Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer

Actalent; Warrenton (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to support advanced wireless communications, waveforms, and SDR technologies. The role emphasizes DSP algorithm development, software engineering, and integration into larger systems on SDR platforms.

The ideal candidate has strong digital communications theory, hands-on DSP experience, and proficiency with C++, Python, GNU Radio or X-MIDAS, and CUDA. A Secret clearance or ability to obtain one is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in engineering or closely related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing DSP software and communications systems.
• Experience with Docker and containerized software environments.
• Experience supporting SATCOM, tactical radio, or wireless communications programs.
• Experience with software-defined radio frameworks and RF test environments.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and cloud-native deployment environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement DSP algorithms using C++, Python, GNU Radio, X-MIDAS, and CUDA.
• Support the design and testing of communication waveforms, including modulation and demodulation techniques.
• Build, integrate, and evaluate signal processing solutions on SDR platforms.
• Support wireless, satellite, and software-defined communications system development efforts.
• Analyze, debug, and improve DSP software performance and algorithm effectiveness.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and systems engineers to integrate DSP capabilities into larger systems.
• Develop and support Docker-based and containerized software solutions.
• Participate in software testing, verification, and CI/CD activities.
• Support customer demonstrations, integration efforts, and technical reviews.
• Document designs, testing activities, and implementation details.

Skills

C/C++

Python

GNU Radio

X-MIDAS

CUDA

Linux

DSP algorithms

Digital communications theory

Software-defined radio

SDR prototyping

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud-native environments

Job description

Job Title: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to support the development of advanced wireless communications systems, waveforms, and software-defined radio (SDR) technologies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in digital communications theory, DSP algorithm development, and software engineering. This role involves close collaboration with engineers to develop, test, and integrate DSP solutions, offering exposure to advanced communications and signal processing technologies. It is a hands-on engineering role focused on translating technical designs into reliable software and deployable capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement DSP algorithms using C++, Python, GNU Radio, X-MIDAS, and CUDA.
• Support the design and testing of communication waveforms, including modulation and demodulation techniques.
• Build, integrate, and evaluate signal processing solutions on Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms.
• Support wireless, satellite, and software-defined communications system development efforts.
• Analyze, debug, and improve DSP software performance and algorithm effectiveness.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and systems engineers to integrate DSP capabilities into larger systems.
• Develop and support Docker-based and containerized software solutions.
• Participate in software testing, verification, and CI/CD activities.
• Support customer demonstrations, integration efforts, and technical reviews.
• Document designs, testing activities, and implementation details.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, GNU Radio or X-MIDAS, and CUDA.
• Experience with Linux development environments.
• Experience developing or implementing DSP algorithms for communications systems.
• Experience with digital communications theory, wireless communications, signal detection and estimation, modulation and demodulation techniques, and communications waveform development.
• Experience prototyping and validating solutions using Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
• Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing DSP software and communications systems.
• Experience with Docker and containerized software environments.
• Experience supporting SATCOM, tactical radio, or wireless communications programs.
• Experience with software-defined radio frameworks and RF test environments.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and cloud-native deployment environments.

Work Environment

The first month is 100% on-site in Warrenton, transitioning to 2 days a week on-site thereafter. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work on projects from initial concept through deployment. The work environment is highly collaborative.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Warrenton,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.