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Freelance Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Palm Coast, FL

Freelance Rf Design Engineer information

See Palm Coast, FL salary details

$13

$43

$120

How much do freelance rf design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance rf design engineer in Palm Coast, FL is $43.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $56.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance RF design engineer?

Freelance RF Design Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in designing, testing, and optimizing radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems for various applications, such as telecommunications, wireless networks, and broadcasting. Unlike salaried employees, they work on a contract or project basis for different clients, providing their expertise on-demand. Their responsibilities often include creating schematics, selecting components, running simulations, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Freelance RF Design Engineers need strong technical skills, up-to-date knowledge of RF technologies, and the ability to manage projects independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance RF design engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance RF Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF circuit theory, and experience with wireless communication systems, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with RF simulation and design tools like HFSS, ADS, or CST, as well as familiarity with PCB design software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for successful project delivery and client interactions. These skills and qualifications are essential to design reliable RF systems, meet client specifications, and maintain competitiveness in a project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance RF design engineers when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance RF Design Engineers often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can present challenges such as managing different project timelines, adapting to varied technical requirements, and ensuring clear communication across diverse teams. Balancing priorities and staying organized are crucial to delivering quality work within tight deadlines. Additionally, freelancers need to quickly familiarize themselves with each client's unique tools and processes, making adaptability and proactive problem-solving essential skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Freelance Rf Design Engineer vs Rf Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Rf Design EngineerRf Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically holds relevant engineering degrees, certifications optionalRequires engineering degree, often with industry certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteFull-time, employed by a company, on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageServes multiple clients across industries like telecom, aerospaceWorks for a single employer, primarily in telecommunications or electronics

Freelance Rf Design Engineers work independently on various projects, offering flexibility and diverse experience. Rf Design Engineers are typically employed full-time within companies, focusing on ongoing development. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment status and work setup.

What cities near Palm Coast, FL are hiring for Freelance Rf Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Palm Coast, FL with the most Freelance Rf Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Design Engineer job openings in Palm Coast, FL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 73% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,383 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.


The UAS Integration Engineer is primarily responsible for UAS payload integration and UAS mechanical design, supporting the design, prototyping, integration, and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their payloads for government programs, with an emphasis on Group 1 and Group 2 platforms. The role combines hands-on mechanical design with cross-disciplinary integration work, blending the responsibilities of a design engineer with those of a UAS systems specialist. Candidates must be competent in CAD and CAM software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), hold a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree, and be open to travel up to 25%.

Working alongside senior engineers and within our rapid-prototyping facility, you will take payloads and subsystems from concept through CAD modeling, fabrication, fit-up, and physical integration onto airframes across lab, shop, and field environments. This is a growth-oriented position for an engineer early in their career who wants to build deep, practical UAS expertise. Early on, you'll execute well-scoped design and integration tasks; over time, you'll grow into owning payload integration efforts end to end and taking on broader systems responsibility.

This is not a remote position; the selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Port Orange, FL.


  • Mechanical Design: Design UAS structures, mounts, brackets, enclosures, and payload interfaces using CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), accounting for weight, balance, and structural integrity.
  • Payload Integration: Integrate payloads—sensors, EO/IR cameras, communications equipment, radios, antennas, and mission-specific hardware—onto Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms, ensuring mechanical fit and electrical compatibility.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Support quick-turn design, prototyping, and iteration of UAS solutions using CAM software to prepare parts for machining, 3D printing, and fabrication.
  • DFM/DFA: Apply Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles to reduce cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
  • Field Support: Travel to test sites, customer locations, and demonstrations to support integration and evaluation activities (approximately 25%).

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline (Aerospace Engineering also applicable).
  • 2+ years of relevant engineering experience; strong recent graduates with significant project, internship, or hands-on UAS/robotics experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated competency in CAD and CAM software, specifically SolidWorks and/or Fusion 360.
  • Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals, tolerancing, and design for manufacturability and assembly.
  • Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude, including comfort with hand tools, test equipment, soldering, and wiring.
  • Highly organized and deadline-driven, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple integration tasks at once.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret (Tier 3) security clearance as required by contract or program needs.

  • Hands-on experience with UAS, drones, or other unmanned and robotic platforms (academic, professional, or hobbyist).
  • Familiarity with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms and applicable DoD/FAA categorization.
  • Experience with Autodesk Inventor in addition to SolidWorks/Fusion 360.
  • Familiarity with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, or CNC machining.
  • Basic understanding of RF, communications links, GPS/GNSS, or telemetry concepts.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or willingness to obtain one.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret (Tier 3) clearance.
  • Up to 25% travel to support program objectives and customer engagements.