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Field Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nextnav

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As a Field Test Engineer, you will have a critical role in defining and establishing mobile and fixed test setups, extensive RF receiver & RF test equipment testing and data collection primarily in ...

Stem Xpert

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

LAB/ Field Test engineer Position Type: 6 months Contract Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States Description: Technology: Legacy: 2G, 3G, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA LTE (FDD, TDD) -> CA (carrier ...

SGS

Field Test Engineer

Branchburg, NJ · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

The Field Test Engineer I will be responsible for test execution, quality assurance, manual testing, software testing, and post-processing logs. Also, they will be in charge of other duties such as ...

SGS U.S. Holding Inc.

Field Test Engineer

Branchburg, NJ · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

The Field Test Engineer I will be responsible for test execution, quality assurance, manual testing, software testing, and post-processing logs. Also, they will be in charge of other duties such as ...

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How much do field test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for field test engineer in the United States is $38.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $46.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a field test engineer?

Field Test Engineers are technical professionals responsible for testing products, equipment, or systems under real-world conditions outside of the laboratory or production environment. They typically evaluate performance, reliability, and compliance with standards by conducting tests at customer sites, in the field, or on-site installations. Their work helps identify issues, verify product functionality, and provide feedback to development teams for improvements. Field Test Engineers often document results, troubleshoot problems, and collaborate closely with engineers, clients, and other stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Field Test Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, troubleshooting, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or related engineering fields. Familiarity with test equipment, diagnostic software, and tools such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and field data collection systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you excel in dynamic, real-world environments. These skills ensure accurate testing, timely issue resolution, and effective collaboration, driving product quality and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by field test engineers during on-site testing, and how can they be managed?

Field Test Engineers often encounter unpredictable environmental conditions, equipment malfunctions, and logistical hurdles during on-site testing. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and thorough preparation, such as pre-test equipment checks and contingency planning. Effective communication with both the engineering team and clients is crucial for addressing issues quickly and ensuring that data collected meets quality standards. Developing a systematic approach to documentation and troubleshooting also helps streamline future field tests and improves overall efficiency.

What is the difference between Field Test Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectField Test EngineerTest Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like ISTQB
Work EnvironmentOn-site, field locations, outdoor testingLaboratories, office settings, controlled environments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, electronics, automotiveSoftware, hardware, product development

While both roles focus on testing, the Field Test Engineer primarily conducts on-site, outdoor testing of products in real-world conditions, whereas the Test Engineer typically performs testing within controlled lab environments. The roles often overlap in certifications and industry usage, but their work settings and focus differ significantly.

Are field test engineers in demand?

Field test engineers are in demand in industries such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and technology, where testing and validating new products and systems are essential. The role often requires technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with testing tools and protocols, making it a stable career option with steady growth prospects.
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Field Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,489 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Field Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Nextnav
Telecommunications • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Nextnavexternal

Contractor

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

NextNav(Nasdaq: NN) is a leader in next generation position,navigationand timing (PNT), enabling a whole new ecosystem of applications and services that rely upon 3D geolocation and PNT technology. Powered by low-band licensed spectrum,NextNav'spositioning and timing technologies can deliveraccurate,reliableand resilient 3D PNT solutions for critical infrastructure, GPSresiliencyand commercial use cases.


NextNav is looking for a Field Test Engineer to join our team. As a Field Test Engineer, you will have a critical role in defining and establishing mobile and fixed test setups, extensive RF receiver & RF test equipment testing and data collection primarily in the live 5G PNT network in San Jose (5G-Powered PNT Network), but will also be involved with work out of our Santa Clara office lab. The testing and data collection will be performed to evaluate receiver performance and overall system performance. Test planning and execution will be a big part of your day, but you will also be heavily collaborating with the System's team to understand functionality and tests required. As receiver software and functionality evolves the tests required using RF test equipment on the 5G PNT network features and coverage evolve. You will be involved in all aspects of this important field work, including test plan documentation, test logistics planning, data collection (outdoor test sites, indoor test sites, and mobile testing in a car), real-time trouble shooting and problem solving, capturing and processing data logs, data analysis, and test reports/documentation.


Responsibilities

  • Create, execute, and document on test plan outcomes in test reports
  • Understand system error sources, the operation of test platforms and field test methodology to facilitate error analysis
  • Modify the test platform and analysis tools for testing needs working with Systems, HW and SW teams
  • Analyze results and summarize conclusions
  • Precise and clear documentation of test details, results, and observations


Required

  • Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science or related discipline
  • 2+ years' experience in field testing using navigation, location devices, and systems
  • Good logical and analytical reasoning, troubleshooting skills and ability to proactively pursue solutions without significant supervision needed
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team, demonstrating good verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to conduct extensive testing in the field for many days in a row, often as the lone individual doing the testing
  • Self-awareness and ability to carry oneself professionally as a representative of NextNav when talking to third parties (building owners, shop owners, security professionals, etc.) during test activities that involve testing in or near facilities such as hotels, parking garages, coffee shops, public parks, etc.
  • Detail oriented, efficient, proactive, and self-driven mindset
  • Valid driver license required to facilitate driving/testing at field locations.
  • Required to spend time outside the office driving to test locations, driving test routes, moving equipment from the car to a test set up that may be a long distance from the car (inside a building on any floor or outside) while ensuring your own safety and the security of the equipment.
  • This is a contract role with around 20-40 working hours a week


Preferred

  • Hands-on experience in the lab with HW/SW interfacing such as connecting through serial/network interfaces, operating/controlling lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, RF sniffing equipment.
  • Basic understanding of cellular/wireless communication systems
  • Basic understanding of navigation and location technology such as GNSS
  • Basic understanding and usage of Python/Matlab.
  • Comfortable interfacing with the teams across India, Canada and USA

Apply