Modem System Test Engineer – 6G/5G Air Interface

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. seeks a motivated engineer to join the Modem System Test (MST) team in San Diego. You will contribute to validating end-to-end system functionality for 5G/6G modems, collaborating with software, hardware, and RF teams to ensure robust, scalable wireless solutions.

The role emphasizes lab-based testing, data-driven performance optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. A strong foundation in wireless protocols and hands-on testing is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of digital and wireless communication systems and RF propagation.
• Knowledge of 5G NR PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC protocols.
• Experience with test equipment such as protocol simulators and channel emulators.

Responsibilities

• Validate end-to-end system functionality and performance across the cellular protocol stack (PHY, MAC/RLC/PDCP, RRC, NAS, TCP/IP).
• Define modem KPIs and evaluate system performance using data from conducted, radiated, and live 6G/5G testing.
• Develop and execute system-level test strategies and test plans for modem features and use cases.
• Analyze 3GPP specifications and carrier requirements into validation scenarios and test coverage.
• Perform log analysis, debugging, and root-cause investigation of modem issues in lab and field environments.
• Support feature integration, certification, and commercialization of global wireless products.

Skills

Digital and wireless communications

RF propagation

Physical layer procedures

5G NR PHY/MAC/RLC/PDCP/RRC

Air interface analysis & optimization

Python

MATLAB

AI/ML in communications

Test equipment usage

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Protocol simulators

Channel emulators

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular System Test Engineering

General Summary

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to drive the evolution of wireless connectivity, delivering industry-leading modem innovations across 5G and next-generation cellular technologies. Qualcomm’s modem innovation have enabled breakthrough advances in performance, power efficiency, global interoperability, and commercialization at scale. We are seeking a motivated engineer to join the Modem System Test (MST) team in San Diego. In this role, you will contribute to building next-generation wireless technologies including 5G NR and emerging 6G systems, with opportunities to apply AI/ML techniques to end products and engineering workflows. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including software development, system design, hardware design, and RF design, to integrate, test, characterize, certify, and commercialize 6G/5G modem products for global markets. You will directly impact the quality, performance, and commercialization of global modem products, enabling cutting-edge wireless experiences across mobile devices and networks. The ideal candidate is curious about emerging technologies, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a collaborative technical environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a proactive, hands‑on approach to testing and lab‑based work.

Key Responsibilities

• Validate end-to-end system functionality and performance across the cellular protocol stack (PHY, MAC/RLC/PDCP, RRC, NAS, TCP/IP).
• Define modem key performance indicators and evaluate system performance, optimizing based on data from conducted, radiated, and live 6G/5G network testing.
• Develop and execute system‑level test strategies, methodologies, and test plans for modem features and use cases.
• Analyze 3GPP specifications and carrier requirements, translating them into robust validation scenarios and test coverage.
• Perform log analysis, debugging, and root cause investigation of modem issues across lab and field environments.
• Support feature integration, certification, and commercialization of global wireless products.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of digital and wireless communication systems, signal processing, and RF propagation.
• Strong understanding of physical layer procedures such as signal detection, channel estimation, link adaptation, mmWave beam refinement, and massive MIMO.
• Knowledge of 5G NR PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC protocols.
• Knowledge of OFDMA, Wi‑Fi, and LTE.
• Knowledge of air interface performance analysis, characterization, and optimization.
• Experience with test equipment such as protocol simulator call boxes and channel emulators for wireless product verification.
• Exposure to 5G infrastructure vendor‑specific 5G NR call flows, including Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, ZTE, and Samsung.
• Programming skills in Python and MATLAB.
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts and their application to digital communications is a plus.

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‑[e-mail] 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).

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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.

Pay Range And Other Compensation & Benefits

$89,000.00 - $133,600.00

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.