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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

Lynk

RF Systems Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a RF Systems Test Engineer at Lynk, you will wear many hats in the world of RF hardware/electronics and software/firmware. The immediate role of the RF Systems Test Engineer will be to ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Test Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

... drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're ... We are looking for you to join our team as an RF Test Engineer to support production and ...

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All JobsRf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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.
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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
RF Design & Test Engineer

RF Design & Test Engineer

Teleworld Solutions

Reston, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview
TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a Senior RF Design & Field Testing Engineer to support RF design, prediction modeling, field testing, post-processing, and technical research activities for commercial wireless networks, with a primary focus on 5G NR and FCC Part 15/unlicensed wireless technologies.
This role is responsible for developing RF designs, executing field validation and coexistence testing, analyzing RF performance data, and supporting site integration, deployment, and troubleshooting efforts. The ideal candidate combines deep RF engineering expertise with hands-on experience in RF propagation analysis, spectrum analysis, scanner-based measurements, and industry-standard planning, testing, and post-processing tools to ensure optimal network performance and successful wireless deployments.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform outdoor and indoor RF design using RF prediction and planning tools.
  • Conduct RF propagation analysis, coverage prediction, and optimization for wireless networks.
  • Utilize RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, RF scanners, drive-test tools, signal generators, test UEs, and network test devices.
  • Plan and execute coexistence testing between 5G NR and other wireless technologies, including FCC Part 15 devices.
  • Post-process RF measurement data, including scanner logs, drive-test data, spectrum captures, throughput testing, and geospatial datasets.
  • Perform technical research on FCC Part 15 devices, evaluating protocols, RF characteristics, spectrum usage, modulation, duty cycle, channel access methods, and coexistence with 5G.
  • Support 5G site integration, deployment, troubleshooting, and field validation activities.
  • Develop test plans, test procedures, and technical reports documenting field-testing results.
  • Provide RF engineering support for site acquisition and deployment activities.
  • Troubleshoot RF, hardware, configuration, and network integration issues.
  • Utilize Python for RF data processing, automation, visualization, and test analysis.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE/MSEE) or related field.
  • 10+ years of wireless/RF engineering experience with emphasis on 5G NR field testing and RF design.
  • Strong understanding of 3GPP specifications and practical 5G NR network behavior.
  • Extensive knowledge of RF fundamentals, propagation, link budgets, interference analysis, antenna systems, and cellular performance optimization.
  • Hands-on experience performing RF measurements, drive testing, scanner testing, and wireless network validation.
  • Experience with RF planning and prediction tools including InfoVista Planet or Forsk Atoll (iBwave preferred).
  • Proficiency using spectrum analyzers, RF scanners, drive-test tools, test UEs, and UE emulators.
  • Experience supporting wireless site integration, deployment, and troubleshooting.
  • Python programming experience for automation, data analysis, and RF measurement processing.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with indoor wireless design using iBwave.
  • Experience performing coexistence testing involving unlicensed spectrum and FCC Part 15 devices.
  • Familiarity with geospatial data analysis and RF measurement visualization.
  • Experience supporting commercial wireless network deployments from design through field validation.

Apply