Principal Signal Processing Researcher

STR • Arlington, VA

1d

About The Position

The Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher will develop and apply advanced algorithms and techniques for high-frequency (HF) communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. The role works directly with customers to understand their challenges and leads researchers in creating innovative system capabilities, collaborating with engineering teams to develop, demonstrate, and optimize those capabilities.

The researcher applies first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic HF radio propagation environments and support system performance modeling. This position leads multidisciplinary teams in designing, analyzing, integrating, testing, and demonstrating signal-processing algorithms for complex systems. It also involves customer engagement, prototype development, and support for business development and proposal writing.

The role is part of STR’s Sensors Division, specifically the Optical & Novel Sensing Group, which conducts physics-driven research and development for national security missions, from concept formulation through validation prototyping.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government for clearance eligibility.
• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience on relevant physics modeling and processing programs, including developing advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical or analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance.
• Experience in at least two of the following: RF signal processing; HF propagation addressing heterogeneity, dispersion, and anisotropy; adaptive signal processing; algorithm development; system modeling and simulation; or geolocation.
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop and tailor technical briefs for subcontractors, senior executives, and customers.
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and substantial expertise in relevant technical areas.

Nice To Haves

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts.
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with HF propagation modes and understanding of the underlying physics and end-to-end signal-processing chains and RF frontend analysis.
• 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

• Design and apply advanced signal-processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges.
• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements and national security needs, and shape solutions to meet their objectives.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate new capabilities.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams using technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Develop and apply algorithms for HF communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation.
• Model and simulate realistic HF radio propagation environments using first principles of physics to support system performance modeling.
• Design, analyze, integrate, test, and demonstrate signal-processing algorithms for complex systems.
• Drive business-development initiatives and support proposal-writing efforts.

What This Job Offers

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