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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including ... Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including ... Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital

Magna

Engineer Sr - EMC Test

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility ... The EMC Test Engineer is responsible for assisting the EMC Lab Manger and supporting all activities ...

Magna

Engineer Sr - EMC Test

Auburn Hills, MI

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility ... The EMC Test Engineer is responsible for assisting the EMC Lab Manger and supporting all activities ...

Magna

Engineer II - Software Test

Southfield, MI · On-site

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility ... JOB SUMMARY The Software Test Engineer is responsible for the component, Integration and ...

ZF

Test Systems Engineer

Northville, MI

The Test Systems Business Unit is a special machine building branch within the ZF group ... Solid experience with controls engineering and/or software and hardware for electric drive systems ...

Magna

Engineer II - Software Test

Southfield, MI

Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility ... JOB SUMMARY The Software Test Engineer is responsible for the component, Integration and ...

ZF Group

Test Systems Engineer

Northville, MI · On-site

The Test Systems Business Unit is a special machine building branch within the ZF group ... Solid experience with controls engineering and/or software and hardware for electric drive systems ...

Amphenol RF

Application Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

JOIN OUR TEAM @ AMPHENOL RF , the world's largest manufacturer of coaxial interconnect products for ... Drive Engineering Change Orders and New Product Releases. * Utilize global design engineering ...

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All JobsRf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$36.6K

$116.5K

$181.2K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in Detroit, MI is $116,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $137,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,499 per year, or $56 per hour.

Sr Research Engineer-RF

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.
This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR WORK!
Responsibilities
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz) with minimal oversight
  • Development of marketing and proposal material for new RF systems for government and commercial clients
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections

Qualifications
  • Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience. Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with RF system design and modeling, including: radar sensitivity and resolution, RF link budgets.
  • Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks, including: development of schedules and budgets, resource allocation, and dependencies.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal sources
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:
  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems, including: system and subsystem requirements generation, system specification, and trade studies
  • Experience maturing prototype designs (TRL 4-6) to operational systems (TRL 7-9)
  • Experience with business development and proposal writing
  • RF printed circuit board design and debug. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • Experience with Matlab and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: $130,760-$194,505. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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