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Rf Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Analyze test data, identify root causes of performance issues, and propose corrective actions ... Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in RF antenna ...

Analyze test data, identify root causes of performance issues, and propose corrective actions ... Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in RF antenna ...

Analyze test data, identify root causes of performance issues, and propose corrective actions ... Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in RF antenna ...

EMC Test Technician

Troy, MI · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

... test engineers and technician to ensure the best project execution and quality. * Perform EMC ... RF test system and measurement equipment * Experience with EMC and Electrical laboratory test ...

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including ... Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital

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Rf Test Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$38.4K

$109.9K

$179.6K

How much do rf test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf test engineer in Michigan is $109,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by RF Test Engineers when troubleshooting signal integrity issues, and how can these be addressed?

RF Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity, such as interference, noise, or unexpected losses in transmission. These issues can be complex due to the high frequencies involved and the sensitivity of RF circuits. To address them, engineers frequently use advanced diagnostic tools like spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, work closely with design and hardware teams, and apply methodical troubleshooting techniques. Collaboration and continuous learning are key, as technology and testing standards evolve rapidly in this field.

What Is an RF Test Engineer?

As an RF test engineer, you assess the functionality of devices that transmit or receive radio frequencies in manufacturing or research and development environments. Your job duties include using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, battery emulators, and other testing equipment, debugging issues that arise, and analyzing test data. A career as an RF test engineer requires you have some formal qualifications and post-secondary education, generally a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and experience with test instrumentation and equipment. You need strong math skills and familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD), Unix, MatLab, LabView, and C++ programming.

What are RF Test Engineers?

RF Test Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and conduct tests on radio frequency (RF) components and systems, such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers. They ensure that these devices meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements by using specialized test equipment. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, analyzing data, and collaborating with design teams to improve product performance. These engineers work across industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What is the difference between Rf Test Engineer vs RF Design Engineer?

AspectRf Test EngineerRF Design Engineer
Primary FocusTesting and validating RF components and systemsDesigning RF circuits and systems
Required SkillsTesting procedures, measurement tools, RF testing certificationsCircuit design, simulation, RF theory
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, production environmentsDesign labs, R&D departments
Common CertificationsRF testing certifications, FCC certificationsRF design certifications, EE degrees

While both roles involve RF technology, Rf Test Engineers focus on testing and validating RF components, ensuring quality and compliance. RF Design Engineers are responsible for creating and developing RF circuits and systems. Both roles require strong RF knowledge, but their daily tasks and objectives differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an RF Test Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, RF principles, and experience with test procedures for wireless communication devices. Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators, as well as knowledge of relevant certifications like FCC or ETSI compliance, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance of RF products in highly technical environments.
What are popular job titles related to Rf Test Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Rf Test Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rf Test Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Rf Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
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Senior Wireless Test Engineer

Senior Wireless Test Engineer

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business if more than 3 days].
The Role
The Senior Wireless Test Engineer - Cellular Systems will lead lab and field validation of GM's 4G and 5G cellular connectivity, ensuring robust voice, data, and safety-critical services for connected vehicles. This role is responsible for translating detailed technical and regulatory requirements into comprehensive test strategies, test cases, and automated test scripts that validate end-to-end system performance across multiple networks, operators, and markets.
You will be a hands-on technical leader, defining test methodologies, selecting tools and equipment, executing complex test campaigns, and driving issue resolution with internal teams and external partners.
What You'll Do
Test Strategy, Planning, and Design
  • Translate system, feature, and regulatory requirements into structured test plans, test cases, and scripts covering lab and field validation for cellular connectivity.
  • Define test coverage strategy for:
  • RF performance and parametric tests
  • Protocol stack behavior for 4G LTE and 5G NR
  • Mobility, roaming, and handover scenarios
  • Application-level voice, data, SMS, emergency calls, and special features.
  • Identify tools, test equipment, fixtures, and environments required to fully validate requirements (e.g., RF chambers, call boxes, loggers, automation frameworks, simulators, load generators).

RF Performance and Parametric Validation
  • Develop and execute RF performance and parametric test cases (e.g., output power, sensitivity, ACLR, EVM, throughput vs. RSRP/RSRQ/SINR, spectrum mask).
  • Specify and use RF test equipment such as signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, OTA chambers, and channel emulators.
  • Analyze RF measurements, correlate with requirements and KPIs, and drive corrective actions with hardware and modem engineering teams.

