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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Blue Star Families

Systems Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$82K - $102K/yr

The Systems Test Engineer will help deliver the quality and performance of military communication ... modem processing. * Participates in the bidding process * Leads and mentors lower level engineers ...

Qualcomm

Sr. Modem Power Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Qualcomm Modem Software Engineer, you will design, implement, verify, validate, and ... Familiarity with commercial wireless test equipment (e.g., Keysight, R&S, Anritsu) is a plus

Protingent

Senior Engineer, Modem Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Job Title : Senior Engineer, Modem Software Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an ... Analyze field and test equipment logs, debug issues and provide fix * Participate in new feature ...

Innoflight

Digital Modem Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $140K/yr

Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and ... Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize modem performance using RF test equipment.

KBR, Inc.

SATCOM Senior Systems Engineer (Modem)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

SATCOM Senior Systems Engineer (Modem) Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... test execution. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience in protected waveform ...

Qualcomm

System Level Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineer will also partner with development teams to create automated test content solutions that ... and modem chipsets at various operating conditions. Work will also include working with team ...

Qualcomm

System Level Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineer will also partner with development teams to create automated test content solutions that ... and modem chipsets at various operating conditions. Work will also include working with team ...

KBR

SATCOM Senior Systems Engineer (Modem)

San Diego, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

SATCOM Senior Systems Engineer (Modem) Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... test execution. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience in protected waveform ...

Qualcomm

System Level Test Engineer - Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

... modem chipsets at various operating conditions. Engineer is expected to work with core teams to understand chipset architecture, define test board design requirements, deliver NPI and production test ...

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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 13, 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 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.
Systems Test Engineer

Systems Test Engineer

Blue Star Families

San Diego, CA

$82K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Business Unit:Cubic DefenseCompany Details:When you join Cubic, you become part of a company that creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation to make people's lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities to help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is committed to solving global issues through innovation and service to our customers and partners.
We have a top-tier portfolio of businesses, including Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and Cubic Defense (CD). Explore more on Cubic.com.Job Details:

Job Summary: The Systems Test Engineer will help deliver the quality and performance of military communication system development programs. The role is hands on and requires a self-motivated approach working collaboratively in a continuous integration environment. This role will involve working closely with all Engineering functional disciplines that includes leveraging shift-left methods to understand a complex domain and product.

The candidate will focus on contributing to the development of automated functional integration tests and end-to-end tests for overall system testing within an Agile environment. The role will also involve manual testing of components and integration testing in a System. This position typically works under close supervision and direction.

You will collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals who are as passionate about their work as you are and are committed to delivering only the highest quality solutions.
DoD Security Clearance required.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for testing software and Hardware involving communication system architectures.
  • Create and execute manual test cases during component testing, integration testing and UAT testing.
  • Create and maintain automated test cases, execute test suites, review and diagnose reported bugs, and ensure overall system quality prior to a customer release.
  • Design, develop, maintain, and troubleshoot automated suites of tests through continuous integration for value added feedback.
  • Work with the engineering teams to derive testing requirements throughout the development cycle.
  • Reproduce, debug, and isolate problems and verify fixes.
  • Work closely with software and Hardware developers to create test plans, test cases, test procedures and test reports.
  • Knowledgeable of communication system architectures.
  • Knowledgeable of multi-band phased-array antennas and analog/digital beamforming.
  • Knowledgeable of point-to-point and multi-node network communication waveforms and associated radio/modem processing.
  • Participates in the bidding process
  • Leads and mentors lower level engineers

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Four-year college degree in an Engineering or Scientific Discipline plus two years related experience, or an applicable Master's degree.
  • Experience must be directly related to the planning and performance of system level testing.
  • Experience must include performing test activities without requiring direct supervision.
  • Experience with configuration and test of IP based networks is required.
  • Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Must communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form.
  • Able to prioritize, complete multiple tasks and work under deadlines.
  • Demonstrate people-oriented practices. Must have strong presentation and organizational skills. Ability to keep detailed records of work in a database or spreadsheet.
  • DoD Security Clearance required.

Preferred Skills:

  • DOD and communications-related systems test experience preferred.
  • AS9100, SEI CMMI, and/or Lean/Agile development knowledge and experience preferred.
  • Experience with RF test equipment (SA, NA, SigGen, etc.) would be an advantage. Also, knowledge of Requirements (DOORS), Task and Bug Tracking/Management using JIRA is desired.

The description provided above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Duties, responsibilities and requirements may change over time and according to business needs.

Cubic Pay Range:

$82,000.00 - $102,000.00 + benefits.

The Cubic pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Worker Type:Employee

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