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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Inversion

RF Test Engineer I

Vista, CA · On-site

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next ...

Inversion

RF Test Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next ...

Mini-Circuits

RF Test Engineer - MMIC

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The RF Test Engineer I is responsible for testing RF Power Amplifier products in both die and packaged forms from initial prototype evaluation to manufacturing. Salary Range $90,000 - $100,000 Job ...

New

Mini-Circuits

RF Test Engineer - MMIC

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The RF Test Engineer I is responsible for testing RF Power Amplifier products in both die and packaged forms from initial prototype evaluation to manufacturing. Salary Range $90,000 - $100,000 Job ...

New

Tarana Wireless

Senior 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 3 to 7 GHz frequency bands * Must have a good understanding of RF ...

HRL Laboratories

Senior RF Test Engineer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience • Strong knowledge of RF passive and active circuits, components or modules and RF test is required • Knowledge of RF device and circuit ...

Qualcomm

Test Engineer, ATE RF

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

The test engineer develops automated production test solutions for RF transceivers and Mixed signal devices. This role supports the activities for launching new products into high volume production ...

HRL Laboratories

Senior RF Test Engineer

Calabasas, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience Strong knowledge of RF passive and active circuits, components or modules and RF test is required Knowledge of RF device and circuit modeling is ...

Saige Partners

Wireless Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65 - $80/hr

Wireless Test Engineer (San Diego, CA) Job Overview: We are seeking a Wireless Modem Test Engineer ... Execute RF performance testing for 5G NR FR1 and FR2 technologies. Reproduce and analyze customer ...

Apple

RF Test Engineering Program Manager

Cupertino, CA

$137K - $250K/yr

Description - Lead multiple parallel projects. - Collaborate closely with RF test engineers and ... and drive build-readiness reviews. - Manage specification reviews and the spec sign off process ...

Apple

RF Test Engineering Program Manager

Cupertino, CA

$137K - $250K/yr

Description - Lead multiple parallel projects. - Collaborate closely with RF test engineers and ... and drive build-readiness reviews. - Manage specification reviews and the spec sign off process ...

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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 I

RF Test Engineer I

Inversion

Vista, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
What You'll Do:
As an RF Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion's next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will sit within the Avionics team and own the development and execution of RF test plans - taking systems from benchtop validation through integrated hardware testing and mission-readiness verification.
You will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Avionics. Our engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the hardware they support, including development, test, integration, and troubleshooting. You will help develop critical hardware and systems for cutting-edge maneuverable reentry vehicles - advancing one of the most capable reentry vehicle platforms ever developed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute RF test plans, procedures, and verification methods for components, subsystems, and integrated vehicle systems.
  • Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory test configurations for receiver, transmitter, and antenna validation.
  • Measure and characterize RF performance including gain, insertion loss, return loss, noise figure, linearity, bandwidth, spurious response, dynamic range, and interference susceptibility.
  • Perform component-, subsystem-, and system-level RF test and measurement activities using standard laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
  • Support integration, debug, and troubleshooting of RF hardware in development, qualification, and test environments.
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data in formal reports, summaries, and engineering briefings.
  • Assist in verification of requirements and support qualification, acceptance, and environmental test campaigns.
  • Coordinate closely with RF, antenna, DSP, FPGA, software, and electrical engineering teams during integration and test activities.
  • Improve test efficiency, repeatability, and data quality through automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
  • Support over-the-air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation, as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with RF emphasis.
  • 1-3 years of professional experience (or intensive academic/project experience) in RF test, measurement, validation, or integration.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance up to Top Secret.
  • Hands-on RF test and measurement experience for component, subsystem, and system-level validation.
  • Proficiency with common laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, multimeters, and power supplies.
  • Experience with RF test setup development, calibration, troubleshooting, and data collection.
  • Familiarity with receiver/transmitter performance metrics including gain, noise figure, linearity, spurious response, bandwidth, and dynamic range.
  • Ability to develop test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports.
  • Experience with test automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
  • Understanding of integration issues across RF, digital, and embedded hardware systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with antenna and over-the-air test methods.
  • Familiarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems.
  • Familiarity with aerospace and defense test and qualification standards, such as MIL-STD-810/461, DO-160, and SMC-S-016 requirements, as applied to RF and avionics hardware.
  • Familiarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance.
  • Experience supporting environmental qualification testing, including EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal, shock, and thermal vacuum (TVAC).
  • Knowledge of telemetry and range safety standards such as IRIG-106 and common digital modulation schemes.
  • Experience with automated data acquisition, test scripting, and post-processing pipelines.
  • Familiarity with fault isolation and root-cause analysis for RF hardware failures in integrated systems.
  • Experience working with RF systems in aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or other mission-critical applications.
  • Ability to support fast-paced prototype development and integration efforts in small, highly collaborative teams.
  • Prior experience in startups or small independent engineering teams.

Additionally: Level II Consideration - We are also open to considering qualified candidates for an RF Test Engineer II level. Level II candidates should possess the applicable qualifications listed above, including 3-5 years of professional experience in RF test engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments. The Level II compensation range is $106,000 - $150,000.
Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California annual base salary for this role is currently $77,000 - $116,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.

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