1

Cellular Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test ... Understanding the test methodology for wireless standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, cellular ...

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test ... Understanding the test methodology for wireless standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, cellular ...

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test ... Understanding the test methodology for wireless standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, cellular ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$59K - $102K/yr

Currently, we are seeking an Engineer I, Test based in Carlsbad, CA. This is an exciting ... Experience with cellular modems, GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth/BLE This position provides ...

Currently, we are seeking an Engineer I, Test based in Carlsbad, CA. This is an exciting ... Experience with cellular modems, GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth/BLE This position provides ...

... test methods We prefer: * Comfortable with working on hardware and supporting engineering in ... Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from PHY/MAC to higher layers * Knowledge of antenna ...

Wireless System Automation and Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$49.50 - $65.25/hr

Strong knowledge of wireless communication systems, with emphasis on WiFi; cellular technologies experience is a plus.Strong programming skills in Python, Shell scripting, and/or C/C++/C# for test ...

Find root causes and work with engineers to ensure closure. * Develop and maintain automation ... Experience with wireless networking test protocols - Cellular, BLE, WiFi * Experience using Git ...

Find root causes and work with engineers to ensure closure. * Develop and maintain automation ... Experience with wireless networking test protocols - Cellular, BLE, WiFi * Experience using Git ...

Find root causes and work with engineers to ensure closure. * Develop and maintain automation ... Experience with wireless networking test protocols - Cellular, BLE, WiFi * Experience using Git ...

... test methods We prefer: * Comfortable with working on hardware and supporting engineering in ... Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from PHY/MAC to higher layers * Knowledge of antenna ...

... test methods We prefer: * Comfortable with working on hardware and supporting engineering in ... Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from PHY/MAC to higher layers * Knowledge of antenna ...

Senior Wireless Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$177K - $218K/yr

... test methods We prefer: * Comfortable with working on hardware and supporting engineering in ... Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from PHY/MAC to higher layers * Knowledge of antenna ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cellular Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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:
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.
System Level Test Engineer - Staff

System Level Test Engineer - Staff

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 188 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Hardware Engineering
General Summary:
QUALCOMM Technologies Inc. is the world leader in supplying integrated circuit solutions for cellular wireless standards, automobile, compute, server, iot, xr/vr, robotics and it is a world-class fabless semiconductor company. The key to QTI's success is the ability to deliver to our customers complete optimized wireless platforms incorporating protocol, hardware and software with high quality, on schedule. To drive our next phase of growth in cellular, 5G/6G, compute, auto, and servers we are expanding the System Level Test group.
At SLT our vision is "To Design, Develop & Deliver (3D's) best-in-class system test solutions to exceed every Customer's Quality goal at lowest Cost using the most advanced technologies of silicon industry". The system level test group is responsible to stress and break the system on Qualcomm leading-edge Snapdragon products in the most advanced processes. In this role you will be member of a team working on IC design review, IC hardware testing, software development, system engineering, and customer applications.
Responsibilities for this position include working with engineering teams for early-stage silicon bring-up and post-silicon validation efforts, testing and characterization of hardware with system software, verification of device performance at various operating conditions (voltage, process, temperature). Engineer will also partner with development teams to create automated test content solutions that stress the SoC (functional, performance, stability and benchmarks) across mobile, compute, automobile, server, and modem chipsets at various operating conditions. Engineer is expected to work with core teams to understand chipset architecture, define test board design requirements, deliver NPI and production test solutions. Responsibilities will also include validating new system level testers for our product roadmap.
Work will also include working with team project leads to develop effective production screens for system level issues. The individual selected for the position, needs to be proactive, able to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment, enthusiastic to work at times as an individual contributor and be passionate about delivering quality work.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience with System / SW / bench testing, preferably in the mobile devices/microprocessor industry.
  • Working knowledge of Android Architecture, Android Boot process, Kernel, Core BSP and Android Performance.
  • Ability to analyze specifications, HW schematics/data sheets, and developing test cases for SOCs (System-on-Chip).
  • Hands-on skills in the following areas: Bench characterization, new instrument evaluations and production solution development.
  • Experience with characterizing Processors, Graphics, Memory, Thermal and Power performance of SOCs.
  • Experience as an engineering lead driving development of low-cost test solutions.
  • Experience in defining test requirements and driving customer quality improvement initiatives.
  • Background in semiconductor engineering, manufacturing process, wireless standards and a background in the design and test of wireless products.
  • Experience in working with global teams, have strong problem-solving abilities and communication skills.
  • Experience with using measurement equipment e.g. Oscilloscopes, Power Supplies, Wireless Network Simulators.
  • Hands-on debugging/triaging experience using Android debugging tools and/or using JTAG Lauterbach/Trace32.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in C#, .NET Framework, C/C++, Python.
  • Experience with characterizing Processors, Graphics, Memory, Thermal and Power performance of SOCs.
  • Experience working with Perforce, GIT, or other Source Control SW.
  • SW development exposure to Android/Windows/Linux platform.
  • Embedded SW development / FPGA programming.

Education Requirements
  • Required: Bachelor's, Electrical Engineering
  • Preferred: Master's, Electrical or Computer Science / Engineering.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985