5G/6G System Integration & Test Engineer

Qualcomm

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$93,400–$140,000 / yr
Posted
6 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Apr 27, 2027

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $177k
This role $117k
$80k $222k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 92% of similar roles. Most pay $146,112–$208,250 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $117k versus about $177k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.

Qualcomm currently has 580 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $147,900–$218,400 across 557 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · 5G/6G System Integration & Test Engineer

The 5G/6G System Integration & Test Engineer joins the Cellular System Test Engineering group to develop and execute protocol test plans for next-generation cellular technologies. This role involves validating 5G NR Standalone and Non-Standalone protocols as well as early 6G layers, specifically focusing on L1, L2, and L3. You will debug complex signaling across NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers while ensuring compliance with 3GPP standards from Release 15 through 18. Key responsibilities include designing test plans, analyzing air interface logs, and creating Python scripts for test automation. Required skills include proficiency with QXDM, QCAT, and Wireshark, alongside a deep understanding of 3GPP protocols. The work focuses on resolving critical defects and turning evolving standards into actionable test cases for mobile chipsets.

What you'll do

  • Create, update, and execute comprehensive test plans for 5G NR and early 6G protocol layers.
  • Analyze air interface logs to debug complex signaling across NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers.
  • Design and maintain Python test scripts to improve test coverage and execution efficiency.
  • Reproduce, isolate, and resolve critical defects in coordination with software developers and system architects.
  • Translate evolving 3GPP standards and new feature requirements into actionable test cases.
  • Write detailed test plans, procedures, and reports to track validation progress and coverage.

What we're looking for

  • 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 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.
  • Experience with millimeter-wave (mmWave) and sub-6 GHz RF environments (preferred).
  • Exposure to early 6G research, whitepapers, or simulations (preferred).
  • Experience with Open RAN (O-RAN) architectures and interfaces (preferred).

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