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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan

AVIA

Senior Test Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... and RF throughout the full product lifecycle. Job Title Senior Specialist, Test Engineer As a ... Senior Test Engineer, you will play a key role in developing and implementing automated test ...

Acron Aviation

Senior Test Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety ... Experience with RF test equipment and automated RF test systems. * Demonstrated expertise debugging ...

Acron Aviation

Senior Test Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety ... Experience with RF test equipment and automated RF test systems. * Demonstrated expertise debugging ...

RENK America

Test Engineer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

The Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and executing test plans to ensure the ... Plan and conduct tests of Diesel Engines, Cross drive transmissions, and other Powertrain equipment

Combat Mobility Solutions

Test Engineer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

Plan and conduct tests of Diesel Engines, Cross drive transmissions, and other Powertrain equipment ... Introduce new concepts for test engineering. * Work closely with internal test customers. Level ...

RENK America

Test Engineer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Plan and conduct tests of Diesel Engines, Cross drive transmissions, and other Powertrain equipment ... Introduce new concepts for test engineering. * Work closely with internal test customers. Level ...

Magna

Test Engineer

Holly, MI

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Electronics. Job Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: The Test Engineer is responsible for ...

Magna

Test Engineer

Holly, MI · On-site

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Electronics. Job Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: The Test Engineer is responsible for ...

Atego

Software Test Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

Knowledge of fundamental programming concepts to aid understanding of product specification and to drive initiatives to automate tests * Excellent communication and documentation skills * Experience ...

Marelli Holdings

Test Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Every day, we drive change and co-create what comes next. Our purpose is simple yet ambitious: "Let ... Innovative Test Methodology Design: Engineer advanced, cost-effective testing methods and ...

Marelli Holdings

Test Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Every day, we drive change and co-create what comes next. Our purpose is simple yet ambitious: "Let ... Innovative Test Methodology Design: Engineer advanced, cost-effective testing methods and ...

Atego

Software Test Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

Knowledge of fundamental programming concepts to aid understanding of product specification and to drive initiatives to automate tests * Excellent communication and documentation skills * Experience ...

Ring Inc

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems and aerospace ... Analyze production metrics and test cycle times to drive efficiency improvements * Implement Lean ...

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings:

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you

Gateway & Wi-Fi / RF Test Engineer

Prohires

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position 1: Gateway & Wi-Fi / RF Test Engineer 
 
Location: Kalamazoo, MI  100% onsite
 
Salary: $80K per annum + Benefits.
 
 
 
Overview 
 
The client's connected beds and stretchers carry an onboard Gateway module providing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity between the device and the hospital network, backend servers, endpoints, and clinical applications. 
 
These devices operate in one of the most hostile RF environments: dense enterprise wireless deployments, heavy 2.4 GHz congestion, continuous roaming as beds move between floors and wings, and no tolerance for dropped clinical data. This role owns wireless verification of the Gateway — RF characterization, protocol and system-level connectivity testing, interoperability, and root-cause support when field issues are traced to the wireless stack. 
 
Responsibilities 
 
RF & PHY characterization 
 
Conducted and radiated RF test: transmit power, receive sensitivity, EVM, spectral mask, frequency accuracy, spurious emissions across supported bands and modulation schemes 
Characterize throughput and packet error rate against controlled attenuation; establish range and link-budget envelopes 
Operate and maintain RF infrastructure — shielded enclosures and chambers, programmable attenuator matrices, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers and generators 
Protocol & system-level connectivity 
 
Verify association, authentication, and key exchange across WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise, 802.1X/EAP variants, certificate handling, and PSK modes 
Test roaming across access points including fast transition (802.11r/k/v), band steering, and roaming thresholds; characterize handoff latency and session continuity for a device physically moving through a facility 
Verify DHCP, DNS, IP stack behavior, reconnection after network loss, recovery from AP or backhaul outage 
Measure throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss under load, interference, and multi-client contention 
Test Bluetooth/BLE coexistence with Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band 
Interoperability 
 
Execute interoperability matrices across enterprise infrastructure vendors (Cisco, Aruba/HPE, Meraki, Extreme, Juniper Mist) and across controller firmware revisions 
Build and maintain representative hospital-network test environments 
Debug & root cause 
 
Capture and analyze wireless traffic (Wireshark, dedicated 802.11 capture adapters, vendor sniffers) and correlate with device-side logs 
Reproduce field-reported connectivity issues in the lab, isolating between application, network stack, Wi-Fi driver, firmware, and RF layers 
Work with embedded firmware and driver teams on defect isolation and fix verification 
Automation 
 
Automate wireless test execution and data collection in Python — instrument control, AP configuration, traffic generation, log parsing, results reporting 
Interface with the device under test over CAN and serial for state control, telemetry, and log capture during wireless runs 
Contribute to regression suites so wireless verification runs repeatably 
Regulatory & standards support 
 
Support pre-compliance scanning and evidence generation for FCC / ISED / CE radio submissions 
Support coexistence testing and risk assessment per ANSI C63.27 and AAMI TIR69 
Produce protocols, reports, and traceability artifacts to design-control standards 
Required 
 
5+ years Wi-Fi / RF test engineering on embedded or connected hardware 
802.11 depth: protocol-level knowledge of a/b/g/n/ac/ax — frame types, management/control/data flows, association and authentication state machines, rate adaptation, channel and bandwidth behavior 
RF instrumentation: spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers/generators, power meters, programmable attenuators, shielded chambers 
Security modes: WPA2/WPA3, 802.1X/EAP (PEAP, EAP-TLS), certificate-based enterprise authentication 
Traffic & capture: iPerf or comparable; Wireshark and 802.11 packet capture — able to read a capture and reach a conclusion from it 
Enterprise Wi-Fi: practical AP and controller configuration; RF planning, channel reuse, roaming design 
Python: automation-grade for instrument control, test orchestration, log and data analysis 
Embedded interfaces: CAN, serial console/UART for device control and log capture 
Able to work onsite in Kalamazoo for the full engagement 
Preferred 
 
Medical device experience — design controls, ISO 13485, IEC 62304, ISO 14971, IEC 60601-1-2 EMC 
AAMI TIR69 and ANSI C63.27 coexistence methodology 
Wi-Fi Alliance certification process 
Linux wireless stack — cfg80211/mac80211, driver and supplicant behavior, wpa_supplicant debugging (high value: client's field issues have historically traced to driver-layer behavior) 
Embedded Linux BSP exposure on custom hardware 
Bluetooth/BLE test experience 
CWNA/CWAP, CCNA Wireless, or equivalent 
Wireless devices deployed in hospital or high-density enterprise environments 
Screening note 
 
The standout candidate can move down the stack not just run a test plan and report pass/fail, but take a packet capture, correlate against driver logs, and articulate where in the stack the behavior originates. Screen on 802.11 protocol behavior, roaming and coexistence scenarios, packet capture interpretation, and RF measurement fundamentals. 
 

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