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Cellular Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aquabyte

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$130K - $190K/yr

The types of tests we orchestrate are hardware burn-in, optical quality testing in-air and in-water ... The edge team is responsible for designing the network, cellular backup system, and mesh network of ...

TEP

Tower Technician II

Elgin, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Tower Engineering Professionals offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and ... cellular carrier networks, new installs, turnkey, microwave, LMR • Pre-Work and Post-Work site ...

The University of Chicago

Research Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... Engineering. Experience: * Previous research experience. * Experience with various cellular and ... Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required ...

All JobsCellular Test Engineer JobsCellular Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cellular Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$45

$77

How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cellular test engineer in Chicago, IL is $45.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.47 and $54.04 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 Chicago, IL? For Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cellular Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cellular Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cellular Test Engineer job openings:
Cellular Test Engineer jobs near you

Engineer, RF Design

SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS USA

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Spreadtrum is a leading fabless semiconductor company committed to the independent R&D of core chipsets in mobile communications and IoT. Its products cover mobile chipset platforms supporting 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G communication standards, RF chipsets, wireless connection chipsets, security chipsets, TV chipsets, and image sensor chipsets. With more than 5,000 staff, 14 R&D centers and 7 customer support centers around the world, we have been one of the top three mobile baseband chipset suppliers in the world, the largest pan-chip provider, and the leading 5G chipset design company in Far East.

Scope

We are seeking an experienced RF/Analog IC Design Engineer for our cellular transceiver product development activity. The candidate will work with system, layout, and lab test engineers on the design of RF and analog circuit blocks for advanced 2G/3G/4G/5G transceiver RFICs that are deployed in cellular handsets, CPEs and other types of user equipment.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Choice of circuit topology for circuit blocks.
  • Collaboration with system engineering team to analyze trade-offs and define targets for performance and power consumption.
  • Collaboration with system engineering, digital design, and functional verification teams to define control functionality.
  • Oversight of layout activity, including iterative changes based on simulation with extracted parasitics.
  • Reporting of technical status and progress versus schedule in weekly sub-team meetings.
  • Design documentation, including presentation material for design review meetings.
  • Collaboration with lab test engineers on bring-up, performance optimization and characterization, debug, and root cause analysis.


Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Experience in design of RFICs for wireless communication in RF CMOS technologies.
  • Knowledge of cellular system standards and cellular transceivers is preferred.
  • Good teamwork and communication skills.


Education:

  • MSEE preferred; BSEE acceptable.

Key Personal and Professional Attributes

Spreadtrum is a company that values continued technology innovation, a fanatical attention to customer needs, collaborative decision making, and, above all, enthusiasm for next gen of communication vehicle. The incoming candidate should embrace these same values. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, extremely creative, and should be comfortable learning exciting new technologies. This is an opportunity for growth and an opportunity to work on complex, interesting, and challenging projects.

We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. As we grow globally, we strive to have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our innovation and creativity. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build balanced teams from all walks of life.

We offer competitive compensation, world-class employee benefits programs, and excellent work-life balance etc. Come and join us - Work for Awesomeness!