Cellular Protocol and Mobility Testing (4G/5G)
  • Develop detailed test cases and scripts to validate 4G/5G protocol stack behavior, including:
  • Attach/registration, bearer/session setup, authentication, and security procedures
  • Mobility management, idle/connected mode behaviors, DRX, power-saving features.
  • Design and execute mobility and roaming scenarios, including:
  • Intra- and inter-frequency handovers
  • Inter-RAT mobility (e.g., LTE-NR, LTE-3G/2G where applicable)
  • Domestic and international roaming, PLMN selection, and operator-specific features.
  • Validate throughput and latency across multiple radio conditions, bands, and network configurations; create performance benchmarks and regression baselines.

Service and Feature Validation (Voice, Data, SMS, Emergency, Special Features)
  • Develop and maintain test suites for:
  • Voice services: CS voice (where relevant), VoLTE/VoNR, supplementary services, audio quality KPIs.
  • Packet data: IP connectivity, QoS, APN configurations, VPN and secure tunnel behavior.
  • Messaging: MO/MT SMS, concatenated messages, delivery reports, failure handling.
  • Emergency services: eCall/NG-eCall or regional equivalents, emergency call routing, fallback behaviors, and priority handling.
  • Special features: operator- or GM-specific services (e.g., data-only modes, tethering, OTA updates, remote commands, telematics features).
  • Validate end-to-end system behavior including in-vehicle integration, back-end/cloud interfaces, and mobile network interactions.

Automation, Tooling, and Infrastructure
  • Develop automated test scripts and parsers for cellular and RF test execution, log collection, and results processing.
  • Define and maintain test benches, automation frameworks, and CI/regression test suites for cellular validation.
  • Specify and integrate test tools such as:
  • Cellular network simulators / call boxes
  • RF channel emulators and OTA chambers
  • Packet sniffers, protocol analyzers, and logging tools
  • Traffic generators for voice/data/SMS and application load.
  • Drive test data management: logging, parsing, metrics dashboards, and traceability between requirements, test cases, and results.

Debug, Analysis, and Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Perform deep-dive analysis of field and lab issues involving RF, protocol, and service-level failures; reproduce and triage with modem suppliers, network operators, and internal teams.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware design, modem/software, systems engineering, regulatory, and back-end/cloud teams to:
  • Clarify requirements and KPIs
  • Prioritize defects and drive design or software changes
  • Improve test coverage and methodologies over time.
  • Provide clear, concise test reports and technical summaries for leadership, program teams, and external stakeholders.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in cellular wireless testing or validation (4G LTE and/or 5G NR) in automotive, telecom, handset, or modem domains.
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Cellular RF fundamentals (power, sensitivity, link budget, interference, fading)
  • 4G/5G protocol stack (RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY; NAS and core network interactions)
  • Mobility and roaming concepts, including handovers, reselection, and tracking areas.
  • Demonstrated experience developing test plans, test cases, and test scripts for:
  • RF performance and parametric checks
  • Cellular protocol procedures (attach, bearer setup, registration, security)
  • Mobility/roaming, throughput, and latency characterization
  • Voice, data, SMS, and emergency call scenarios.
  • Hands-on experience with cellular test equipment and tools, such as:
  • Call boxes / network simulators (e.g., Keysight, R&S, Anritsu, Spirent, etc.)
  • Spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators
  • Protocol analyzers and log tools (e.g., QXDM, QCAT, modem logs, Wireshark).
  • Strong data analysis and debugging skills, with the ability to interpret complex RF and protocol logs and narrow down root causes.
  • Proven ability to translate requirements into testable criteria and define the tools, instrumentation, and configurations needed for full coverage.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document test methods, results, and recommendations clearly.

What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Master's degree in a related engineering field.
  • Experience with automotive connectivity or telematics control units (TCUs), including in-vehicle integration and back-end/cloud connectivity.
  • Knowledge of Hardware design, PCB, and traces.
  • Familiarity with emergency call regulations, public safety requirements, and regional differences in emergency services.
  • Experience with test automation frameworks (Python or similar) for cellular/RF testing, including scripting for call box control and log parsing.
  • Knowledge of operator certification, conformance, and regulatory test processes (e.g., PTCRB, GCF, carrier-specific programs).
  • Experience with multi-RAT and multi-SIM devices, as well as coexistence with other radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS).
  • Background in requirements management and traceability tools, and in building coverage metrics for large test suites.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Compensation:
  • The expected base compensation for this role is: $106,600 - $165,700. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
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About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908