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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Skokie, IL

RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification: Rigorously test RF wireless performance of ... drive quality improvements. Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in ...

RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification: Rigorously test RF wireless performance of ... drive quality improvements. Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in ...

Trigyn's direct client is looking for Test Engineer for contract assignment in Chicago, IL. General ... drive test automation. • Code relatively complex tests to implement a test design. • Set up a ...

Trigyn's direct client is looking for Test Engineer for contract assignment in Chicago, IL. General ... drive test automation. Code relatively complex tests to implement a test design. Set up a test ...

RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification: Rigorouslytest RF wireless performanceof professional ... drive quality improvements. Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in ...

RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification: Rigorouslytest RF wireless performanceof professional ... drive quality improvements. Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in ...

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See Skokie, IL salary details

$35.3K

$112.4K

$174.7K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in Skokie, IL is $112,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,100.00 and $132,700.00 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 Skokie, IL?

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

What cities near Skokie, IL are hiring for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Skokie, IL with the most Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in Skokie, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,370 per year, or $54 per hour.

Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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. We have awide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battlemanagement and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awarenessand understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Manufacturing Test Engineer, RF Systems (Engineer Electronics) located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL. This position will support product testing in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging environment in support of Radio Frequency systems.

The Manufacturing Test Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.

We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:

a) Takes high levels of Self-accountability and Ownership

b) Acts with Speed

c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience

d) Leads with Courage

e) Sets vision for the assigned products

f) Builds a High Performing Team

What you will get to do:

As an electronics engineer, this individual will be responsible for deliverable hardware troubleshooting, test equipment troubleshooting, test fixtures and/or equipment design and review of test scripts. This position would include providing support for the acceptance testing of the Shop Replaceable Units, as well as supporting testing at the payload (Line Replaceable Unit) level. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Equipment design: Investigate, design, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements.

  • Support to Production: Coordinate with Electrical Design Engineering, Software & Firmware Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to meet contractual acceptance testing commitments.

  • Test procedure development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures.

  • Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects.

  • Testability reviews: Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.

  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors.

Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential.

This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.

Basic Qualifications: Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in equivalent fields.

  • Experience with thte use electrical and/or RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, power supplies, network analyzers, etc.

  • Experience generating or reading/interpreting schematics, drawings, specifications.

  • Active DoD Security Clearance.

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications: Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

  • Prior test equipment, fixture or prime hardware design experience.

  • Software experience with C#, Lab windows CVI, Java, C, C++.

  • Experience with Electronic Warfare system/hardware.

  • Experience performing earned value/CAM efforts.

  • Experience with project planning

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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