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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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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 Jun 12, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Communications Systems Test Engineer

Aalyria

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Aalyria:
Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.
Role Overview:
The Aalyria Space team is building the infrastructure for the next generation of high-speed optical communications, and this critical role sits at the center of making it work in the real world. As a Communication System Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for qualifying our coherent optical modem systems from component level through full system integration, owning the test bench from hardware selection all the way through root-cause analysis and final performance sign-off.
This isn't a checkbox-testing role. You'll design and execute the experiments that determine whether our free space optical communications products actually perform, setting up benches with BERTs, AWGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, OSAs, and coherent DSPs, writing the automation that makes testing repeatable and scalable, and digging into the data with Python or MATLAB when results don't match the model. When something's broken, you'll be the one who figures out why.
You'll work closely with design, systems, and firmware teams across the product lifecycle, not just catching issues, but shaping how performance is characterized, what specifications mean in practice, and how findings translate into product decisions. If you're the kind of engineer who gets absorbed by a tricky optical link budget problem and won't let go until you understand it, this role is built for you.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the selection and purchase of lab equipment and components to put together test benches needed for the robust qualification of our optical communication systems.
  • Set up and conduct lab experiments to evaluate coherent optical modems
  • Utilize lab instrumentation such as Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs), Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs), high-speed Oscilloscopes, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Power Meters (OPMs), Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs), and Polarization Controllers.
  • Execute optical and electrical performance characterization of discrete components and pluggable coherent modules.
  • Analyze results and support debug and optimization of modem performance using Matlab, Python, or equivalent scripting tools.
  • Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and deep-dive debugging of performance issues found during system-level and component testing.
  • Prepare and present detailed test reports, summarizing key findings, performance trends, and recommendations for cross-functional review.
  • Develop and maintain automated test frameworks for repeatable and scalable evaluations.
  • Collaborate closely with design, systems, and firmware teams to validate product functionality against specifications.
  • Document test plans, results, and troubleshooting procedures clearly and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
  • Active security clearance, or the eligibility to obtain one.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of hands-on lab experience working with high-speed communication systems.
  • Solid understanding of Communication Theory and Digital Signal Processing.
  • Proficiency with Matlab and/ or Python for data analysis and test automation.
  • Experience using high-speed optical and electrical test equipment.
  • Familiarity with coherent optical communication systems, including optical components such as tunable lasers, Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulators, photodetectors, and EDFAs.
  • Exposure to or experience with optical transceivers, coherent DSPs, and transponders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., OIF, ITU-T) and protocols relevant to high-speed optical transmission
  • Experience with automated test development and scripting for lab equipment.
  • Working knowledge of LabVIEW or other test automation environments.
  • Prior experience evaluating optical coherent modules or discrete transmitter/receiver components.

What We Offer:
  • Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications.
  • Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives.
  • Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter.
  • Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules.
  • Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options.

ITAR/EAR Requirements:
This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
(A) Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes:
  • U.S. citizen or national
  • U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
  • Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157
  • Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158

(B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
(C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.
The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The pay range for this role is:
190,000 - 215,000 USD per year (HQ)

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