How To Become A Drive Test Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a drive test engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A drive test engineer is a radio frequency expert responsible for maintaining functional and efficient radio networks. A drive test engineer runs tests to ensure radio frequency circuits and systems are functioning well. They also assess installed networks to ensure they are performing optimally. They may also collect and analyze network data. As a drive test engineer, you develop new evaluation protocols and methods.

The drive test engineer makes about $37 an hour and an average annual salary of $77,703. This position is a specialist role, and as such, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. As a freelancer, having credible certifications can help boost your chances of getting new contracts. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are essential when applying for a job as a drive test engineer. You must also be able to use RF testing equipment.

ScoreDrive Test EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.0

Avg. Salary $76,872

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 15.86%

Black or African American 4.85%

Hispanic or Latino 11.29%

Unknown 4.71%

White 63.09%

Gender

female 7.63%

male 92.37%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a drive test engineer

Explore drive test engineer education requirements

Most common drive test engineer degrees

Bachelor's

69.1 %

Master's

13.5 %

Associate

8.9 %

Start to develop specific drive test engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Collection	13.23%
GPS	7.99%
Pre	5.89%
LTE	4.83%
E911	4.75%

Complete relevant drive test engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New drive test engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a drive test engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real drive test engineer resumes.

Research drive test engineer duties and responsibilities

Process improvement efforts and/or other opportunities to automate these processes with computer applications with C++ and/or Java where applicable.
Verify phase2 information for rollover UMTS to GSM in a particular site.
Experience in analyzing logs, troubleshooting issues from field for GSM, LTE.
Make E911 surveys on different sectors using range finder, GPS and cell phone.

Prepare your drive test engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your drive test engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a drive test engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable drive test engineer resume templates

Build a professional drive test engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your drive test engineer resume.