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Rf Drive Test Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... integration, RF engineering, avionics, networked computing, power electronics, failure ... Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data ...

I&T Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Integration & Test Engineer - Satellite Systems (SEIT) What they do The Integration & Test Engineer ... hardware and test equipment * RF and GNC experience are strong pluses * Comfortable operating ...

Showing results 21-40

Rf Drive Test Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.1K

$134K

$208.4K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf drive test engineer in Seattle, WA is $133,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $158,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF drive test engineer?

An RF Drive Test Engineer is responsible for testing and optimizing wireless networks by conducting drive tests to measure signal quality, coverage, and network performance. They use specialized tools and software to collect and analyze data, identifying issues like call drops, low signal strength, and interference. Their work helps improve network quality, optimize coverage, and ensure compliance with industry standards. RF Drive Test Engineers typically collaborate with network engineers and technicians to implement necessary improvements and troubleshoot network problems.

What does an RF drive test engineer do?

As an RF Drive Test Engineer, you will typically spend your days planning and conducting drive tests, which involve collecting and analyzing live network data to assess coverage, identify interference, and solve connectivity issues. You may work independently in the field or as part of a team, collaborating closely with network optimization, planning, and field operations teams. Your work often involves creating detailed reports and recommending network improvements based on your findings. This role occasionally requires travel and flexible hours, especially when optimizing networks in different geographic locations. Over time, experienced engineers can advance into senior roles, specialize in network optimization, or transition to RF design or project management positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF drive test engineer?

To thrive as an RF Drive Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, radio frequency (RF) measurements, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with drive test tools such as TEMS, Nemo, or Agilent, along with knowledge of network optimization software, is crucial, and certifications like CCNA or OEM-specific training are often preferred. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, good communication, and problem-solving skills make someone stand out in this position. These abilities ensure effective identification and resolution of network issues, leading to improved network performance and customer satisfaction.

What are popular job titles related to Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rf Drive Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Rf Drive Test Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,999 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As a Hardware Test Engineer on Starlink, you'll sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our satellite hardware can withstand the harsh environment of space and maintain communication with millions of users on a global scale. You will spearhead the development and deployment of advanced, automated electrical test systems which span an array of technical domains, such as high-speed digital communications, network and power systems integration, RF engineering, avionics, networked computing, power electronics, failure investigation, on-orbit reliability assurance, and automated testing frameworks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop test systems used to test and validate flight hardware
  • Define, document and present test system requirements, coverage, designs and operational strategies
  • Design and produce test assets such as test racks, electrical panels, electrical test fixtures, harnessing, connectors, PCBAs, machinery, tools, processes, etc.
  • Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
  • Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in production
  • Utilize software tools (Python) to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, field data, and production documentation systems
  • Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight
  • Understand all products and processes that require the systems for which they have developed and/or are responsible for.
  • Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
  • Ensure work is conducted and systems are designed/produced in compliance with appropriate safety requirements (UL, NFPA, ANSI, IEC, Etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering (internship experience is acceptable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree
  • Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
  • Thorough understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
  • Thorough understanding of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms
  • Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
  • Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++, TwinCAT)
  • Experience with the testing and/or characterization of RF: components, circuits, PCBAs, antennas, systems, etc.
  • Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
  • Thorough understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration and TVAC
  • Experience with PLC hardware and/or software
  • Experience with the design/deployment of functional safety systems
  • Experience working with pressure, temperature and flow measurement devices
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
  • Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and written/verbal communication skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
  • Some roles may require working on an "on-call" basis on a weeklong rotational schedule (On-Orbit Reliability only)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Hardware Test Engineer/Level 1: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Hardware Test Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US