1

Layer 1 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Front-End (FE) Engineer (Challenge Infra Presentation Layer): -1 Head Count 1+ years of hands-on software development experience specializing in web frontend technologies (JavaScript, TypeScript ...

New

Install, modify, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Virtual Networks at all levels of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and ...

Install, modify, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Virtual Networks at all levels of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and ...

Install, modify, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Virtual Networks at all levels of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and ...

Install, modify, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Virtual Networks at all levels of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and ...

Install, modify, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, and Virtual Networks at all levels of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Layer 1 information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do layer 1 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for layer 1 in California is $21.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Layer 1?

A Layer 1 job typically refers to a role focused on the foundational aspects of a system, network, or technology stack. In blockchain and networking, Layer 1 refers to the base protocol, meaning jobs in this space involve infrastructure maintenance, protocol development, or system security. Responsibilities may include optimizing performance, ensuring scalability, and maintaining security at the fundamental level. These roles are often technical and require expertise in areas such as distributed systems, cryptography, or low-level programming.

What does a typical workday look like for a Layer 1 technician?

A typical day for a Layer 1 Technician involves installing and maintaining network cabling, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards for physical infrastructure. You may spend time on-site at offices, data centers, or construction projects, often collaborating with other technicians, project managers, and IT teams to ensure smooth network operations. The work can be physically active, requiring attention to safety and detail, and may occasionally include after-hours or emergency calls. This hands-on role offers valuable experience in the foundational elements of networking, which can open pathways to more advanced roles in IT and telecommunications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Layer 1 position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Layer 1 Technician, you need a solid understanding of network fundamentals, cabling standards, and hardware installation, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with cable testers, punch-down tools, network analyzers, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or BICSI Installer are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. Mastering these skills ensures reliable network infrastructure, minimal downtime, and successful collaboration with IT teams and clients.

Infographic showing various Layer 1 job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,655 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Firmware Engineer, Modem Access Stratum, Layer 1 Protocol

Google

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5 years of experience programming in C, C , or Python.
  • Experience in wireless protocols, 3GPP, Modems, LTE, 5G.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experiences in modem software development/engineering, problem resolving and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with programming, scripting or engineering automation.
  • Familiarity with 3GPP LTE/NR AS/L1 protocol standards and emergency call performance improvement.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and collaboration skills.

About the job
Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google's needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
With your technical expertise you will manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. You will design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance software solutions.
The Google Pixel team focuses on designing and delivering the world's most helpful mobile experience. The team works on shaping the future of Pixel devices and services through some of the most advanced designs, techniques, products, and experiences in consumer electronics. This includes bringing together the best of Google's artificial intelligence, software, and hardware to build global smartphones and create transformative experiences for users across the world.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $138000 - $197000 (USD) 15% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Develop and customize modem software to meet customer and project requirements in non-access stratum (NAS) and emergency call performance domain. Analyze and fix the modem protocol issues.
  • Work closely with region carriers to meet customer's commercial product requirements.
  • Develop on-site support in the carrier labs/sites to resolve important issues and get certification.
  • Collaborate with cross-layer teams (Physical Layer/Access Stratum/NAS/IP Multimedia Subsystem) and cross-organization teams (Android SW, Technical Program Manager/Technical Account Manager and HW) to deliver high quality Pixel modem Software (SW).
  • Generate ideas, develop features, build software (SW)/hardware (HW) systems or improve engineering processes to help product velocity and quality.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

What Google employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom