What does a drive test engineer do?
For cars and other automobiles' best performance, drive test engineers can be asked for suggestions. From their expertise, one can ensure that the chosen car is equipped with the necessary accessories such as GPS, Bluetooth hubs, an air conditioner, locks, and USB ports. They train and teach people how to drive safely, following road laws and protocols. They monitor for enhancements and provide reports to stakeholders and managers for its application. They can troubleshoot minor software problems in automobiles.
Drive test engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real drive test engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Plot maps and routes using GPS software.
- Collect radio measurements like RSRP and PCI.
- Drive test on GSM/UMTS and CDMA carriers nationwide.
- Configure UMTS systems and sit up the hardware kits.
- Mix and marginal coverage for origination and termination voice testing, using QXDM.
- Perform new launch ATP site test utilizing Clearwire WITT software and Kannon software.
- Perform stationary and mobility test at the cell sites to check/verify the KPI's.
- Drive test for voice and data using TEMS investigation for GSM/UMTS and CDMA carriers.
- Work on SSV tests, cluster tests, and troubleshooting tests on regular basis.
- Perform UE physical measurement (SC, RSCP and EC/No) for the active cell.
- Set up and test different UE/HSDPA devices and configure TEMS / Agilent / NEMO kits.
Drive test engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Drive Test Engineers are proficient in Data Collection, GPS, and Pre. They’re also known for soft skills such as Initiative, Speaking skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Drive Test Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Collection, 13%
Evaluated drive test methodology and post processing tools and provided recommendations for efficient data collection.
- GPS, 8%
Used Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS antennae for cluster drives and to assist in the network optimization and planning strategy.
- Pre, 6%
Worked on the Pre and post launch Optimization Drive test for Samsung (Sprint) Using Xcal-X.
- LTE, 5%
Involved in FFA (Form Factor Accurate) testing for LTE Advanced Technology in Minneapolis, MN.
- E911, 5%
Perform E911 testing bridge testing, Short and Long calls; Conduct End of node test to identify call drop issues.
- Data Throughput, 5%
Identified and resolve missing neighbors, poor coverage, drop calls, call setup failure, Data Throughput.
Common skills that a drive test engineer uses to do their job include "data collection," "gps," and "pre." You can find details on the most important drive test engineer responsibilities below.
Initiative. One of the key soft skills for a drive test engineer to have is initiative. You can see how this relates to what drive test engineers do because "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Additionally, a drive test engineer resume shows how drive test engineers use initiative: "implemented national policy and process in support of the rebanding initiative with public safety organizations approved by the fcc in 2004. "
Speaking skills. Another essential skill to perform drive test engineer duties is speaking skills. Drive test engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." Drive test engineers also use speaking skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "represented cdma r&d; and nokia at various campus job fairs. "
Writing skills. drive test engineers are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to drive test engineer responsibilities, because "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." A drive test engineer resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "performed data analysis, post processing, and writing reports. "
Math skills. A big part of what drive test engineers do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to drive test engineer responsibilities because "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical drive test engineer tasks: "process daily/busy hour kpi statistics. "
The three companies that hire the most drive test engineers are:
- Lucid Motors6 drive test engineers jobs
- Qualcomm3 drive test engineers jobs
- Micron Technology2 drive test engineers jobs
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Compare different drive test engineers
Drive test engineer vs. Senior pcb designer
Controls designers both design and draft systems of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for equipment and machines. The designers make diagrams of the logic system for timing and sequence control. They illustrate and describe details for installation and maintenance, such as bearing lubrication and lubrication types. It is part of their job to review schematics with the representatives of customers to answer questions during robot system installation. Also, they may design energy conversion controls.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a drive test engineer are more likely to require skills like "data collection," "pre," "lte," and "e911." On the other hand, a job as a senior pcb designer requires skills like "rf," "schematic capture," "pcb layout," and "analog." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Senior pcb designers tend to reach lower levels of education than drive test engineers. In fact, senior pcb designers are 12.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Drive test engineer vs. Controls designer
An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that drive test engineer responsibilities requires skills like "data collection," "gps," "pre," and "lte." But a controls designer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "plc," "control panels," "ids," and "auto cad."
Controls designers earn a higher average salary than drive test engineers. But controls designers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $88,405. Additionally, drive test engineers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $82,128 annually.In general, controls designers achieve similar levels of education than drive test engineers. They're 3.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Drive test engineer vs. Engineering trainee
The duties of a communications engineer depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around designing and developing new systems to optimize operations, performing research and assessments to identify company needs, determining the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, and providing solutions on issues and concerns. Furthermore, as a communications engineer, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and productive work environment, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a drive test engineer is likely to be skilled in "data collection," "gps," "pre," and "lte," while a typical engineering trainee is skilled in "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "technical support," and "r."
Engineering trainees earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $63,253. Comparatively, drive test engineers have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $82,128.engineering trainees typically earn similar educational levels compared to drive test engineers. Specifically, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Drive test engineer vs. Communications engineer
Types of drive test engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
