Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Engineer

STR • Arlington, VA

22h

About The Position

The Electronic Warfare and Novel Capabilities Group (EWNC) develops advanced signal-processing algorithms and prototype systems for next-generation radar and electronic warfare technologies. The group collaborates with STR engineers, academic researchers, industry partners, and customers to address RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.

The Principal Engineer develops state-of-the-art algorithms for RF sensing, sensor decision-making, and autonomous electronic warfare. Areas of interest include signal detection and classification, electronic support measures, electronic attack and protection, cognitive EW, and advanced RF sensing technologies. The role leads projects and proposal efforts, advises multidisciplinary teams, works with customers to understand mission needs, and develops technical approaches, proposal strategies, and program plans. It also takes technologies from research through operational prototypes.

The role is ideally suited to a Principal Engineer, though applicants whose qualifications closely match the requirements are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are available at multiple experience levels in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Ohio offices. The position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is needed for U.S. Government clearance eligibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Typically 8–12+ years of relevant experience, depending on education and demonstrated expertise.
• Demonstrated leadership in radar, electronic warfare, RF sensing, or related defense technologies.
• Experience on electronic warfare or radar programs, including development of system modes and advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical or analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance.
• Expertise in at least two of the following areas: RF sensing and radar signal processing; electronic warfare; optimization; waveform design; adaptive signal processing; AI/ML for RF applications; modeling and simulation; systems engineering.
• Experience briefing technical work to customers, senior executives, and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++.
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is needed for U.S. Government clearance eligibility.
• Comfort working collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments and communicating with technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
• Ability to apply novel, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Architect advanced RF sensing and electronic warfare algorithms from concept through operational prototype.
• Engage with customers to understand requirements and national security needs, and shape solutions to meet their objectives.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical direction across programs.
• Transition new technologies from research into operational prototypes.
• Design and apply signal-processing methods to solve RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.
• Support business development initiatives and lead proposal efforts that help shape program and organizational technical direction.
• Lead projects and proposal efforts and advise researchers, scientists, and engineers on multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop technical approaches, proposal strategies, and program plans in partnership with customers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal