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Rf Drive Testing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Rf Drive Testing information

See Illinois salary details

$35.9K

$114K

$177.3K

How much do rf drive testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf drive testing in Illinois is $114,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is RF drive testing?

RF drive testing is the process of evaluating and measuring the performance of wireless networks by physically driving through specific routes with specialized equipment. This equipment collects data on signal strength, coverage, call quality, and other key parameters. The collected data helps network engineers identify issues such as dropped calls, weak signal areas, or interference, which are then used to optimize and improve network performance. RF drive testing is essential for ensuring reliable cellular service, especially during network rollout or upgrades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF drive testing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Drive Testing Engineer, you need a strong grasp of wireless communication principles, RF propagation, and mobile network technologies, typically supported by an engineering degree in electronics, telecommunications, or a related field. Familiarity with drive test tools such as TEMS, NEMO, or Agilent, as well as proficiency with data analysis software and basic understanding of GIS systems, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with optimization teams. These skills ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and optimization, which are critical for maintaining high-quality mobile network performance.

What is the difference between Rf Drive Testing vs Rf Field Testing?

AspectRf Drive TestingRf Field Testing
Work EnvironmentMobile, on-the-road testing using vehiclesStationary or on-site testing at specific locations
Required CredentialsRF knowledge, driving license, technical skillsRF knowledge, technical skills, often similar certifications
Industry UsageNetwork coverage validation, performance testingSignal quality assessment, troubleshooting

Rf Drive Testing involves mobile testing using vehicles to evaluate network performance across areas, while Rf Field Testing typically occurs at fixed locations for detailed signal analysis. Both roles require RF expertise and are essential for network optimization, but they differ mainly in mobility and testing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by RF drive test engineers during field testing, and how can they be overcome?

RF Drive Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, inconsistent signal quality due to weather or terrain, and coordinating with local authorities for site access. To overcome these, it's essential to conduct thorough equipment checks before each test, plan routes that account for geographic and urban obstacles, and maintain clear communication with both the project team and local contacts. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are key in adapting to unexpected issues that can arise during fieldwork.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rf Drive Testing jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Rf Drive Testing jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Drive Testing jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Drive Testing jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Rf Drive Testing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,035 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have awide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battlemanagement and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awarenessand understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is looking for a Sr. Principal Engineer, Electronics (TPM, MSE) - Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL who will lead efforts needed in standing up, modifying and/or sustaining testing capability for aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems

Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.

What you will get to do:

As a Technical Leader, this individual will be responsible for:

  • Shaping requirements for Acceptance Testing and Environmental Screening during prime hardware design phase. [Positioning the org for success by providing needed technical involvement prior to, or at the start of manufacturing / productionization efforts]
  • Leading & driving to on schedule and on budget completion of Test capability stand up, modification or sustainment. This includes leading & driving Test equipment and/or test fixture design efforts, software coding and integration efforts, other manufacturing engineering relevant efforts. [Demonstrating technical leadership to ensure NRE activities progress at positive SPI & CPI]
  • Reporting progress at multiple levels of leadership. [Leading Executive level presentations]
  • Performing Earned Value to track progress and put mitigation in place to address schedule or cost risks. [CAM]
  • Leading key internal or customer events such as (but not limited to) Manufacturing Readiness Reviews.

High-level ethical standards, strong decision-making skills, and building a strong professional relationship / leading cross functional collaborative effort with other disciplines are essential.

Behavioral Traits sought out:

  • The Manufacturing Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
  • We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:

a) Takes high levels of Self-accountability and Ownership

b) Acts with Speed

c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience

d) Leads with Courage

e) Sets vision for the assigned products

f) Builds a High Performing Team

This position is contingent upon funding/contract award.

Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Aerospace or related STEM field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's in equivalent fields with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience leading medium-scale technical projects in Electronics and/or Aerospace industry with limited assistance.
  • Experience in design of test equipment or test fixture or prime (sell-off) hardware.
  • Experience using C#, C++, Java, C or related programming language.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems):

  • Exprience with Electronic Warfare System or sub-system (especially with RF products).
  • Experience as IPT, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, Technical Project Manager or discipline level technical leadership.
  • Experience in leading relevant portion of internal or customer milestone events (such as Preliminary or Critical Design Review events - PDR/CDR, Manufacturing or Technology Readiness Reviews - MRR or TRR, Non-Advocate Reviews - NAR).
  • CAM certification.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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