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Modem Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Senior Product and Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

In order to drive our next phase of growth in Cellular, Compute, AI, and Modem Technologies, we are ... Cross functional engineering collaboration to develop test methodologies for advanced packaging ...

AttoTude

ASIC Test Technician

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

The ASIC Test Technician will work to support engineers in the testing and characterization of high-speed and mixed-signal ICs with measurements needed for the development of novel MODEM technology ...

AttoTude

ASIC Test Technician

Menlo Park, CA

The ASIC Test Technician will work to support engineers in the testing and characterization of high-speed and mixed-signal ICs with measurements needed for the development of novel MODEM technology ...

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All JobsModem Test Engineer JobsModem Test Engineer Jobs in California

Modem Test Engineer information

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$189

How much do modem test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.

Wireless Modem Implementation Engineer (DSP & 5G PHY Specialist)

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
Are you ready to redefine the future of wireless communications? At E-Space, we're at the forefront of bridging terrestrial and satellite networks. We are seeking a passionate Wireless Modem Implementation Engineer with a strong background in DSP-based modem design-preferably with hands-on experience using NXP Layerscape modems-and extensive expertise in 5G physical layer (PHY) and Layer 1 software implementation. If you thrive on innovative challenges and enjoy working on cutting-edge technology, this role is for you.
As a Wireless Modem Implementation Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting and implementing advanced Layer 1 modem software for next-generation wireless communication systems. You will leverage your expertise in digital signal processing, 5G PHY, and DSP modems to develop robust solutions that power seamless connectivity across diverse networks. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, and system integration to deliver state-of-the-art wireless solutions.
What you will do:
  • Design & Development
  • Develop and implement sophisticated physical layer algorithms tailored for DSP-based wireless modems.
  • Lead the design and coding of Layer 1 modem software, with a strong emphasis on 5G PHY implementation and performance optimization.
  • Utilize your in-depth knowledge of DSP-based modems, such as NXP Layerscape modems, to integrate and enhance modem functionalities in software
  • System Integration & Testing
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of modem software with firmware and other system components.
  • Develop comprehensive test strategies, simulate real-world scenarios, and validate performance under diverse conditions.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks and deploy innovative debugging and optimization techniques to enhance system efficiency.
  • Analysis & Reporting
  • Conduct detailed performance analyses, including link budget assessments, throughput, latency, and error rate evaluations.
  • Document design methodologies, test results, and system enhancements to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
  • Provide technical support during system integration, design reviews, and field trials.

What you bring to this role:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
  • Demonstrable experience in wireless modem design, including DSP-based implementations and 5G PHY development.
  • Extensive hands-on expertise with Layer 1 modem software development and integration.
  • Solid understanding of digital signal processing, communication theory, and wireless standards (e.g., 4G, 5G, 5G NR, LTE).
  • Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of troubleshooting and optimizing complex communication systems.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, essential for working within cross-functional teams.

Bonus points for the following:
  • Experience with modern coding techniques such as LDPC, Turbo Codes, or Polar Codes.
  • Prior exposure to simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) and real-time system testing.
  • Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and related development tools.
  • Background in wearable technology or emerging IoT applications.

Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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