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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

RF Test Engineer Department: Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $105,000 - $135,000 / year Description As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support ...

DAS Technology Group

RF Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are hiring an RF Test Engineer on behalf of our client who serves customers in Defense, Aerospace, SatCom and Commercial Markets. The RF Test Engineer should have the following experience:

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Description As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Tarana Wireless

RF Test Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering * 2-5 years related RF test experience * Experience testing antennas and RF subsystems in the 3 to 7 GHz frequency bands * Must have a good understanding ...

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ... teams to drive silicon bring-up, debug complex issues, and continuously improve validation ...

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ... teams to drive silicon bring-up, debug complex issues, and continuously improve validation ...

SPINLAUNCH Inc

RF Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field * Experience designing, planning, and executing tests on RF or communications hardware * Hands-on experience with lab test ...

SAIC

$120K - $160K/yr

The RF Test Engineer should have proven experience in developing innovative solutions that will be used to meet warfighter needs to support the US Navy relating to Electronic Warfare (EW) capability ...

idexcel

RF Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... of test equipment (i.e.- power supplies, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, power meters, vector ... Solid understanding of RF principles, RF engineering tools and cellular radio building blocks

Snap, Inc.

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ... teams to drive silicon bring-up, debug complex issues, and continuously improve validation ...

Snap, Inc.

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

Snapchat

RF Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

We're looking for a RF Test Engineer to join the Spectacles team! What you'll do: * Develop test solutions (both hardware and software) used to test the RF and wireless subsystems of Spectacles.

Apple

RF/mmW Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$126K - $220K/yr

As an RF/mmW test engineer, you will be at the center of the wireless system characterization ... teams to drive silicon bring-up, debug complex issues, and continuously improve validation ...

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All JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance RF Drive Test Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are Freelance RF Drive Test Engineers?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in California are:
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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer

Apex

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
Apex Space is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own system-level verification and performance testing of spacecraft communications hardware, with a primary focus on S-band TT&C and X-band payload systems. This role sits at the intersection of RF design, spacecraft integration, and hardware test, supporting development from early bring-up through spacecraft-level validation and environmental test campaigns.
You'll work closely with RF, avionics, software, AIT, and systems engineering teams to develop scalable RF test infrastructure, execute integrated verification campaigns, debug complex hardware issues, and help ensure our communications systems perform reliably in flight-like environments. This is a highly hands-on role focused on building, operating, and improving RF test systems for rapidly scaling spacecraft programs.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute system-level RF test strategies for spacecraft communications hardware and payloads.
  • Design RF test architectures and signal chain configurations for transmitter and receiver characterization, including loopback, end-to-end, and over-the-air test setups.
  • Lead RF performance verification activities across development, qualification, and production hardware.
  • Support spacecraft integration and environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, EMI/EMC, and full vehicle integration testing.
  • 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, infrastructure, and data collection tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability.
  • Coordinate RF test execution alongside AIT, environmental, and production teams to support aggressive spacecraft build schedules.
  • Define and maintain RF test procedures, verification plans, calibration methods, and test documentation.
  • Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, qualification campaigns, and customer-facing verification activities.
  • Specify, integrate, and maintain RF test equipment and lab infrastructure including analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators, antennas, and chamber assets.
  • Contribute to the development of scalable RF verification frameworks and long-term test infrastructure as Apex production volume grows.

Requirements:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline. M.S. preferred.
  • 5+ years of hands-on RF test engineering experience, including experience with aerospace, satellite, or communications hardware.
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, transmitter/receiver architectures, modulation schemes, and link-level testing.
  • Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment including vector signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, noise figure analyzers, and related RF lab equipment.
  • Experience developing automated test software, scripting, or RF test infrastructure (Python preferred).
  • Experience supporting hardware bring-up, integration, debug, and environmental testing activities.
  • Ability to troubleshoot RF hardware and system-level issues down to the board, subsystem, or interface level.
  • Strong understanding of RF verification methodologies, test execution, and production test practices.
  • Experience writing clear test procedures, verification plans, and technical reports.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced hardware development environments with high ownership and autonomy.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to Haves:
  • Experience with spacecraft communications systems, TT&C architectures, or payload RF systems.
  • Familiarity with GEVS, MIL-STD, ECSS, CCSDS, or EMI/EMC testing standards.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft-level integration and environmental qualification campaigns.
  • Experience with channel emulators, anechoic chamber testing, or over-the-air RF validation.
  • Familiarity with production test scaling, automated validation systems, or high-rate hardware manufacturing environments.
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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