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Cellular Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SGS Consulting

Cellular Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Day-to-Day Responsibilities Cellular Test Engineer (5G NR / LTE) Test execution & validation * Execute conformance, functional, and regression test campaigns on 5G NR (SA/NSA) and LTE devices ...

Skydio, Inc

Cellular Compliance Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Cellular Compliance Engineer with strong hands-on experience in cellular ... Develop certification plans, test strategies, schedules, and test configurations based on product ...

Skydio

Cellular Compliance Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Cellular Compliance Engineer with strong hands‑on experience in cellular ... Develop certification plans, test strategies, schedules, and test configurations based on product ...

Fusion Energy Base

System Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... cellular level. Embedded within the Quality organization, System Test Engineering roles provide ... independent technical verification and validation of complex medical device systems while working ...

TAE

System Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... cellular level. Embedded within the Quality organization, System Test Engineering roles provide ... independent technical verification and validation of complex medical device systems while working ...

TAE Technologies, Inc.

System Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... cellular level. Embedded within the Quality organization, System Test Engineering roles provide ... independent technical verification and validation of complex medical device systems while working ...

TAE Life Sciences

System Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... cellular level. Embedded within the Quality organization, System Test Engineering roles provide ... independent technical verification and validation of complex medical device systems while working ...

TAE

Senior System Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... cellular level. Embedded within the Quality organization, System Test Engineering roles provide ... independent technical verification and validation of complex medical device systems while working ...

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All JobsCellular Test Engineer JobsCellular Test Engineer Jobs in California

Cellular Test Engineer information

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$73

How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 is a cellular test engineer?

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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Cellular Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

SGS Consulting
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SGS Consultingexternal

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Day-to-Day Responsibilities Cellular Test Engineer (5G NR / LTE)

Test execution & validation

  • Execute conformance, functional, and regression test campaigns on 5G NR (SA/NSA) and LTE devices, covering RRC/NAS signaling, mobility, carrier aggregation, and data-throughput scenarios.
  • Validate radio protocol behavior against 3GPP specs and log findings with clear reproduction steps.
  • Run RF performance measurements (TX power, sensitivity, EVM, spurious emissions, throughput vs. signal level) and compare results against product requirements.

Automation on CMX/CMW

  • Build, maintain, and extend automated test scripts and suites on Rohde & Schwarz CMX500/CMW callbox platforms.
  • Own the nightly/weekly automated regression pipeline: monitor runs, triage failures, and keep the suite green as firmware drops land.
  • Develop Python tooling for test sequencing, instrument control, result parsing, and reporting; reduce manual test time through incremental automation.

Lab bench & hardware debug

  • Set up and operate lab benches: callboxes, spectrum/signal analyzers, power supplies, attenuators, shield boxes, and RF cabling.
  • Use an oscilloscope for signal integrity, timing, and power-sequencing debug on device hardware; isolate whether an issue is RF, protocol, or hardware in origin.
  • Maintain bench calibration, cable loss characterization, and equipment health; keep test setups documented and reproducible.

Debug & cross-functional work

  • Analyze protocol logs (QXDM/QCAT, modem traces, callbox logs) to root-cause failures and narrow them to a specific layer or component.
  • Partner with firmware, RF, and hardware engineers to reproduce issues, verify fixes, and confirm no regressions.
  • File, track, and drive defects to closure; escalate blockers affecting release milestones.

Reporting & continuous improvement

  • Produce daily/weekly test status summaries: pass rates, new failures, coverage gaps, and blocking issues.
  • Contribute to test plan development for new features, chipsets, and bands; expand coverage where automation or scenarios are thin.
  • Document test procedures, bench configurations, and known issues so results are repeatable across engineers and sites.

Must Have Skills

  • The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with cellular testing across both 5G NR and LTE technologies, including radio protocol validation, RF performance, and conformance/functional test execution.
  • They should be proficient with test automation on CMX (Rohde & Schwarz CMX500/CMW callbox platforms), building and maintaining automated test scripts and regression suites.
  • Strong lab bench skills are expected, including confident use of an oscilloscope and related instrumentation for signal integrity, timing, and hardware debug.
  • Familiarity with scripting (e.g., Python) for test automation, along with a solid grasp of cellular signaling and measurement fundamentals, will round out the profile.
  • Bachelor s degree in engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master s degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering.
  • Lab - engineer experience.
  • Former MAANG experience is best.
  • Engineering degree preferred.

Apply