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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Dundalk, MD

Test Engineer 1

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$44.67 - $76.30/hr

Innovate testing for RF signal processing applications * Test analytics, visualization and ... Coordinate with program System Engineers (SE) and review Test & Evaluation related SE information ...

Test Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

Test Engineer (PRIME Contract) Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Reports To: Technical Task Lead Job ... Drive innovation and responsiveness to program changes and evolving T&E status to help manage ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 21, 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 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.

Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems' Baltimore and Partnered Sites (BaPs) division is seeking a Sr. Principal RF Hardware Subsystem Integration and Test Engineer in Baltimore, MD
Typical Roles and Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities may include subsystem analysis from RF to digital hardware, performance modeling, and support for performance testing. The engineer will provide advanced technical support for RF/system test benches, including occasional operation as needed, troubleshooting complex issues, performing system-level analysis during failures, and leading integration of benches into larger test architectures and operational environments with appropriate configuration control and repeatable test setups. The role includes travel as needed to support customer Action Request site visits, providing on-site troubleshooting, test support, implementation of corrective actions, and debrief summaries. The engineer will also contribute to emerging program efforts and IRAD activities, including but not limited to defining test approaches, integrating new capabilities, and validating system performance. Work will be performed under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives, and assignments are often self-initiated.
This role is contingent upon having a current Active Secret Clearance and future ability to achieve a SAP Clearance.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors Degree in STEM or related discipline with 8 years of experience in the areas described in the job description or 6 years of experience with a Masters Degree and/or 4 years of experience with a Ph. D. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance and the ability to obtain/maintain Special Program Access (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company
  • Proficiency in near field or compact antenna test ranges on tasks including antenna range integration, test, data collection, data analysis, and system integration
  • Proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to develop highly novel solutions to a broad variety of RF/Microwave design and test related problems of complex difficulty which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Established subject matter expertise in numerous areas of RF/Microwave discipline including but not limited to: Antenna, RF performance analysis, RF test verification, and production test support
  • Proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in software scripting and debugging in MATLAB, Visual Basic, and C++
  • Exhibit general aptitude in antenna range scheduling, staffing, technical team leadership, requirements, prioritization, time management, team building, work dissemination, planning, and early identification of issues
  • Ability to design, implement, install and maintain electrical systems
  • Experience supporting and troubleshooting RF/system test benches
  • Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites to support Action Requests and field troubleshooting, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior radar system knowledge
  • Expert user of both near-field and compact antenna test ranges
  • Expert user of NSI-MI Technology antenna range test systems
  • Expert user of MATLAB for post-processing antenna range test data
  • Experience integrating RF/system test benches into development, sustainment, and production environments.

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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