Principal ELINT Processing Engineer

HawkEye 360•Herndon, VA

About The Position

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal ELINT Processing Engineer to lead the development, integration, and optimization of ELINT geolocation processing systems. This senior technical role combines deep ELINT domain expertise, software systems integration experience, and leadership in complex development efforts. The engineer serves as the technical bridge between ELINT operations and software engineering, guiding ground processing systems that transform raw IQ data into mission-critical ELINT geolocations. The position is based in Herndon, Virginia. The role provides technical direction for system architecture, algorithm development, capability enhancements, and the roadmap for ELINT ground processing. It leads efforts to improve geolocation accuracy, precision, and operational performance; integrate processing software; diagnose pipeline issues; and translate operational needs into system requirements and technical solutions. The engineer also supports CI/CD quality practices, documentation, proposals, and strategic planning. HawkEye 360 equips defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with signals intelligence by detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide. Its space-based collection, signal processing, and AI-powered analytics support US Government and allied partners. The company states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a 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, including the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across hardware and software domains.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Completion of SIGE2810/3810/4810 and advanced SIGINT training courses.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Signal Processing, or a related field; an advanced degree is 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 a senior technical expert, translating operational needs into system requirements and technical solutions.
Support CI/CD initiatives by defining test strategies, acceptance criteria, and quality gates.
Contribute to proposals, technical documentation, and strategic planning efforts.