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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Saige Partners

Wireless Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65 - $80/hr

We are seeking a Wireless Modem Test Engineer to support the validation, testing, and optimization of 5G/4G modem technologies This role will focus on interoperability testing (IOT), feature ...

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 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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All JobsModem Test Engineer JobsModem Test Engineer Jobs in California

Modem Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$23

$62

$189

How much do modem test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.
Wireless Test Engineer

Wireless Test Engineer

Saige Partners

San Diego, CA

$65 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description We strive to be Your Future, Your Solution to accelerate your career. Contact Hannah Wilson at hwilson@saigepartners.com, you can also schedule an appointment at to learn more about this opportunity. Position: Wireless Test Engineer (San Diego, CA) Job Overview: We are seeking a Wireless Modem Test Engineer to support the validation, testing, and optimization of 5G/4G modem technologies

This role will focus on interoperability testing (IOT), feature validation, RF performance testing, power measurement, automation, and troubleshooting across multiple network infrastructure vendors. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in wireless protocols, modem technologies, and hands-on experience with industry-standard test equipment and network emulators. This is a W2 contract position and is not eligible for C2C or W2 referral candidates.

Key Responsibilities: Support 5G and 4G interoperability testing (IOT) activities across multiple network infrastructure vendors, including Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung. Participate in new feature validation and verification efforts within a laboratory environment using network emulators and infrastructure vendor software releases. Develop comprehensive test plans, test cases, and automated test scripts for 5G and 4G feature validation.

Execute RF performance testing for 5G NR FR1 and FR2 technologies. Reproduce and analyze customer-reported and field issues within a controlled lab environment. Perform modem power consumption measurements, benchmarking, and optimization analysis.

Support laboratory, field, and certification testing activities, including: o Test execution o Regression testing o Log analysis o Defect identification and tracking o Automation development Analyze UE and network logs to identify root causes of protocol, RF, and performance issues. Apply wireless protocol expertise to debug and validate Samsung modem product lines across 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve issues and improve modem performance.

Travel as required to support laboratory, field, interoperability, and certification testing activities. Required Qualifications: Deep understanding of wireless protocol stack layers, including: o Layer 1 (L1) o MAC o RRC o PDCP Strong knowledge of LTE and 5G NR technologies, including: o NSA (Non-Standalone) o SA (Standalone) o LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) Experience with protocol, RF, and data performance testing. Knowledge of 3GPP RAN4 and RAN5 test specifications, particularly for: o 5G NR FR1 and FR2 o LTE o LTE-Advanced Experience supporting carrier certification and network vendor testing requirements.

Hands-on experience measuring and analyzing modem Days-of-Use (DoU) power consumption data and identifying optimization opportunities. Strong log analysis and troubleshooting skills using mobile device and network logging tools. Experience developing test automation solutions, preferably using Python.

Experience with defect management and tracking tools such as JIRA. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with wireless certification testing programs. Familiarity with network emulators and automated test environments.

Strong analytical and debugging skills for modem performance, protocol, and RF-related issues. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced engineering environment. Learn more about Saige Partners on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Hours you will be work as a Wireless Test Engineer: Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm PST Compensation you will receive as a Wireless Test Engineer: $65-$80 per hour Saige Partners, one of the fastest growing technology and talent companies in the Midwest, believes in people with a passion to help them succeed. We are in the business of helping professionals Build Careers, Not Jobs. Saige Partners believes employees are the most valuable asset to building a thriving and successful company culture, which is why we offer a benefit package and convenient weekly payment solutions that helps our employees stay healthy and maintain a positive work/life balance.

Contact us to learn more about the opportunity below or check out other opportunities at https://careers.saigepartners.com/.

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