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Modem Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Design and implement CI/CD pipelines and automated test frameworks for modem and eSIM firmware ... Support and develop senior and mid-level engineers on modem driver and eSIM development

Systems Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Systems Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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

Field Test Engineer

Irving, TX · On-site

$40K - $75K/yr

ArcLight Wireless is a world-class provider of RF systems engineering, network services, and ... Experience in test execution, quality assurance, manual testing and software testing, modem ...

Field Test Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

The QA Engineer III will be responsible for test execution, quality assurance, manual testing ... Experience in test execution, quality assurance, manual testing and software testing, modem ...

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 ...

ArcLight Wireless is a world-class provider of RF systems engineering, network services, and ... Experience in test execution, quality assurance, manual testing and software testing, modem ...

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Modem Test Engineer information

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$24

$63

$192

How much do modem test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for modem test engineer in the United States is $63.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.39 and $67.07 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.
More about Modem Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Modem Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Modem Test Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Modem Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Modem Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Modem Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Modem Test Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Modem Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,091 per year, or $63.5 per hour.
Senior Cellular System Test Engineer

Senior Cellular System Test Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, standardize, implement, validate, and execute complex test methodologies for commercializing cellular modems.

  • Perform end-to-end performance and functional analysis of advanced multi-RAT cellular modems and optimize system performance based on data analysis from lab and live networks.

  • Collaborate with modem systems, software, hardware, and firmware teams to characterize, certify, and commercialize high performance modems.


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 202 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering
General Summary:
This individual independently plans, performs the moderately-defined responsibility for the designing, standardizing, implementing, validating and executing complex test methodologies for commercializing the Cellular (or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)) modem as a product or component within a product. Has expertise in the 3GPP WWAN specifications (most notably with LTE and 5GNR), performs end-to-end performance/functional analysis of advanced multi-RAT (Radio Access Technology) cellular modems and optimizes system performance based on analysis of data from lab and/or live networks. Works closely with the other functional groups including modem systems, modem software, modem hardware and modem firmware to characterize, certify and commercialize a cost effective, high capability, high performance modem that meets industry leading quality metrics and customer requirements. Acts as a strong contributor at design reviews and project meetings.
Will accept a Master's Degree (or foreign academic equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related degree field in a related occupation.
Pay Range: $130,187.00 - $160,600.00 /year
Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985