We are seeking an Electronic Warfare Algorithms Engineer to develop end-to-end processing pipelines-from raw IQ through detection, PDW extraction, pulse train formation, deinterleaving, and emitter identification. This role is algorithm-heavy and implementation-aware: you will design methods that can be realized on real-time platforms, collaborating closely with FPGA, CPU, and GPU specialists to translate theory into robust, testable capabilities. A strong command of Python, practical experience with SDRs, and the ability to validate behavior using lab instrumentation are central to success.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement ESM signal processing chains covering: wideband capture, channelization, detection, PDW extraction, pulse train formation, deinterleaving, and emitter identification/classification.
- Develop PDW extraction algorithms.
- Build and tune detectors grounded in detection theory, especially CFAR variants.
- Implement channelizers and multirate architectures: FFT channelizers, polyphase filter banks (PFB), multirate DSP.
- Apply matched filtering and time-frequency processing to improve sensitivity (FFT processing gain, coherent/non-coherent integration, windowing effects).
- Develop Direction Finding (DF) processing strategies appropriate to array/antenna geometries and operational constraints (including calibration-aware approaches).
- Perform PRI / pulse pattern analysis, and design robust feature extraction for deinterleaving and identification.
- Analyze and characterize agile/spread-spectrum signals (e.g., FHSS/DHSS) and define practical detection/feature extraction methods under realistic SNR and receiver constraints.
- Determine performance limits using RF/system constraints: link budgets, Friis, receiver dynamic range, SFDR, ENOB, IIP3, phase noise, sampling/quantization effects, and front-end filtering limitations; translate these limits into actionable algorithm requirements.
- Collaborate with FPGA/CPU/GPU engineers to map algorithms to hardware: throughput/latency budgeting, memory bandwidth considerations, fixed-point awareness, and verification strategies.
- Build test harnesses and evaluation pipelines using real and synthetic datasets; produce clear documentation, plots, and quantitative results.
Minimum Qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering.
- 2+ years of professional industry experience (outside of academia) developing signal processing / EW / SDR / communications / radar-related algorithms.
- Strong understanding of ESM/ELINT/COMINT/SIGINT domain concepts: what is measured, why it matters, and how systems operationalize extracted parameters.
- Demonstrated competency in Python, especially NumPy/SciPy, for algorithm development, experimentation, and performance evaluation.
- Solid grounding in detection theory and practical detector design, including CFAR and thresholding under non-ideal conditions.
- Experience with channelizers, FFT-based processing, and multirate DSP concepts.
- Experience working with SDRs as a user (capture/playback, gain setting, sampling strategy, calibration awareness), and comfort handling IQ datasets and metadata.
- Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and produce high-quality technical documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or closely related) with focus in signal processing, RF, radar, or communications.
- Knowledge of radar signal processing and array signal processing
- Strong working knowledge of digital communications, including OFDM fundamentals.
- Proficiency in C++ for performance-critical implementations or integration into production systems.
- Familiarity with GNU Radio and common SDR stacks.
- Experience with UHD and/or libiio (device configuration, streaming stability, rate/clocking considerations).
- Practical experience with signal inspection/debug tooling (e.g., Inspectrum or equivalent workflows).
- Hands-on comfort with RF lab equipment for validation and bring-up, including spectrum analyzers and signal generators (basic measurements, sanity checks, stimulus/response workflows).
- Experience designing robust deinterleaving and identification pipelines under dense contested emitter environments.
- Familiarity with real-time constraints and acceleration strategies (vectorization, SIMD, multiprocessing, GPU acceleration concepts) and collaboration with FPGA teams.
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and fuel support.
- Continued support for candidates currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program.
- Opportunities for continuous professional growth and skill development.
- Engage in a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Enjoy a positive and enriching work environment, situated in a desirable location.