Principal Signal Processing Engineer

STR • Woburn, MA

2d • $206,000 - $284,000

About The Position

STR’s Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector develops technology for space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing. Within the sector, the Space and Counter Space (SCS) team develops electronic warfare technologies and engineering and operational prototypes to address warfighter needs. The team works across signal processing, software development, FPGA, RF and electromagnetic engineering, and mechanical design, using facilities for on-site build and testing, including benchtop, anechoic chamber, and over-the-air testing. It also collaborates with research engineers, academic researchers, and industry partners on RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.

The role develops and applies advanced algorithms and techniques for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare. The researcher works directly with customers to understand mission challenges, leads researchers in developing system capabilities, and collaborates with engineering teams to develop, demonstrate, and optimize over-the-air system capabilities. The position also contributes to business development and proposal writing.

STR is a technology company focused on advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. Its work includes cyber, sensors, radar, sonar, communications, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence. The company describes its environment as collaborative and learning-oriented, with challenging technical work and an emphasis on recognizing team contributions.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government for this clearance.
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience on electronic warfare or radar programs, including development of sensor system modes and advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical or analytical derivation through system-performance testing and verification.
• At least 2 years of experience in two or more of the following: RF/radar signal processing, optimization, waveform design, electronic warfare, machine learning, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system modeling and simulation, or systems engineering.
• Experience translating system capabilities into subsystem requirements.
• Research experience and an interest in working with mission partners to apply technology and research for immediate impact.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tailor technical briefings for subcontractors, senior executives, and customers.
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts.
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with defense-sector radar and RF technologies, particularly RF sensing and electronic warfare, including electronic attack, electronic protection, cognitive EW, and advanced ESM techniques and algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, semantic segmentation, and reinforcement learning; approaches such as Bayesian, deep convolutional, and graph neural network methods; and tools such as PyTorch, Ray, TensorFlow/board, and MLflow.
• Experience interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into end-to-end solutions.
• Ability to apply novel, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements and national security needs and shape solutions to meet their objectives.
• Design and apply signal processing and machine learning techniques to radar and RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to develop and deploy prototype systems.
• Lead and guide multidisciplinary teams using technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Drive business development initiatives and support proposal-writing efforts.
• Develop, demonstrate, and optimize over-the-air system capabilities in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Develop and apply algorithms for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare.

What This Job Offers

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