ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Modem Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Sr. Modem Power Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation ...

Qualcomm

Senior Modem Technologies Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$128K - $192K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Technologies Software General Summary: This individual independently plans, performs the moderately-defined responsibility for the designing, implementing ...

Qualcomm

Senior Modem Technologies Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$128K - $192K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Technologies General Summary: This individual independently plans, performs the moderately-defined responsibility for the designing, implementing ...

Innoflight

Digital Modem Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Digital Modem Design Engineer , you will lead the end-to-end development of advanced satellite and tactical communication systems, including waveform design, algorithm development, hardware ...

Innoflight LLC

Digital Modem Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Digital Modem Design Engineer , you will lead the end-to-end development of advanced satellite and tactical communication systems, including waveform design, algorithm development, hardware ...

Qualcomm

Modem Software and System Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$114K - $155K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering General Summary: This individual possesses the solid engineering fundamentals and understanding with some supervision in the ...

Qualcomm

Modem Power Software Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122.50 - $183.70/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Engineer to join our Modem Power Software team. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize advanced power management software for next-generation ...

Qualcomm

Modem Power Software Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $183K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering General Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Engineer to join our Modem Power Software team. In this role, you will design ...

Qualcomm

Modem Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering General Summary: Qualcomm is looking for a highly motivated Engineerto join our Data / Networking software team. In this role, you ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsModem Engineer JobsModem Engineer Jobs in California

Modem Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do modem engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for modem engineer in California is $114,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by modem engineers when integrating new wireless technologies?

Modem Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new wireless technologies and existing hardware, managing signal interference, and optimizing performance across different network environments. They must also stay updated with rapidly evolving standards, like 5G or Wi-Fi 6, and work closely with cross-functional teams, including firmware developers and hardware designers. Effective troubleshooting and continuous testing are essential parts of overcoming these challenges and delivering robust modem solutions.

What is a modem engineer?

A Modem Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains modem technologies, which are essential for enabling communication between devices over networks such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and wired systems. They work on the physical layer and protocol stack, ensuring data is transmitted efficiently and reliably. Modem Engineers collaborate with hardware and software teams to optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement new features, often for smartphones, IoT devices, and networking equipment.

What is the difference between Modem Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectModem EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecommunications Engineering, certifications like Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related fields; certifications like Cisco CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and troubleshooting modems and communication hardwareDesigning, implementing, and managing network infrastructure
Industry UsageTelecom companies, hardware manufacturersIT firms, service providers, large organizations

While both roles involve networking technology, a Modem Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining modem hardware and firmware, whereas a Network Engineer manages overall network infrastructure and connectivity. Both roles require technical certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Modem Engineer jobs in California?

For Modem Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Modem Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Modem Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Modem Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Modem Engineer job openings:

Modem Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Modem Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,347 per year, or $55 per hour.

Sr. Modem Power Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Modem Software Engineer, you will design, implement, verify, validate, and commercialize the Wireless WAN (or cellular) core network and data connectivity software solutions on our modem. Qualcomm Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to commercialize end to end complete modem SW package as a full component.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced understanding of digital communications, RF propagation, and telecommunications concepts
  • Exposure to 5G NR, LTE, and interest in emerging 6G technologies
  • Familiarity with data protocols (e.g., IP, TCP) through coursework or projects
  • Awareness of air interface performance analysis and optimization
  • Basic programming ability in Python or similar languages
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems and multi-threaded processor architectures is a plus
  • Familiarity with commercial wireless test equipment (e.g., Keysight, R&S, Anritsu) is a plus
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills; willingness to learn and collaborate
  • Exposure to AI/ML and Large Language Models (LLMs), with interest in applying these techniques to wireless system design and power optimization
  • Knowledge of Embedded Power Architecture, power grid analysis, and basics of power measurement techniques is an added plus.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Work on Next Generation Wireless Technologies, including 5G NR, LTE Advanced, and emerging 6G standards, focusing on critical modem stack software, firmware, and hardware features from both UE and network protocol perspectives. Investigate, analyze, and optimize systems for power and thermal characteristics, with close attention to performance KPIs.
  • Integrate and test system-level features across a broad range of modem capabilities, design comprehensive test content, and optimize system performance with a focus on evaluating power cost. Support customer (OEMs and Carrier) requirements for product commercialization
  • Analyze and debug issues related to power optimization features, studying their impact on stability and performance while maintaining the balance between power and performance.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (Software Development, System Design, Chipset Architecture, Customer Support, Tools, etc.) to integrate, test, and commercialize QCT products. Responsible for triaging issues, raising bug tracking tickets, and driving closure to meet requirements.
  • Recommend optimizations and suggestions to prototype algorithms and designs as proof of concept of modem power optimization features
  • Apply AI/ML techniques to improve power analysis and optimization, leveraging exposure to AI/ML and Large Language Models (LLMs) in wireless system design.
  • Adopt LLM-based tools to automate analysis, enhance debugging, and streamline feature integration processes.
  • Stay current with advancements in 6G and AI/ML technologies, proactively identifying opportunities to incorporate these innovations into modem power solutions.

Level of Responsibility:
  • Works fairly independently.
  • Decision-making affects direct area of work and/or work group.
  • Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey basic, routine factual information.
  • Tasks consist of a limited number of steps and can be referenced using directions or manuals.

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:
$122,500.00 - $183,700.00
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.

What Qualcomm employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

View All Qualcomm Jobs

Apply