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.
Show the full description
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.
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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.
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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.
