&D departments, field testing for cellular devicesTesting labs, RF labs, manufacturing facilities, field testing
Industry UsageTelecommunications, mobile device manufacturing, network providersWireless communications, telecom, RF component manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonCellular Test Engineer vs RF Test Engineer

The Cellular Test Engineer focuses on testing cellular devices and networks, ensuring compatibility with cellular standards. The RF Test Engineer specializes in radio frequency testing, which includes a broader range of wireless technologies. While both roles require knowledge of RF principles and certifications, the Cellular Test Engineer is more specific to cellular technologies, whereas the RF Test Engineer covers a wider spectrum of wireless systems.

What are popular job titles related to Cellular Test Engineer jobs in California? For Cellular Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cellular Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cellular Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cellular Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Cellular Test Engineer job openings:
Cellular Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cellular Test Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Cellular Test Engineer (5GNR/LTE) Product Field Testing of Smartphones/Devices

Cellular Test Engineer (5GNR/LTE) Product Field Testing of Smartphones/Devices

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Cellular Test Engineer (5GNR/LTE) Product Field Testing of Smartphones/Devices

Responsibilities:

  • You will be driven to local and non-local in short notice to test Cellular connectivity of nex-gen smartphones and devices (days will be a mix of being out in the field and in the lab)
  • You will travel to testing locations up to 1 hour away for the entire day, up to 4 days out of the week. Transportation/Driver will be provided.
  • You will communicate if there is a technical issue and have strong fundamental skills and judgement skills
  • You will judge the testing/data and should be able to move forward without asking for help and be able to adapt quickly
  • Not necessarily looking for experts, but candidates with 1-8 years’ experience with developed fundamental skills
  • Strong analytical skills/good at identifying problems (should be able to judge testing conditions/if testing is going well and how to move forward with the next step instead of constantly calling for help)
  • Able to report back with data, describe technical problems and are easily adaptable
  • If the candidate is not an expert, you will get trained as long as you have fundamental knowledge in wireless domains (LTE, 5GNR)
  • You will perform log analysis in the lab

Requirements:

  • 1-8 years of cellular testing experience (5G/LTE Stack)
  • Knowledge in cellular domain wireless with basic to good understanding in 5GNR and LTE protocol stack
  • Cellular baseband Log analysis for 4G, 5G and LTE features is required with limited to good hands-on experience
  • Must be willing to learn cellular field testing if you do not have this experience
  • Good analytical skills and judgement while executing test campaigns
  • Ability to quickly adapt and learn
  • Ability to work independently in the field and troubleshoot common technical set up issues in the field
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be detail oriented and focused on problem identification
  • Able to travel local and non-local in short notice

Preferred Qualifications

  • Cellular field-testing experience
  • Ability to look at cellular log for on-field debugging is highly desired

Locations: Cupertino CA (onsite)

Duration: 12+ months

Pay Range: $45-$55/hr (DOE)

No 3rd party agencies and no C2C

Abel Lara |  x119

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