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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

System Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

... modem! Write test documentation include test plans, procedures and test cases and then support lab ... Communicate with a multi-functional development engineering team to fix integration and system ...

Viasat, Inc.

System Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

... modem! Write test documentation include test plans, procedures and test cases and then support lab ... Communicate with a multi-functional development engineering team to fix integration and system ...

Viasat, Inc.

System Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

... modem! Write test documentation include test plans, procedures and test cases and then support lab ... Communicate with a multi-functional development engineering team to fix integration and system ...

Qualcomm

#Systems Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Test Engineering General Summary: ** This position ... modem (WWAN), WLAN, sensors, middleware, and application layers. * Designs and executes test plans ...

Qualcomm

#Systems Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... a Systems Test Engineer to test and validate location technology systems. The role involves ... modem (WWAN), WLAN, sensors, middleware, and application layers. • Designs and executes test ...

Qualcomm

Software Engineer - Modem

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Technologies Software General Summary: As a leading ... test cases to test/verify design for a well-defined component to validate modem against ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 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.

System Test Engineer

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Viasat rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 99 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
Work with a multi-functional team in the development of our latest generation government modem! Write test documentation include test plans, procedures and test cases and then support lab build up to implement the testing.
The day-to-day
  • Prepare Test Plans, Procedures, and customer needs to guide the effort to develop and build custom test hardware and automation using company and industry standards.
  • Shepherd test system deployment from hardware/software integration, to use in design verification, to full-rate production.
  • Use RF test equipment to test both new hardware and software releases for satellite communication products.
  • Full cycle test development on legacy and new products, from a new release on an existing hardware device to a first release on a new modem hardware platform.
  • Communicate with a multi-functional development engineering team to fix integration and system verification test failures.

What you'll need
  • 3+ years' experience in crafting test requirements, test plans, test cases and methodologies, and test documentation for manufacturing that guide system development.
  • Bachelor's Degrees in STEM field or related work experience.
  • Understanding of both the technical and process aspects of product design and able to evaluate products using documents describing their design and function.
  • Familiar with a variety of lab equipment like oscilloscopes, power supplies, and boundary scan to evaluate and help fix systems.
  • Ready to use a variety of lab equipment like oscilloscopes, power supplies, and boundary scan to evaluate and help fix systems.
  • Familiarity with Linux operating systems and basic skills in fixing and solving technical issues.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including the OSI model, Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) technologies, and basic concepts of MAC addresses, IP addresses, TCP, and UDP protocols.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge and application of configuration management guidelines.
  • Up to 10% travel.
  • US citizenship required.

What will help you on the job
  • Experience with debugging and fixing Linux-based products.
  • Experience with networking, OSI model, and L2/L3 technologies like MAC and TCP/IP, UDP, etc.
  • Experience with a programming or scripting language (Python, C/C++, Java or other).
  • Familiar with using requirements traceability tools (DOORS, JAMA, etc.).
  • Experience with wireless communications or satellite communications systems (SATCOM) or Radio Frequency systems.

Salary range
$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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