5G/6G System Integration & Test Engineer

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSU grants

Annual bonus

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. in San Diego, CA, is seeking a test engineer for protocol testing of 5G NR and early 6G layers. You will define and execute protocol test plans for SA/NSA, analyze air interface logs, and collaborate with software and systems teams to debug defects.

You should have a Bachelor's or Master's in EE, CS, or telecom, 2+ years in cellular protocol testing, and strong Python scripting for test automation. Knowledge of QXDM/QCAT and Wireshark is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in cellular protocol testing or development.
• Deep technical understanding of 3GPP 5G NR protocols, SA vs NSA differences.

Responsibilities

• Test design and execution for 5G NR and early 6G protocol layers (L1/L2/L3).
• Protocol analysis of air interface logs and signaling across NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC.
• Develop and maintain Python test scripts to improve coverage and efficiency.
• Collaborate with software developers, system architects, and field engineers to reproduce and resolve defects.
• Track evolving 3GPP standards and convert features into test cases.
• Write test plans, procedures, and reports documenting validation progress.

Skills

Python

Log analysis

5G NR knowledge

Debugging

Test automation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

QXDM/QCAT

Wireshark

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm's Wireless R&D group develops the Test Base Station (TBS), a platform used to verify the functionality of QCT mobile chipsets. In this role, you will define, develop, and execute protocol test plans that validate next‑generation cellular technologies. You will work closely with development teams to debug complex protocol stack issues, ensure compliance with 3GPP standards (Release 15 through 18 and beyond), and help build the foundation for 6G wireless protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Test design and execution: Create, update, and execute comprehensive test plans for 5G NR (Standalone and Non-Standalone) and early 6G protocol layers (L1/L2/L3).
• Protocol analysis: Analyze air interface logs and debug complex signaling across the NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers.
• Test automation: Design and maintain Python test scripts that improve test coverage and execution efficiency.
• Collaboration: Work with software developers, system architects, and field engineers to reproduce, isolate, and resolve critical defects.
• Standards alignment: Track evolving 3GPP standards and turn new feature requirements into actionable test cases.
• Documentation: Write detailed test plans, procedures, and reports that track validation progress and coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in cellular protocol testing or development.
• Deep technical understanding of 3GPP 5G NR protocols, including the architectural differences between SA and NSA modes.
• Proficiency with log analysis tools such as Qualcomm QXDM/QCAT, Wireshark, or vendor‑specific trace tools.
• Strong Python programming or scripting skills for test automation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with millimeter‑wave (mmWave) and sub‑6 GHz RF environments.
• Exposure to early 6G research, whitepapers, or simulations (for example, AI‑driven air interfaces).
• Experience with Open RAN (O‑RAN) architectures and interfaces.

Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer.

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Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:

$93,400.00 - $140,000.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.