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Telecom Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... Provide telecom engineering support to field technicians to troubleshoot existing equipment

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... Provide telecom engineering support to field technicians to troubleshoot existing equipment

Nokia

PIC Design and modulator Development

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom ... Experience with RF design, simulation, and use of optical and electrical modeling tools such as ...

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Telecom Design information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do telecom design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for telecom design in California is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Telecom Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Telecom Design Engineer, you need a strong understanding of telecommunications networks, signal processing, and relevant engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, network planning tools, and certifications such as CCNA or RCDD are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure reliable network design, efficient project execution, and successful collaboration with technical teams and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Telecom Design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Telecom Design often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and managing project timelines across multidisciplinary teams. Staying updated on emerging technologies and standards is essential, as is effective communication with stakeholders like engineers, project managers, and clients. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing professional development, using advanced design software, and fostering a collaborative team environment to ensure project goals are met efficiently.

What is telecom design?

Telecom design refers to the planning and creation of telecommunications systems, such as networks for voice, data, and video communication. Telecom designers develop the architecture, layout, and specifications for how communication infrastructure—like fiber optics, wireless networks, and cabling—will be installed and interconnected. This process involves ensuring that systems are efficient, scalable, and compliant with industry standards. Telecom design is crucial for enabling reliable and high-speed connectivity in both commercial and residential environments.
Telecom Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telecom Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,457 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design Engineer

Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design Engineer

Nokia

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$179K - $332K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Nokia rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 78 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Job Description
We are developing next-generation coherent telecom and intra-datacenter InP Photonic Integrated Circuits powering optical interconnections. We need motivated engineers and scientists to spearhead developing new products.
A range of experience is needed for numerous openings: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Solid State Physics, including new graduates through industry veterans will be considered for various roles up to and including leadership.
NION2026
Responsibilities
  • Key experience should include 1 or more areas
    • Design of high-speed Mach-Zehnder Modulator or Electro-Absorption Modulator
    • Design of high-power or telecom/datacom/datacenter InP lasers (C- or O-band)
    • Design of photonic integrated circuits, especially including InP materials

Qualifications
  • Key engineering expertise in several of the following areas required

  • Design and simulation of photonic devices

  • Process design/fabrication process development of InP devices or PICs

  • Photonic device testing of high-speed modulators

  • RF signal integrity design and simulation

  • PIC/driver co-design

  • Extensive photonic device data analysis in manufacturing environment

  • PIC mask layout design expertise with 10 or more layers

  • Extensive characterization of semiconductor laser diodes

#OMG

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