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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Senior RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Senior RF Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time ... and drive reliability across a wide range of RF hardware. This role is focused on RF test ...

3D Glass Solutions

RF Test Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

Support NPI introduction and work with customers and applications engineers to understand and drive ... Design and build support fixtures, test setups, and harnesses for RF devices on wafers and ...

Impulse Space

Senior RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Senior RF Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time ... and drive reliability across a wide range of RF hardware. This role is focused on RF test ...

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Battelle

RF Test Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

The Test Engineer will work collaboratively with systems engineers, RF architects, and program stakeholders to ensure Ravenstar systems meet technical, operational, safety, and customer requirements.

Impulse Space

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Array Labs Inc.

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer, you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Kratos Defense

Lead RF Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

We're hiring a Lead RF Test Engineer to serve as the RF technical lead within Production ... Escalate and drive recurring technical issues toward root cause when test strategy, product design ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

Array Labs

RF Test Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

About the Job As an RF Test Engineer , you will develop the hardware, procedures, and automated test infrastructure used to validate Array's radar payloads and satellite electronics. Your work will ...

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 ...

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

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

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior RF Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior RF Test Engineer
Department: Assembly, Integration & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $135,000 - $180,000 / year
Description
As a Senior RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own RF test strategy, automation infrastructure, and system-level validation for wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to define test requirements, develop scalable validation infrastructure, and drive reliability across a wide range of RF hardware.
This role is focused on RF test architecture, automation, production validation, and characterization of wireless communication systems including GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, and modulated communication waveforms.
Responsibilities
  • Define RF test requirements and acceptance criteria for engineering, integration, and production environments
  • Lead the design and development of RF test fixtures and automated test systems
  • Develop scalable Python-based automation tools for RF testing, instrumentation control, and data analysis
  • Characterize and debug modulated RF waveforms and wireless communication links
  • Operate and integrate RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
  • Lead RF hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and system-level validation efforts
  • Conduct RF system-level testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, beamforming, and over-the-air (OTA) testing
  • Test and validate RF hardware including GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, filters, amplifiers, and other RF components

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience writing Python for RF test systems, automation infrastructure, or wireless hardware validation environments
  • Experience working with RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, GNSS simulators, and SDR platforms
  • Experience with RF system measurements such as channel power, EVM, modulation quality, Es/N0, C/N0, bandwidth, and receiver sensitivity
  • Experience developing and documenting RF test procedures for engineering or production environments
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across RF hardware and software systems
  • Comfortable working hands-on in lab and integration environments

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience developing scalable production or manufacturing RF test systems
  • Experience with SDR platforms, GNU Radio, or custom waveform development
  • Experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux
  • Experience with RF environmental, vacuum, thermal, vibration, or OTA testing
  • Experience leading cross-functional integration and validation efforts
  • Experience working in a fast-paced hardware 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 (), 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.

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