Principal Systems Engineer, RF Communications & Sensing

Parallel Wireless

About The Position

Parallel Wireless is reimagining mobile networks with innovative, energy-efficient Open RAN solutions. Join us as we lead the future of telecommunications, driving innovation through green and sustainable networks. Learn more about our mission, vision and values. Position Summary The Principal Systems Engineer (Technical SME) provides senior technical leadership for U.S. Department of War and Federal wireless communications, networking, and sensing solutions. This role requires deep expertise in DoW network/communications CONOPS and mission needs, software-defined RF systems, AI/ML-enabled wireless networks, adaptive networking, and integrated communications and sensing.

Requirements

Masterâs or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
10+ years of experience in wireless (tactical and cellular) dual-use communications, networking, sensing, or cognitive systems.
System-level expertise in software-defined radio (SDR), software-defined networking (SDN/SD-WAN), and virtualized networks.
Expertise in RF communications, mesh networking, and integrated communications/sensing.
Experience with 5G/6G, O-RAN, tactical radios, and multi-domain MANET/mesh networks.
Knowledge of RF sensing, EW awareness, and spectrum operations.
Experience with DoW, NATO, and joint interoperability architectures (e.g., CMOSS, 3U-VPX).
Knowledge of DoW and Federal communications requirements and network modernization efforts.
US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US security clearance.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required for the role.

Nice To Haves

Currently holding an active U.S. Secret clearance or Top Secret clearance.
Patents, Publications and standards contributions
Prior experience as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Technical Fellow.

Responsibilities

Serve as principal technical authority for wireless communications, networking, and integrated communications and sensing architectures.
Primary technical support for Federal/DoW customer engagements
Lead customer RFP technical responses and capability white papers
Shape strategy for O-RANâbased 5G/6G, distributed sensing, and cognitive EMSO operations.
Architect software-defined RF systems integrating communications, networking, and sensing.
Design AI-driven (O-RAN RIC and applications) resilient wireless networks with adaptive resource management.
Lead solutioning, architecture, and design of multi-waveform radios, waveforms, and SDN-enabled architectures.
Conduct modeling, simulation, and performance assessments.
Advise DoW and Federal leaders on communications, networking, and sensing architectures.
Lead technical exchanges, CONOPS development, and capability road mapping.
Provide technical leadership for captures, proposals, and complex programs as Chief Engineer or Technical Lead.