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Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sr Manager Test Engineering

Oconee, IL · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Join us. The Global Test Engineering Manager leads the global test engineering function and is ... Drive early engagement in Design for Test (DFT), manufacturability assessments, risk mitigation ...

... to drive NTI, NPI, and CPI product solutions. * Pay Range: $30- $37/hour depending on experience and benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TEST ENGINEER: * Utilizing data acquisition systems (eDAQ, LMS ...

... to drive NTI, NPI, and CPI product solutions. * Pay Range: $30- $37/hour depending on experience and benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TEST ENGINEER: * Utilizing data acquisition systems (eDAQ, LMS ...

Showing results 41-60

Drive Test Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$17

$42

$72

How much do drive test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for drive test engineer in Illinois is $42.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.36 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drive test engineer?

A Drive Test Engineer is a telecommunications professional responsible for testing and optimizing wireless networks. They conduct field measurements by driving through designated routes with specialized equipment to collect data on signal strength, call quality, and network coverage. This data helps network operators identify issues such as dead zones, dropped calls, or weak signals, enabling them to improve network performance. Drive Test Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring reliable mobile communication and enhancing user experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drive test engineer?

To thrive as a Drive Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication systems, RF principles, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with drive test tools like TEMS, Nemo, or SwissQual, as well as proficiency in data analysis software, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and convey findings clearly. These abilities ensure accurate network performance assessments, which are crucial for optimizing wireless networks and improving user experience.

What are some common challenges faced by drive test engineers during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Drive Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as fluctuating signal quality, unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar terrains during fieldwork. To address these, it's important to prepare thoroughly by reviewing test routes, ensuring all equipment is calibrated and functional, and maintaining clear communication with the network operations team. Additionally, adaptability and strong problem-solving skills help in quickly resolving on-site issues, leading to efficient data collection and accurate reporting.

What is the difference between Drive Test Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectDrive Test EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in telecommunications, electronics, or related field; certifications like RF or wireless certifications are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in electrical engineering and RF certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving driving to test sites, collecting signal data, and analyzing network performancePrimarily office-based or lab work focused on designing, testing, and optimizing RF systems
Industry UsageUsed in telecom companies for network testing and optimizationUsed across telecom, electronics, and wireless industries for system design and testing

Drive Test Engineers and RF Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their roles differ in work environment and focus. Drive Test Engineers primarily perform field testing to evaluate network performance, while RF Engineers focus on designing and optimizing RF systems in labs or offices.

Are drive test engineers in demand?

Drive Test Engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for network optimization and infrastructure testing in telecommunications. They typically require knowledge of wireless technologies, testing tools, and certifications, and employment opportunities are often available in regions with expanding or upgrading network coverage.

How much does a drive test engineer get paid?

A drive test engineer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and overtime pay.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Drive Test Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Drive Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Drive Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Drive Test Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,177 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineer (Integration & Test)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.
As an Integration & Test Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing and evaluate complex electronics systems from hardware/software design through aircraft installation to ensure that the systems we make work - and work well.
Responsibilities for an Integration and Test Engineer may include generation of test plans, test procedures, test automation, test reports, and execution of integration test activities (system integration, design verification tests, qualification tests, etc.) in system integration labs (SILs) or offsite locations. As a part of the Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) team, an Integration & Test Engineer gains an understanding of the systems engineering process across a product's lifecycle and gains a full appreciation for how the systems operate.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position may be contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
This position can be filled at the Systems Engineer (Integration & Test) or Principal Systems Engineer (Integration & Test) level.
Basic Qualifications for Systems Engineer (Integration & Test):
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical degree with 2+ years of Related experience or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field
  • Experience troubleshooting of hardware, software, and firmware issues
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment and with multiple stakeholders across various disciplines
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer (Integration & Test):
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical degree with 5+ years of related experience; OR MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 3+ years related experience; OR, PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 1+ year of related experience
  • Experience troubleshooting of hardware, software, and firmware issues
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment and with multiple stakeholders across various disciplines
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in an integration and test environment for complex electronic systems evaluation
  • Experience performing Design Verification Tests, Environmental Qualification Testing, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Qualification Testing
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRMs)
  • Working knowledge of one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, RFEW systems, DSP, antenna design, computational electromagnetics, RF test equipment
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (Cameo)
  • Has demonstrated experience applying basic systems-engineering principles to develop and execute integration-test plans
  • Knowledge of MATLAB, C, C++, Java, Python, or other scripting languages
  • Experience writing and executing test scripts
  • Ability and willingness to work independently with little oversight or direction
  • Ability and willingness to travel
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939