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Rf Drive Test Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

RF Engineering Intern - 2026

Sterling, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Support the development of test procedures and perform evaluation of RF components. * Conduct RF ... Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and ...

RF Engineering Intern - 2026

Sterling, VA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Support the development of test procedures and perform evaluation of RF components. * Conduct RF ... Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and ...

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Rf Drive Test information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$12

$33

$49

How much do rf drive test jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for rf drive test in Silver Spring, MD is $33.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $39.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by RF Drive Test engineers during fieldwork, and how can they be managed?

RF Drive Test engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and varying traffic patterns, which can impact data collection quality. Managing these challenges involves thorough route planning, using reliable and well-calibrated test equipment, and maintaining clear communication with the network optimization team. Additionally, documenting anomalies in real-time and being adaptable to on-the-fly route or schedule changes are crucial for accurate network performance assessments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF Drive Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Drive Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication principles, RF propagation, and a degree in telecommunications or related fields. Proficiency with drive test tools such as TEMS, Nemo, or Agilent, as well as data analysis software, is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate network performance assessments and contribute to optimizing wireless coverage and quality.

What is the difference between Rf Drive Test vs Rf Field Engineer?

AspectRf Drive TestRf Field Engineer
CertificationsTypically includes RF, telecom, or wireless certificationsSimilar certifications, often with additional specialized training
Work EnvironmentPrimarily outdoors, driving to test locationsIndoor and outdoor, including site visits and equipment setup
Job FocusConducting drive tests to measure network performanceDesign, install, and troubleshoot RF systems

Rf Drive Test and Rf Field Engineer roles share certifications and industry usage but differ mainly in work environment and focus. Rf Drive Test involves outdoor driving to assess network coverage, while Rf Field Engineers handle broader RF system tasks, including installation and troubleshooting.

What are RF Drive Test Engineers?

RF Drive Test Engineers are professionals who perform field tests on mobile networks to measure and optimize their performance. They use specialized equipment to collect data on signal strength, quality, and coverage while driving or walking through specific areas. Their work helps identify issues like dropped calls, poor coverage, or interference, enabling network providers to improve service quality. RF Drive Test Engineers play a critical role in the rollout and optimization of wireless communication networks.
What job categories do people searching Rf Drive Test jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Drive Test jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Infographic showing various Rf Drive Test job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,015 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Senior Staff Semiconductor RF Test Engineer

Senior Staff Semiconductor RF Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Linthicum, MD

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC) of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Senior Staff Semiconductor RF Test Engineer for our Advanced Technology Lab (ATL) located outside of Baltimore, Maryland - where we design, manufacture, and test semiconductor products for internal and commercial production customers as well as emerging technology programs.

Northrop Grumman's ATL semiconductor foundry is a unique capability supporting a range of production microelectronic devices (Silicon, Silicon Germanium, Gallium Arsenide, Gallium Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Carbon Nanotubes) and providing leading-edge technology development in superconducting electronics. Our devices enable several Northrop Grumman's ground-based radars, avionic radars, and space systems. Join us for the chance to work with an amazing, experienced, and talented team while helping serve your country. Enjoy the opportunity to grow and learn with a variety of challenging projects in R&D, ongoing long-term programs, and new programs targeting future military platforms. Our multidisciplinary foundry team enables activities from development to sustainment process engineering. ATL is responsible for all aspects of semiconductor technology including design, mask making, wafer fabrication, test, and assembly. The candidate must be a strong team participant, have excellent communication skills, and be resourceful and multitalented. A strong understanding of semiconductor technology and microelectronic manufacturing test methodologies is essential.

The Senior Staff Semiconductor RF Test Engineer will have a technical lead/test architect role in the development and execution of mixed-signal/RF IC device test solutions for products in various fab technologies and levels of integrations. The individual will be responsible for understanding new product test requirements, architecting new test solutions to meet such requirements, developing necessary software and hardware components, and performing verification and validation work required for engineering and production test release. Senior Staff Semiconductor RF Test Engineer is expected to lead the development of innovations and technologies in manufacturing IC test solutions to help the ATL test team solve difficult, and often unique, test problems. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to, team/peer training and certification, participation in program discussions for test planning, test cost & schedule development, and assisting management with building resource and test strategy development. The candidate must exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills.

#NGATL

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 14 years of related experience; Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 12 years of experience; PhD in Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 9 years of experience

  • Direct semiconductor test software and hardware development experience

  • Prior test lead or test architect experience, working on developing production test solutions

  • Direct experience in leading a team of test or product engineers, responsible for talent development and training

  • Hands-on hardware skills including probe card and package part fixture/DIB design & coordinating layout & assembly

  • Software skills in a modern language such as C#, Python, C++ or Java

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance is required


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience or proof of innovative test solution development and implementation (IP disclosures/patents)

  • Knowledge of various fab technologies/processes, including deep node silicon and III-V devices

  • Experience developing test solutions for MMICs and RFICs at various frequency ranges and power levels, High Power RF Amplifiers, and Low Noise Amplifiers

  • Direct experience in preparing and presenting presentations to cross-functional teams and senior executives

  • Active participation & experience in presenting at various technical conferences

#NGMCFab

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,100.00 - $276,100.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939