Senior Signal Processing Researcher

STR • Arlington, VA

1d

About The Position

The Optical & Novel Sensing Group within STR’s Sensors Division conducts physics-driven research across multiple domains to develop advanced sensor capabilities for Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs. Its work ranges from concept formulation through validation prototyping.

The Senior Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher will develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. The role includes working directly with customers to communicate technical analyses, collaborating with researchers and engineers to develop, demonstrate, and optimize system capabilities, and contributing to a multidisciplinary team that designs, analyzes, integrates, and demonstrates signal-processing algorithms for complex systems. The researcher will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic HF propagation environments and support system performance modeling.

STR is a growing technology company specializing in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. It emphasizes a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes team members’ contributions. Positions require employees to obtain national security clearances and meet applicable export-control requirements.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government for clearance eligibility.
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience on RF programs, including developing advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical or analytical derivation through testing and system-performance verification.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: RF signal processing, HF propagation or propagation in dispersive and heterogeneous media, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system modeling and simulation, and geolocation.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop technical briefs for technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Demonstrated ownership 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 chain.
• Ability to apply novel, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts aligned with program and company priorities.
• Apply cutting-edge signal-processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for national security missions.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to develop and deploy prototype systems.
• Document and present technical products to scientists and subject-matter experts.
• Develop and apply algorithms for HF communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation.
• Model and simulate realistic HF propagation environments using first principles of physics to support system performance modeling.
• Contribute to designing, analyzing, integrating, demonstrating, testing, and verifying signal-processing algorithms and system capabilities.
• Communicate technical analyses to customers and tailor technical briefs for technical and non-technical audiences.

What This Job Offers

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