Qualcomm 5G Modem Design Engineer Jobs
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X modem-RF systems handle the cellular connection in most of the world's 5G phones. Qualcomm 5G modem design engineer jobs are some of the most specialized roles in wireless silicon, covering baseband DSP design, RF IC engineering, digital-RF interface design, and protocol stack work.
The modem teams break into RF front-end IC design, digital baseband RTL, mixed-signal ADC and DAC design, mmWave antenna-in-package design, and 5G NR protocol implementation. Each of these asks for real depth in wireless standards, so a background in the 5G NR or LTE physical layer counts for a lot. Familiarity with 3GPP release timelines helps you read what a team is actually building.
If you sit on the digital side, the work is RTL for the baseband datapath, throughput and power tradeoffs against a moving standard, and verification of modes that only show up in specific carrier deployments. On the RF and mixed-signal side, it is transceiver architecture, converter design, and getting mmWave to behave inside a phone-sized package. Power is a constant pressure because a modem runs off a battery, so clock gating, low-power modes, and careful floorplanning show up in almost every design review.
Qualcomm spreads this work across San Diego, Austin, Bangalore, Amsterdam, and Bridgewater. Modem design is no longer only a smartphone story: the same IP now targets automotive, IoT, and fixed wireless access, which opens paths for engineers who don't want to spend a career on handsets. For related roles, see Qualcomm RF IC engineer jobs and Snapdragon design engineer openings.
Pay reflects how narrow the talent pool is. Mid-career modem and RF engineers clear six figures on base, and staff and principal total compensation frequently lands in the $250K to $400K range at Qualcomm's larger sites. The salary guide has a fuller breakdown by specialty and level.
Set up an alert for Qualcomm on semidesignjobs.com and new 5G modem postings will land in your inbox as they open. The companies-hiring roundup covers other wireless and RF employers if you want to compare options.
FAQ
What skills are needed for Qualcomm 5G modem design engineer jobs?
A deep grounding in wireless communications, plus RF IC design or digital baseband RTL, and working knowledge of 5G NR or LTE. Mixed-signal design, DSP algorithm work, or mmWave experience is highly valued depending on the specific role.
What is the scope of Qualcomm's 5G modem design team?
It is one of the largest modem teams in the industry, thousands of engineers across several continents. The work runs from RF antenna design through software-defined protocol stacks, so you can specialize deeply in any layer of the wireless system.
Are there Qualcomm 5G modem jobs outside San Diego?
Yes. San Diego is headquarters and the largest center, but real 5G modem work happens in Austin, Bangalore, Amsterdam, and Bridgewater. SemiDesignJobs lists location details for every posting.