This role pays less than
72%
of similar roles. Most pay
$150,000–$222,625
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$160k
versus about
$186k
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
627 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$148,300–$221,900
across 608 roles with salary data.
The Modem System Test Engineer – 6G/5G Air Interface joins the Modem System Test team to develop next-generation wireless technologies including 5G NR and emerging 6G systems. This role involves validating end-to-end system functionality across the cellular protocol stack, including PHY, MAC/RLC/PDCP, RRC, NAS, and TCP/IP. The engineer will define key performance indicators, execute system-level test strategies, and perform log analysis to debug modem issues in lab and field environments. Key responsibilities include translating 3GPP specifications into validation scenarios and supporting the certification of global products. Required skills include knowledge of signal processing, RF propagation, and physical layer procedures like mmWave beam refinement and massive MIMO. Candidates should be proficient with protocol simulator call boxes, channel emulators, Python, and MATLAB, while potentially applying AI/ML concepts to digital communications and engineering workflows.
Validate end-to-end system functionality and performance across the cellular protocol stack including PHY, MAC, RRC, and TCP/IP.
Define modem key performance indicators and optimize systems based on conducted, radiated, and live network testing data.
Develop and execute system-level test strategies, methodologies, and plans for specific modem features and use cases.
Translate 3GPP specifications and carrier requirements into robust validation scenarios and comprehensive test coverage.
Perform log analysis and root cause investigation of modem issues in both lab and field environments.
Support the integration, certification, and commercialization of global wireless products.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Strong understanding of digital and wireless communication systems, signal processing, and RF propagation (preferred).
Strong understanding of physical layer procedures such as signal detection, channel estimation, link adaptation, mmWave beam refinement, and massive MIMO (preferred).
Knowledge of 5G NR PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC protocols (preferred).
Knowledge of OFDMA, Wi-Fi, and LTE (preferred).
Knowledge of air interface performance analysis, characterization, and optimization (preferred).
Experience with test equipment such as protocol simulator call boxes and channel emulators for wireless product verification (preferred).
Programming skills in Python and MATLAB; knowledge of AI/ML concepts in digital communications is a plus (preferred).
Machine Learning
C++
Python
Matlab
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Keras
Signal Processing
Communication Theory
Neural Networks
Convex Optimization
Numerical Analysis
Information Theory
Channel Coding
Systems Engineering
Machine Learning
C++
Python
Matlab
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Keras
Signal Processing
Communication Theory
Neural Networks
Convex Optimization
Numerical Analysis
Information Theory
Channel Coding
Systems Engineering