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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Dundalk, MD

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See Dundalk, MD salary details

$36.6K

$116.4K

$181K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in Dundalk, MD is $116,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Engineer Electronics/RF Test-1st Shift

Engineer Electronics/RF Test-1st Shift

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: NoDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems Sector Test Engineering organization is seeking RF TestEngineer to be an instrumental part of Northrop Grumman's Test Engineering Team. This is a 1st shift position and is contingent on receiving a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to starting.
What You'll Get to Do:
  • Antenna test equipment design in support of factory phased array testing
  • Integrate new equipment and programs in a state-of-the-art facility
  • Test software and test equipment design related to phased array testing
  • Software development for automating test processes and data analysis
  • Troubleshoot RF issues during test of advanced antenna systems
  • Support technicians with troubleshooting and training
  • Analyze test data and identify early trends
  • Support program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions
  • Collaborate with design engineering for hardware and test improvements
  • Maintain sensitivity to cost, schedule and quality as well as Northrop Grumman policies and procedures

Basic Qualifications Antenna Test Engineer 2:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline plus 2 or more years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM discipline
  • Experience with electrical and/or RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, etc.
  • Professional software development experience using languages such as C#, Visual Basic, MATLAB, Mate, etc.
  • Current, active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance to start.
  • U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Software development experience with RF and antenna systems
  • Test development experience in a nearfield and/ or compact antenna range
  • RF test experience and/or antenna test/range experience
  • Familiarity with RF and antenna theory

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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