Principal ELINT Processing Engineer

HawkEye 360•Herndon, VA

6d•$170,000 - $220,000

About The Position

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal ELINT Processing Engineer to lead the development, integration, and optimization of our ELINT geolocation processing systems. This senior technical role requires an exceptional combination of deep ELINT domain expertise, software systems integration experience, and proven leadership in driving complex development efforts. You will serve as the technical bridge between ELINT operations and software engineering, guiding the evolution of our ground processing systems that transform raw IQ data into mission-critical ELINT geolocations. This position demands mastery of ELINT signal processing, hands-on experience with geolocation systems, and the ability to identify, debug, and resolve complex technical issues across the entire processing pipeline.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field; or equivalent experience
12+ years of progressive experience in ELINT technical analysis with demonstrated expertise in complex signal processing environments
Expert-level proficiency with ELINT ground processing systems that generate geolocations from raw IQ data or similar RF collection systems
Proven expertise with signals analysis tool suites such as Sceptre, MARTES, ASPEN or CBET
Strong software integration and test experience, including hands-on work with complex data processing pipelines
Demonstrated ability to identify, debug, and resolve technical issues in signal processing software and geolocation algorithms
Strong understanding of CI/CD practices and experience integrating testing into continuous deployment pipelines
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across hardware and software domains
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Completion of SIGE2810/3810/4810 and advanced SIGINT training courses

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Signal Processing, or related field strongly preferred
Direct experience with HawkEye 360 or similar space-based RF collection systems
Experience with test automation frameworks, scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, R), and CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI)
Background in software development, systems engineering, or DevOps practices
Understanding of software quality metrics, test coverage analysis, and quality assurance best practices

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal technical authority on ELINT processing systems, providing strategic direction for system architecture, algorithm development, and capability enhancements
Lead cross-functional efforts to optimize ELINT geolocation accuracy, precision, and operational performance across diverse signal types and operational scenarios
Drive the technical roadmap for ELINT ground processing capabilities, identifying system deficiencies and architecting comprehensive solutions
Lead integration efforts for ELINT processing software components, ensuring seamless data flow from raw IQ ingestion through geolocation product generation
Identify and debug complex issues within ELINT signal processing pipelines, including algorithm anomalies, data quality problems, and system integration defects
Conduct root cause analysis of geolocation accuracy issues, performance degradation, and processing failures
Provide expert guidance on ELINT signal processing algorithms, geolocation methodologies, and emitter characterization techniques
Interface with stakeholders as senior technical expert, translating operational needs into system requirements and technical solutions
Support continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) initiatives by defining test strategies, acceptance criteria, and quality gates
Contribute to proposals, technical documentation, and strategic planning efforts