ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Description As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF ...

CesiumAstro

RF Test Engineer II

Austin, TX

We are looking to add an RF Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware and software for satellites ...

CesiumAstro

RF Test Engineer II

Austin, TX

We are looking to add an RF Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware and software for satellites ...

CesiumAstro

RF Test Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add an RF Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware and software for satellites ...

cp-companypage

RF_TEST_BUG_BASH_Lever

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... and RF test engineers to align testing with product development. • Drive test readiness reviews, monitor test execution, and manage defect reporting. • Manage test suppliers, vendors, and ...

Leidos

RF Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Troubleshoot RF equipment and unit under test * Work through root cause corrective action * Assist in requirement decomposition Basic Qualifications. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering ...

Leidos

RF Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Troubleshoot RF equipment and unit under test * Work through root cause corrective action * Assist in requirement decomposition Basic Qualifications. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering ...

Leidos

RF Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Troubleshoot RF equipment and unit under test * Work through root cause corrective action * Assist in requirement decomposition Basic Qualifications. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering ...

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

SAIC

RF Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The RF Test Engineer should be able to quickly adapt to a multi-tasking environment and be comfortable working amongst a diverse and energetic team in the pursuit of mission objectives and project ...

Leonardo DRS

RF Test Engineering Manager

Frederick, MD · On-site

Drive improvements in test efficiency, throughput, yield, and cycle time through automation and ... Partner with RF Design, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure strong ...

Apex Systems

RF Test Engineer

Redmond, WA

$70 - $75/hr

Job#: 3035344 RF Test Engineer Location: Redmond, Washington (Onsite) Employment Type: Contract Role Overview This role focuses on validating and automating testing for satellite communication ...

SPINLAUNCH Inc

RF Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

S. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field * Experience designing, planning, and executing tests on RF or communications hardware * Hands-on experience with lab test ...

DPG Solutions LLC

Principal Test Engineer

Andover, NJ · On-site

$160/hr

Support system and subsystem level testing for hardware, software, RF, EO/IR, radar, or equivalent ... Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and test capability upgrades. Prepare technical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFreelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs

Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$117.7K

$183K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance rf drive test engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 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 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 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 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.

More about Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

RF Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description
As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of communication hardware.
This role is focused on RF test automation, fixture development, and hands-on testing of wireless systems and modulated communication waveforms. 

Responsibilities
  • Design and support RF test fixtures and supporting test infrastructure
  • Develop Python software and scripts for automated RF testing, instrumentation control, and data collection
  • Operate and integrate common RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
  • Support testing and characterization of modulated RF waveforms and communication links
  • Work with RF and embedded software engineers to debug and validate wireless hardware performance
  • Develop and document RF test procedures for engineering and production environments
  • Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, troubleshooting, and system-level validation testing
  • Assist with system-level RF testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, and over-the-air (OTA) test activities
  • Collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test coverage and reliability

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 2+ years of experience writing Python for test automation, data analysis, or hardware validation
  • Familiarity with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers
  • Understanding of RF fundamentals and wireless communication systems
  • Exposure to modulated waveforms and RF measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with RF system parameters such as channel power, EVM, Es/N0, C/N0, modulation quality, and bandwidth
  • Experience documenting test procedures or validation results
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
  • Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience developing automated test systems or RF test fixtures
  • Familiarity with SDR platforms or GNU Radio
  • Experience testing wireless communication systems or digital modulation schemes
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, microcontrollers, or FPGA-based systems
  • Experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
  • Familiarity with satellite communication protocols such as CCSDS or DVB-S2
  • Experience with RF production, integration, environmental, or OTA testing
  • Experience working in a fast-paced development environment

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.