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Modem Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Modem Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do modem engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 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.

Staff Modem Technologies Software Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$174K - $262K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 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 Technologies Software
General Summary:
This individual leads, plans, synthesizes ambiguous or conflicting requirements and performs the complex responsibility of the designing, implementing, verifying, validating, and commercializing Wireless WAN (or cellular) modem air interface RAN (Radio access Network) technologies by working on Modem access stratum and RF SW design, optimizations & algorithms, and with the RFFE team to define and guide the modem IP architecture, RFFE design, HW APIs, core systems algorithms and the right HW/SW/co-processor architecture. Works on the transceiver, and HW control and wireless Radio Access Stratum software implementation of a multi-RAT (Radio Access Technology) from industry specifications (most notably 3GPP with LTE and 5GNR). Has experience in the WWAN L1/L2/L3 specifications and can efficiently implement the shared resources of a multi-RAT modem. Works closely with other functional groups to develop a cost effective, high quality and high capability modem IP that meets industry and customer requirements with high performance (e.g., throughput, latency, power consumption) and acceptable cost (e.g., silicon area, calibration complexity, code size). Acts as a strong contributor at design reviews and project meetings and communicates and implements a development plan.
Will accept a Master's Degree (or foreign academic equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related degree field and three (3) years of experience in a related occupation.
Pay Range: $174,600.00 - $262,000.00/year
Applicants: 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.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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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

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