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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Suffolk, VA

RF Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$58K - $82K/yr

Support integration and test execution across lab and field environments. * Assist with setup ... RF, RDT&E, Engineering Technician roles, Cryptologic Technician (CTM), or SIGINT environments. The ...

RF Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$58K - $82K/yr

Support integration and test execution across lab and field environments. Assist with setup ... RF, RDT&E, Engineering Technician roles, Cryptologic Technician (CTM), or SIGINT environments. The ...

RF Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$58K - $82K/yr

Support integration and test execution across lab and field environments. * Assist with setup ... RF, RDT&E, Engineering Technician roles, Cryptologic Technician (CTM), or SIGINT environments. The ...

Support integration and test execution across lab and field environments. * Assist with setup ... RF, RDT&E, Engineering Technician roles, Cryptologic Technician (CTM), or SIGINT environments. The ...

RF Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $127K/yr

WR has an opportunity for an RF Engineer to support the design, development, and test and evaluation of RF demonstrator and prototype systems for HF radar programs. Position responsibilities will ...

RF Engineer

Norfolk, VA

$90K - $127K/yr

WR has an opportunity for an RF Engineer to support the design, development, and test and evaluation of RF demonstrator and prototype systems for HF radar programs. Position responsibilities will ...

RF Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $127K/yr

WR has an opportunity for an RF Engineer to support the design, development, and test and evaluation of RF demonstrator and prototype systems for HF radar programs. Position responsibilities will ...

RF Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $127K/yr

WR has an opportunity for an RF Engineer to support the design, development, and test and evaluation of RF demonstrator and prototype systems for HF radar programs. Position responsibilities will ...

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$35.2K

$112K

$174.1K

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in Suffolk, VA is $111,950.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $132,200.00 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.
What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings:

Drive Test Technician - South Region

Circet USA

Virginia Beach, VA

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview

Circet USA is a leading provider of telecommunications and data center infrastructure services in North America, and we’re looking for talented professionals to join our team. We deliver comprehensive engineering, construction, and network solutions that support the evolving connectivity and infrastructure needs of our customers.

With nearly 50 years of industry experience, we partner with major telecom providers, cloud service providers, general contractors, data center operators, and utilities to design and deliver customized solutions that solve complex challenges. At Circet USA, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact, contribute to critical infrastructure projects, and help shape the future of connectivity. If you’re passionate about innovation and thrive in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.


Responsibilities

A Drive Test Technician is responsible for executing mobile and stationary RF testing to validate wireless network performance. This role supports engineering teams by collecting field data to optimize coverage, capacity, and quality of service across 5G technologies. This position requires 100% travel.

This position will support the South region which consists of the following states:

VA,NC,WV,LA,MS,AL,TX,FL,SC,GA,TN.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

  • Drive Testing: Operate drive test equipment (e.g., TEMS Pocket, X-CAL, QXDM) in vehicles or on foot to collect RF data across designated routes and clusters.
  • Perform a Speed Test
  • Data Collection & Upload: Capture logs for RSRP, SINR, PCI, throughput, and scanner data. Upload results to centralized servers for post-processing and validation.
  • Properly follow the test files naming conventions.
  • Reporting: Communicate with Circet and client point of contacts throughout the process and to escalate issues as necessary.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certifications preferred.
  • Familiarity with wireless technologies: LTE, VoLTE, CDMA, 5G, MIMO, Carrier Aggregation strongly preferred
  • 1–3 years of experience in RF testing or field technician roles desired.
  • Needs to be familiar with drive testing software/ TEMS/XCAL
  • Must have good computer skills.
  • Need to be experience with drive testing gps software/ Street Atlas/Streets &Trips
  • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
  • Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.
  • Willingness and ability to work overtime

Circet USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veteran/Disabled. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Range in the United States: $20 - $26 based upon geography, skills, and experience. May also be eligible for performance incentive opportunity based on company and individual goals and performance.