Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Skokie, IL

• System Verification Strategy & Execution:Plan and execute comprehensiveend-to-end testingfor Shure’sProfessional Wireless Microphone Systems, coveringtransmitter-receiver pairs, RF links, audio pathways, DSP features, network/control interfaces, and broader ecosystem. Developdetailed test plansandtest casessimulatingreal customer workflowsinlive sound, touring, broadcast, theater, and corporate AVuse cases tovalidateperformance, reliability, and user experience under real-world conditions. 

• Quality Ownership & Defect Management:Act as theproduct quality championandvoice of the customerthroughout the development process.Proactivelyidentify, isolate, document, and track defects(with logs, RF spectrum captures, and audio recordings as evidence). Maintain astrong backbonein advocating for thetimelyresolution of quality issues, clearly articulating thecustomerimpactand ensuring priority fixes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams –Hardware, Firmware, Software (Wireless Workbench & mobile apps), RF Systems, Audio/DSP Engineering, Product Management, and Customer Support– to ensure critical issues are resolved before product release.
• RF Performance & Wireless Link Verification:Rigorouslytest RF wireless performanceof professional microphone systems indense RF environments. Conductspectrum scanning, frequency coordination, intermodulation analysis, and interference simulationsto verify system resilience andcoexistencewith other wireless devices. Validatetransmitter and receiveroperation across diverse frequency bands, power levels, and regional regulations, includingwide-tuning ranges andHigh Densitymodes (when applicable). Performrange testing,multipath/droputscenarios, anddiversity/Quadversityperformance to ensure rock-solidsignal stabilityand coverage in large-scale events. 
• Audio & DSP Feature Testing:Verifyaudio quality and DSPfunctionalities across the wireless system. Measure and analyzeaudio performancemetrics (frequency response, noise floor,signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, total harmonic distortion (THD),latency, etc.) under various RF conditions to ensurecrystal-clear, low-latency audiooutput. Testmicrophone acoustics(capsule frequency response, polar patterns,maximumSPL handling) in lab and stage environments. ValidateDSP algorithmsand processing chains (gain structure, equalization, limiter/compressor behaviors, encryption, tone/key signals for squat switching,monitoringfeatures) to ensure all processing featuresoperatecorrectly and transparently contribute to superior audio quality. 
• System Integration & Networked Control Testing:Validatethe seamless integration of professional wireless systems within networked audio and control ecosystems. Testnetwork-enabled featuressuch asDante™/AES67 digital audioand network control & monitoring viaWireless Workbench® software,ShurePlus™ Channels mobile app, andShowLink® remote control(forAxientDigital ADX transmitters) to ensure reliable connectivity, device discovery, firmware updates over network, remote monitoring, and control functionality (e.g., frequency coordination, real-time parameter adjustments, battery monitoring). Simulatemulti-system and multi-channel deploymentsto ensurescalability and interoperabilityacross multiple receivers and transmitters, and robust performance under heavy load or challenging network conditions. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Wireless Communications, Music Technology, or a related field required. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in system verification, quality assurance, hardware testing, software testing, or related disciplines. Experience in professional audio, wireless systems, RF electronics, or similar industries is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience with professional wireless audio systems and/or RF products is highly desirable.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of UHF RF principles, wireless microphone systems, frequency coordination, spectrum management, TV band planning, intermodulation, and wireless deployment best practices.
• Hands-on experience testing wireless transmitters, receivers, battery systems, RF performance, range, diversity systems, antenna distribution, and diagnosing RF issues such as interference, multipath, and dropouts.
• Expertise in digital wireless audio systems, including digital modulation, error correction, latency analysis, dropout recovery, audio quality validation, and AES-256 encryption verification.
• Strong understanding of microphone acoustics, including frequency response, tonal consistency, self-noise, dynamic range, SPL handling, and low-latency audio performance.
• Knowledge of audio signal processing, including companding, A/D and D/A conversion, gain structure, DSP features, encryption impacts, and maintaining audio integrity.
• Experience with networked audio and device management, including Dante™, AES67, QoS, device synchronization, remote configuration, firmware updates, and troubleshooting Ethernet/TCP/IP-based audio networks.

Testing & Quality

• Proficient in functional, regression, exploratory, stress, reliability, and environmental testing.
• Skilled at designing real-world test scenarios and evaluating complex interactions across RF, audio, and networking domains.
• Experienced with professional test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, audio analyzers, oscilloscopes, and network analysis tools.
• Proficient with defect tracking and test management tools (e.g., JIRA), with strong documentation and defect-reporting skills.

Professional Competencies

• Strong customer focus with a commitment to reliability, performance, and exceptional user experience in mission-critical environments.
• Passionate about identifying defects, validating edge cases, and proactively improving product quality.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across Hardware, RF, Firmware, Software, Product Management, and Customer Support teams, using a data-driven approach to drive quality improvements.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Shure will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

WHO WE ARE

Shure’s mission is to be the most trusted audio brand worldwide – and for over a century, our Core Values have aligned us to be just that. Founded in 1925, we are a leading global manufacturer of audio equipment known for quality, reliability, and durability. We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And quality doesn’t stop at our products. Our talented teams strive for perfection and innovate every chance they get. We offer an Associate-first culture, flexible work arrangements, and opportunity for all.

Shure is headquartered in United States. We have more than 35 regional sales offices, engineering hubs, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

Join Shure and Amplify Your Impact. Explore our unique culture and learn the key pillars that define our legacy of excellence.

THE MIX MATTERS
Don’t check off every box in the job requirements? No problem! We recognize that every professional journey is unique and are committed to providing an equitable candidate experience for all prospective Shure Associates. If you’re excited about this role, believe you’ve got the skills to be successful, and share our passion for creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, then apply!
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Shure offers a competitive compensation structure that is reviewed annually to attract, hire, and retain the industry’s top talent. Base salaries vary based on qualifications, geography, experience, and expertise in each respective discipline. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the opportunity. The base salary for this position ranges from $113,000 to $182,000. This position may also be eligible for our incentive pay program, which varies based on individual and Company performance in the year. If your salary expectations do not align, still apply as we are often flexible on the seniority of posted positions. All positions also include an award-winning benefits package.

WE GOT YOU - Our Benefits
At Shure, we prioritize the well-being of our Associates. We offer competitive rewards packages to full-time and part-time Associates working 24 or more hours a week that address physical, mental, financial, and overall well-being. Our benefits include comprehensive healthcare, mental health and retirement savings plans, generous paid time off programs, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, employee recognition programs, and volunteering/community involvement opportunities. To learn more, check out our Benefits At A Glance.

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