Senior DSP Engineer

AeroVironment•Leesburg, VA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to implement and support efforts in detecting and classifying Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platforms using their Radio Frequency (RF) link. The ideal candidate will have experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR) based systems, signal detection, RF protocol (WiFi, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, LoRa,...) decode, and strong software skills. Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches is a plus. This role will set the strategy and technology roadmap for signal processing and development, influence decision-making and strategic planning for signal programs, and determine new areas for software technology introduction or proof-of-concepts based on industry trends. It also involves research and evaluation of emerging technology, industry, and market trends to assist in project development and/or operational support activities.

Requirements

B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
A minimum of 8 years of professional experience. Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience.
Proficient in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization.
Strong background in reverse engineering wireless communication protocols.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.
U.S. Citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches.

Responsibilities

Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.