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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Modem Integration & Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering General Summary: As a member of the Modem SW Image Integration & Test (I&T) team, you will be responsible for the integration ...

Xoriant Corporation

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Job Title: Wireless Test Engineer (301988) Location: San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ months contract ... Support Verizon/Sprint/ATT/T-Mobile modem test for Lab/Field/IOT certification. * Participate in ...

Qualcomm

Senior Cellular System Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130.19 - $160.60/hr

Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering General Summary ... Works closely with the other functional groups including modem systems, modem software, modem ...

Siri InfoSolutions Inc

RF Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Job Title: RF Test Engineer Location: Fremont , CA Onsite/ Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer ... Strong hands-on experience in RF testing, wireless device validation, or cellular modem testing.

Qualcomm

Senior WWAN System Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $160K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering General Summary: This ... Works closely with the other functional groups including modem systems, modem software, modem ...

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Modem Test Engineer information

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$189

How much do modem test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for modem test engineer in California is $62.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.77 and $66.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a modem test engineer do?

A Modem Test Engineer is responsible for testing the performance, reliability, and functionality of modem hardware and software. They design and execute test cases to validate features, identify bugs, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi protocols. Modem Test Engineers work closely with development teams to troubleshoot issues and contribute to the improvement of modem products. Their role is critical to ensuring that modems deliver optimal connectivity and user experience before being released to the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a modem test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Modem Test Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, wireless communication protocols (such as LTE/5G), and experience with testing methodologies, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with test automation tools, protocol analyzers, and debugging systems like Wireshark or QXDM, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you identify issues and work efficiently with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring modem products meet rigorous performance, reliability, and compliance standards before reaching the market.

What are some common challenges faced by modem test engineers when validating new firmware releases?

Modem Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying intermittent connectivity issues, reproducing complex network scenarios, and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices and network carriers. Staying updated with evolving wireless standards (like 5G and LTE) and simulating real-world usage environments can also be demanding. Effective collaboration with development teams is crucial to quickly address discovered bugs and streamline the release cycle.

What is the difference between Modem Test Engineer vs Network Test Engineer?

AspectModem Test EngineerNetwork Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in Computer Networking, certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, hardware labs, product development teamsNetwork operation centers, enterprise or service provider networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, consumer electronics, hardware manufacturingIT services, telecommunications, enterprise networking
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Modem Test Engineer focuses on testing and validating modems and related hardware/software, while the Network Test Engineer specializes in testing network infrastructure and connectivity. Both roles require technical certifications and work in related environments, but their primary focus and industry applications differ.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Modem Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Modem Test Engineer job openings:

Modem Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Modem Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Modem Integration & Test Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 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 245 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering
General Summary:
As a member of the Modem SW Image Integration & Test (I&T) team, you will be responsible for the integration, validation, and quality of Modem software across multiple subsystems, including RF, NR5G, Data Services, Firmware, upper layers and others. This position demands breadth across the full modem stack - you will be at the intersection of all modem subsystems, ensuring correct and stable software integration before releases reach downstream teams and customers.
You will work closely with cross-functional software, systems, and hardware teams to drive image-level integration health, triage failures, and continuously improve test coverage and automation across the 5G/4G modem platform.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute integration and software validation of Modem Software (e.g., FR1/FR2, uplink/downlink scenarios)
  • Develop and execute test cases for functional, regression, and system-level validation
  • Support software bring-up activities for new platforms and features
  • Debug and troubleshoot modem software tests and procedures
  • Analyze modem logs, test results, and failures to assist in root cause identification
  • Assist in building and maintaining automation scripts and test frameworks
  • Collaborate with RF, 5G Access Stratum, Firmware , Modem systems and other teams to track and resolve issues
  • Document test results, issues, and learnings clearly

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 1-3 years of experience in modem testing, embedded systems, or software validation

Preferred Skills
  • Understanding of 5G NR / 4G LTE protocol stack - PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS, Data layers
  • Familiarity with MPSS subsystem architecture or experience working across multiple modem subsystems (RF, NR5G, Data, MMCP, etc.)
  • Background in digital communications, signal processing, RF propagation, OFDM, or CDMA
  • Exposure to commercial test simulators such as Keysight, Anritsu, R&S, or Spirent for wireless product verification
  • Familiarity with 5G infrastructure vendors (Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, ZTE) and NR call flows
  • Mobile device test experience with 5G/4G operators or commercial handset OEMs
  • Exposure to debugging in embedded or system-level environments
  • Programming/scripting proficiency in Python
  • Exposure to test automation concepts, CI/CD pipelines, or automation frameworks
  • Familiarity with Linux/Android development and debugging environments
  • Awareness of AI/ML-based data analysis, Concepts / tools for log processing, or automated failure triage tools,

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.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$89,000.00 - $133,600.00
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.

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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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