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

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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 ...

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Cellular Test Engineer information

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$18

$45

$77

How much do cellular test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cellular test engineer in Chicago, IL is $45.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $53.99 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Cellular Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,801 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Principal Hardware Engineer / Director of Hardware

Arable

Mundelein, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Arable

At Arable, our goal is to connect all the world’s farms to help optimize the global food system. This is an ambitious goal, but the need has never been greater to rethink how we will feed an ever-growing population while reducing our impact on natural resources. We believe the heart of the solution is digitizing the analog world with high-fidelity data to help food producers optimize their operations.

We hope the impact of our work will improve the lives of farmers everywhere and contribute meaningfully to securing the global food supply for decades to come.

Examples of Our Work:

- Helping farmers maximize ROI through precision irrigation and data-driven water management.

- Supporting leading agricultural and technology partners in meeting sustainability and climate resilience goals.

- Equipping growers with the insights needed to improve decision-making, reduce waste, and enhance yields across diverse cropping systems.

The Role

We are seeking a senior hardware leader to spearhead the development of our hardware ecosystem, including the Arable Mark 3 and future sensing platforms.

This pivotal role will shape the future of our sensing platforms while ensuring exceptional agricultural technology solutions worldwide.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead hardware engineering throughout product lifecycle from concept to production
  • Manage domestic and offshore manufacturing operations
  • Oversee and validate ODM designs to meet Arable’s quality standards
  • Develop technical documentation for designs, testing, and support
  • Lead prototyping efforts for new hardware products and features
  • Participate in product validation and testing with QA teams
  • Collaborate with product management, software, operations, and customer success
  • Manage key vendor relationships and component selection
  • Coordinate bug tracking and resolution for hardware issues
  • Support manufacturing test fixtures and processes
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship, helping to influence technology direction and build long-term organizational capability
What you bring:
Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • 6+ years of hardware engineering experience with full PCB design lifecycle
  • Proficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, and board bring-up, and lab equipment
  • Knowledge of regulatory testing (FCC, CE) and NPI processes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Self-starter who works well in fast-paced environments
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
 
Preferred
  • Advanced technical degree
  • 8+ years bringing multiple hardware products to mass production
  • Experience managing or collaborating with offshore teams
  • Knowledge of C programming for embedded systems
  • Wireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS experience
  • Background in agricultural or environmental sensor technology
  • Prior experience building and leading engineering initiatives, teams, or processes
  • Expertise in low-power system design, particularly for solar-powered and battery-powered devices
Qualities for Success:
  • Passion for Sustainability: Care deeply about global food systems and environmental impact
  • Startup Mindset: Thrive in fast-paced environments with multiple responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership: Ownership of projects and influence on technology roadmap
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communication across different teams
  • Resourcefulness: Design cost-effective solutions and troubleshoot in field
  • Adaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and navigate new challenges
  • Leadership Potential: Ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate peers and partners
What We Offer

At Arable, you will be joining a company of dedicated team players who bring together diverse expertise and a passion for building a more sustainable future. You’ll find no shortage of lively conversation around the lunch table about the food we eat and how it is produced. We are a fast-moving startup committed to providing a rewarding employee experience through the work we do, the team, compensation, and benefits, including:

  • Excellent medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, and a 401k Program

  • Ability to work closely with customers who are hungry for our product and where we can make a positive impact on their livelihood and the world

  • A focus on community involvement and career development

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.