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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Suffolk, VA

WR Systems

RF Engineer with Security Clearance

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 ...

PURVIS

Electrical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Electrical Engineer conducts tests on live and lab equipment to support maintenance and design, provides recommendations on RF design and analysis, and brings engineering rigor to processes and ...

PURVIS

Electrical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Electrical Engineer conducts tests on live and lab equipment to support maintenance and design, provides recommendations on RF design and analysis, and brings engineering rigor to processes and ...

PURVIS

Electrical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Electrical Engineer conducts tests on live and lab equipment to support maintenance and design, provides recommendations on RF design and analysis, and brings engineering rigor to processes and ...

PURVIS

Electrical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Electrical Engineer conducts tests on live and lab equipment to support maintenance and design, provides recommendations on RF design and analysis, and brings engineering rigor to processes and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Suffolk, VA

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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:

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you

Principal Software and Systems Test Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and execute test plans for signal processing and radar system software

  • Implement and maintain C++-based test tools, frameworks, and automated test solutions

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve issues and validate requirements

RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-08-20
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-VA-CHESAPEAKE-002-CUST ~ 2 Relay Rd ~ BLDG 344 (External Site)
Position Role Type:
Hybrid
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
What You Will Do
  • Design, develop, and execute test plans for signal processing and radar system software
  • Implement and maintain C++-based test tools, frameworks, and automated test solutions
  • Use MATLAB or Python to analyze large RF and sensor data sets, perform algorithm assessment, and verify system performance
  • Integrate signal processing algorithms into hardware testbeds and support lab-based system evaluation
  • Conduct debugging, fault isolation, and performance tuning across software and hardware interfaces
  • Collaborate with software, systems, signal processing, and hardware engineering teams to resolve issues and validate requirements
  • Participate in design reviews, requirements verification, and system-level testing events
  • Support documentation, technical reporting, and data-driven briefings to internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.
  • Experience developing or testing software using C or C++
  • Experience analyzing data sets using MATLAB or Python
  • Experience with signal processing, radar systems, RF systems, or sensor modeling
  • Experience working in Linux/UNIX environments
  • The ability to obtain and maintain an interim secret U.S. security clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with radar detection, tracking, imaging, or discrimination algorithms
  • Experience with hardware/software integration and lab-based system testing Familiarity with ionospheric propagation dynamics
  • Familiarity with modeling and simulation environments
  • Experience with version control tools such as Git
  • Knowledge of real-time processing, performance optimization
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or related technical field

Learn More & Apply Now
  • Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
  • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. #LI-RH2

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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