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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NextGen Global Resources

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Drive Test Engineer

Texas City, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Drive Test Engineer - RAN Data Collection Engineer Job Type: Contract - 3 months + possible ... Monitor RF (Radio Frequency) metrics such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, RSSI, PCI, and throughput

New

TeleWorld Solutions Inc

Overview TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a Drive Test Engineer for our team! TeleWorld Solutions is a strategic wireless engineering and consulting firm offering network operators, OEMs and tower ...

Integer Telecom Services

Drive Test Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

Handset test experience with 5G/4G operators or with commercial handset OEM's 3.Understanding of ... Knowlege and exposure in one or more of the following areas - Telecommunication concepts and RF ...

TeleWorld Solutions

Drive Test Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Overview TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a Drive Test Engineer for our team! TeleWorld Solutions is a strategic wireless engineering and consulting firm offering network operators, OEMs and tower ...

BAE Systems

RF Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

As an RF Test Engineer in this position, the candidate would work with various types of RF ... Interface with Engineering, Quality, and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to ...

New

BAE Systems

RF Test Engineer

Austin, TX

$97K - $164K/yr

As an RF Test Engineer in this position, the candidate would work with various types of RF ... Interface with Engineering, Quality, and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to ...

New

BAE Systems

RF Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

As an RF Test Engineer in this position, the candidate would work with various types of RF ... Interface with Engineering, Quality, and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to ...

New

Flex Ltd.

RF Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Interface with Engineering, Quality, and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to ... using RF measurement and test equipment including power meters, signal generators, spectrum ...

Apex

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Partner closely with RF design engineers, avionics teams, and systems engineers to debug anomalies, root cause failures, and drive hardware improvements. * Develop automated test scripts ...

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do freelance rf drive test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance RF drive test engineer?

Freelance RF Drive Test Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in testing and optimizing the performance of wireless networks. They use specialized equipment to collect data on signal strength, coverage, and quality by driving through designated routes or walking in specific areas. Their findings help telecom companies identify network issues, improve coverage, and enhance user experience. Working as freelancers, they take on projects from various clients and may operate in different locations as needed.

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

To thrive as a Freelance RF Drive Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, RF measurement techniques, and a relevant degree in telecommunications or electrical engineering. Familiarity with drive test tools such as TEMS, Nemo, or Agilent, as well as proficiency in data analysis software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate network performance assessment, effective troubleshooting, and clear reporting, all of which are critical for optimizing wireless networks.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance RF drive test engineers and how can they be addressed?

Freelance RF Drive Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing variable project schedules, adapting to different client requirements, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of testing tools and technologies. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, stay proactive in communication with clients, and regularly invest time in learning about the latest RF equipment and software. Flexibility and a willingness to travel are also crucial, as projects may require work in diverse geographic locations or environments. Building a reliable network with other engineers and industry professionals can help secure steady work and provide support when facing technical or logistical issues.

What is the difference between Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer vs Rf Network Optimization Engineer?

AspectFreelance Rf Drive Test EngineerRf Network Optimization Engineer
CredentialsTechnical certifications, relevant experienceCertifications in network optimization, technical background
Work EnvironmentField testing, on-site data collectionOffice-based, data analysis, planning
Employer & Industry UsageContract roles, telecom providers, testing companiesTelecom operators, network service providers

The Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer primarily conducts on-site drive tests to collect network performance data, often working independently or on contract. In contrast, the Rf Network Optimization Engineer focuses on analyzing data to improve network quality, usually working within a company's team. Both roles require technical certifications and industry knowledge, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Drive Test Engineer

Texas City, TX • On-site

NextGen Global Resources
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about NextGen Global Resourcesexternal

$17 - $19/hr

Contractor

Medical

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Job description

Drive Test Engineer – RAN Data Collection Engineer

Job Type: Contract – 3 months + possible extensions
Experience: 0–3 years
Locations: Nationwide – must be willing to travel across the U.S. on short notice
We are seeking a Junior RAN Data Collection / Drive Test Engineer with hands-on XCAL experience to support 4G LTE and 5G network data collection.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform field Drive Testing and RAN data collection for 4G LTE/5G.
  • Set up Drive Test equipment, scanners, mobile devices, and GPS.
  • Use XCAL to collect and monitor network data.
  • Monitor RF (Radio Frequency) metrics such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, RSSI, PCI, and throughput.
  • Perform basic log validation and report data or equipment issues.
  • Maintain test records and coordinate with RF Engineering teams.
  • Travel between assigned project locations.

Requirements

  • 0–3 years of Drive Testing, RAN, or RF experience.
  • Hands-on XCAL experience is required.
  • Basic knowledge of 4G LTE/5G NR and RF measurements.
  • Active driver's license and required auto liability insurance.
  • Willingness to travel extensively and work in a field environment.

Company Description

• What you didn’t know about us:
• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
• Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!

• We are Connectors. We thrive on ‘quality over quantity’ and put in the work building strong relationships. We create connections, discover qualities, uncover skills, and place people with accuracy. We are your true partner!

• We are Collaborators. You’ll be working with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kelly and part of the Kelly Telecom division. It allows us to be as nimble and fiercely competitive as a startup while having the backing of a multibillion dollar publicly traded company which has been in business for 75 years. With direct access to hiring managers, services don’t stop at standard recruiting processes. We use our expertise to improve your application skills and provide ongoing career support.

• We give 24/7 Support. We are in this together. We provide around the clock availability, competitive employee benefits, and continuously check-in to make sure things are going smoothly. Check out our Glassdoor page!
• Kelly Telecom is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• For more information click Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
• You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.

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