Senior Signal Processing Researcher

STR • Arlington, VA

2d • $139,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The Sensors Division at STR develops advanced sensor-system technologies to add national security capabilities, including airborne and surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. The Optical & Novel Sensing Group conducts physics-driven research across multiple domains for Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.

In this role, the researcher develops and applies state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. The position involves communicating technical analyses directly to customers, working with researchers to create innovative system capabilities, and collaborating with engineers to develop, demonstrate, and optimize those capabilities. The researcher applies first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic HF radio propagation environments and contributes to the design, analysis, integration, and demonstration of signal-processing algorithms for complex systems. The role also works closely with program leadership, supports critical national security missions, develops prototype systems with diverse teams, and documents and presents work to scientists and subject-matter experts.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government for this clearance.
• Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree 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 verification of system performance.
• Experience in at least two of the following: RF signal processing; HF propagation or propagation in dispersive, heterogeneous media; adaptive signal processing; algorithm development; system modeling and simulation; geolocation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop and tailor technical briefings for technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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.

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 advanced signal-processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for national security missions.
• Develop and apply algorithms for HF communications, including signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation.
• Use first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic HF radio propagation environments for system performance modeling.
• Contribute to the design, analysis, integration, testing, and demonstration of signal-processing algorithms for complex systems.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineering teams to develop, demonstrate, and optimize prototype system capabilities.
• Engage directly with customers and communicate technical analyses addressing their challenges.
• Document and present products to scientists and subject-matter experts.

What This Job Offers

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