Communications Engineer (Experienced) - SEAL - Boston, MA - Open Rank

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI); Smyrna (GA); On-site; USD 160,470 - 230,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Time off

Professional development

Job summary

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in the United States is seeking a senior communications engineer to lead design and prototyping of SDR‑based tactical networks for DoD contracts. You will mentor engineers, guide IRAD initiatives, and partner with DoD agencies to align mission requirements with system capabilities.

The role emphasizes secure, high‑assurance communications, RF system optimization, and development of robust network architectures for defense applications within the SEAL

Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance required for federal contracts.
• Expertise in communication system design, waveform development, and network protocol optimization.
• Track record of secure and reliable tactical communication solutions for military or defense applications.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver results under pressure.
• Proficiency in software-defined radio technologies and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for RF and communication systems.
• Effective communication of technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical reports, white papers, and proposals for moderate/high complexity projects.
• Compile and prepare final report deliverables.
• Propose and lead IRAD programs.
• Create and analyze network protocols.
• Design and prototype advanced SDR systems with novel waveforms.
• Provide technical leadership on secure communications and electronic warfare projects.
• Develop and optimize network architectures for high‑performance tactical systems.
• Oversee testing and characterization of communication systems under varying conditions.
• Liaise with DoD agencies to align project goals with mission‑critical requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers.

Skills

Active Secret Clearance

Communication system design

Waveform development

Network protocol optimization

Software-defined radio

Secure communications

RF system analysis

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related field

Master’s degree in same fields

Ph.D. in same fields

Tools

SDR tools

Network simulation tools

Job description

Overview

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Founded in 1934, GTRI supports research for government and industry with more than 2,900 employees and over 20 labs.

Project / Unit Description

This position is embedded in the Command, Control, and Communication Division (C3D) within the Sensor and Electromagnetic Application Laboratory (SEAL) at GTRI. The team focuses on tactical communications, sensor integration, and data analytics, including AI/ML integration and enhanced battlefield management.

Location

Boston, MA

Job Purpose

Research, design, development, and prototyping of communications equipment and systems using end‑to‑end communications knowledge to architect robust networks, including software‑defined radio (SDR) platforms and advanced tactical networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical reports, white papers, and proposals for moderate/high complexity projects.
• Compile and prepare final report deliverables.
• Propose and lead IRAD programs.
• Create and analyze network protocols.

Additional Responsibilities

• Design and prototype advanced SDR systems with novel waveforms.
• Provide technical leadership on secure communications and electronic warfare projects.
• Develop and optimize network architectures for high‑performance tactical systems.
• Oversee testing and characterization of communication systems under varying conditions.
• Liaise with DoD agencies to align project goals with mission‑critical requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance
• Expertise in communication system design, waveform development, and network protocol optimization.
• Track record of secure and reliable tactical communication solutions for military or defense applications.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver results under pressure.
• Proficiency in software‑defined radio technologies and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for RF and communication systems.
• Effective communication of technical concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Extensive DoD operations, acquisitions, or program management experience.
• Expertise in advanced tactical network protocols and cross‑domain integration.
• Experience leading projects with advanced communication systems into MDS.
• Published research in recognized journals or conferences.

Travel Requirements

10%–25% travel.

Education and Experience

This position vacancy is an open‑rank announcement. Final offer will align with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks.

• 9 years related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer Science, Physics, or Systems Engineering.
• 7 years related experience with a Master’s degree in the same fields.
• 4 years related experience with a Ph.D. in the same fields.

Salary

$160,470 – $230,300 (with a 10% cost‑of‑living premium).

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens due to federal research contracts.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Health and welfare, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, time off, and professional development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a fair and respectful environment for all individuals, following federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy. Eligibility is for all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs.

We prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, except as required by law.