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Drive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drive test flow improvements to reduce cycle time and support rate increases without compromising test coverage. * Manage a team of test technicians and test engineers; provide mentorship, assign ...

... Engineer to design test hardware and full test program sets for programs spanning military and ... develop the software logic that drives test execution - working with instrumentation like ...

New

Test Engineer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Test Engineer I Location: San Jose HiRel, On Site Department: Engineering Reports To: Product ... Drive test optimization to increase manufacturing throughput and reduce the cost without ...

... Test and Product Engineer to join our lean, high-performing engineering team. Role: In this role ... Propose and implement solutions to enhance testing reliability, increase coverage, and drive down ...

Drive test flow improvements to reduce cycle time and support rate increases without compromising test coverage. * Manage a team of test technicians and test engineers; provide mentorship, assign ...

... Test and Product Engineer to join our lean, high-performing engineering team. Role: In this role ... Propose and implement solutions to enhance testing reliability, increase coverage, and drive down ...

Provide technical support to SMT operations related to testing and drive optimization of test processes. * Support test engineering validation for new PCBA products and prepare detailed NPI reports ...

Provide technical support to SMT operations related to testing and drive optimization of test processes. * Support test engineering validation for new PCBA products and prepare detailed NPI reports ...

Provide technical support to SMT operations related to testing and drive optimization of test processes. * Support test engineering validation for new PCBA products and prepare detailed NPI reports ...

Test Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

The Test Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining testing strategies, sequences, and machines for automotive transmissions, engines, drive units, valve bodies, EV ...

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Drive Test Engineer information

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$17

$44

$74

How much do drive test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drive test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Drive Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Drive Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Drive Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drive Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drive Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Drive Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Drive Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drive Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drive Test Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Drive Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Test Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Progress Rail rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 429 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
This position will drive test development and execution on legacy based systems and state-of-the-art hardware, embedded and application-based software. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in testing embedded systems and firmware, along with experience in software quality assurance and testing methodologies. As an Embedded Solutions Test Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and executing test plans to ensure the quality and reliability of our embedded solutions. The position will be onsite in our Independence, MO facility.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Key Job Elements
• Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts for embedded systems and firmware products;
• Conduct functional, regression, performance, and reliability testing of embedded solutions to identify defects and ensure compliance with specifications;
• Collaborate with software developers, hardware engineers, and product managers to understand requirements, define test scenarios, and validate system functionality;
• Utilize automated testing tools and frameworks to streamline testing processes and improve test coverage;
• Perform debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of issues identified during testing;
• Document test results, defects, and test procedures in a clear and organized manner;
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and quality assurance meetings to provide input on test-ability and quality aspects of embedded software and hardware;
• Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in embedded systems testing;
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality embedded solutions.
Qualifications and Experience
• 5+ year's proven experience as a Test Engineer or QA Engineer in embedded systems development;
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, National Instruments LabView or LabWindows CVI; or scripting languages for test automation;
• Experience with testing tools and frameworks, version control systems, and defect tracking systems such as (Jira, GIT);
• Experience with unit testing, test verification, black box testing and automation methodologies;
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
• Experience with software version control and bug tracking tools (Jira, GIT);
• Experience in Cyber Security is desired but, not required;
Preferred Skills:
• Strong knowledge of embedded software development, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware-software interactions;
• Comfortable and experience in QNX and Windows based development environments;
• Familiarity with embedded development tools, IDEs, debuggers, and hardware testing equipment.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength - Position typically involves work in a standard office environment. Occasional standing and walking. Occasional light to medium lifting;
• Motion - Position regularly requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with office communications. Constant sitting, frequent walking, occasional standing;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
• Work Environment - Position is consistent with standard office environment;
• Emotional Demands - High level of responsibility; high sense of urgency. Ability to multitask and coordinate multiple issues simultaneously. Requires ability to coordinate work of a team to accomplish mission success;
• Safety - Position includes safety requirements consistent primarily with a standard office environment.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

What Progress Rail employees say

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983