Principal Signal Processing Engineer

STR • Woburn, MA

18h

About The Position

STR’s Space Missions and Sensing Sector develops technology for space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing. The Space and Counter Space team works on electronic warfare technologies, developing engineering and operational prototypes to demonstrate capabilities in real-world environments. The team includes researchers and specialists in program management, signal processing, software development, FPGA, RF and electromagnetic engineering, and mechanical design. Facilities support on-site build and testing, including benchtop, anechoic chamber, and over-the-air testing, with collaboration across STR, academic researchers, and industry partners.

The role focuses on developing and applying state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare. The researcher engages directly with customers to understand and address their challenges, leads researchers in creating system capabilities, and collaborates with engineering teams to develop, demonstrate, and optimize over-the-air system capabilities. The position also contributes technical leadership and business development, including proposal writing. STR describes its work as advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security, within a collaborative learning environment.

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.
• 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 develop and tailor technical briefings for audiences including subcontractors, senior-level executives, and customers.
• Research experience and ability to work with mission partners to apply technology and research for immediate impact.

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; methods such as Bayesian, deep convolutional, and graph neural network approaches; 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 multidisciplinary teams to develop and deploy prototype systems.
• Lead and guide multidisciplinary teams using technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop, demonstrate, and optimize over-the-air system capabilities.
• Drive business development initiatives and support proposal-writing efforts.
• 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: Principal