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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 ...

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

$181K - $318K/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

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

$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 ...

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 ...

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$126K - $220K/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 ...

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 ...

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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All JobsCellular Test Engineer JobsCellular Test Engineer Jobs in California

Cellular Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
RF/mmW Test Engineer

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Would you like to join Apple's growing mmW and cellular wireless design team? Our team is responsible for all aspects of mmW and cellular silicon development with a particular emphasis on highly integrated and efficient designs and technologies that transform the user experience at the product level! As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization effort within a team responsible for crafting and productizing state-of-the-art wireless communication devices! In this role, you will be involved in the bring-up and characterization of the RF and cellular SoC. You will build and implement test plans to meet project schedule and metric requirements, including coverage metrics.
As an RF/mmW Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing test strategies, developing validation frameworks, and ensuring cellular SoCs meet rigorous design specifications. Working at the integration of hardware, firmware, and silicon design, you'll leverage specialized test platforms and automation to characterize and optimize RF performance across diverse operating conditions. Your contributions will directly impact the connectivity experience for Apple customers around the world, as you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive silicon bring-up, debug complex issues, and continuously improve validation methodologies.
BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience required10+ years of relevant industry experience in RF validation, RF testing, or Silicon characterizationHands-on experience bringing up and testing RFICs, including system integration, characterization, and optimizationStrong verification, problem-solving, and debugging skills with demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex RF issuesProficiency with lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, oscilloscopes, DC analyzer, etc.Experience with bench automation and scripting languages such as Python
MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldUnderstanding of board schematics and layout; experience defining hardware board requirements for lab validationExperience with mmWave technologyExperience with Digital Signal Processing verification and algorithm validationDemonstrated experience supporting ATE engineers and/or mass production testingExperience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in silicon bring-up and validation environments

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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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