Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineering Scientist - GNSS

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineering Scientist focused on GNSS at the PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS. You will implement and optimize real-time signal processing algorithms with strong software engineering skills, emphasizing implementation over design.

This role requires collaboration with hardware, firmware, and software teams to deliver robust GNSS solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in engineering or related field.
• Three years of experience in digital signal processing.
• Proficiency in Python or C or C++ for algorithm implementation.
• Understanding of real-time processing constraints and optimization techniques.
• Ability to work with cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GNSS signal processing algorithms including acquisition, tracking, correlation, and demodulation.
• Translate mathematical models and specifications into efficient software implementations.
• Optimize algorithms for performance, latency, memory, and power constraints.
• Prototype and validate algorithms through simulation and testing.
• Implement DSP algorithms in Python/C/C++ for real-time performance on target platforms.
• Develop and maintain reusable signal processing libraries and components.
• Perform code reviews and ensure implementation quality.
• Debug and resolve signal processing issues.
• Integrate DSP components into larger systems and applications.
• Work with hardware teams to implement algorithms on target platforms.
• Define interfaces and APIs for signal processing modules.
• Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware teams on system architecture.
• Document algorithm designs, specifications, and implementation details.
• Maintain code in version control.
• Adhere to coding standards and best practices.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Real-time processing

GNSS signal processing

Algorithms

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer or information science, or other applied sciences

Tools

Git

Linux

Job description

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineering Scientist - GNSS

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details

Purpose: This position will implement and optimize algorithms that combine strong mathematical foundations with software engineering skills to create efficient, real-time signal processing solutions, with a primary focus on implementation over algorithm design and development.

Responsibilities

• Algorithm Design & Development: Design and develop GNSS signal processing algorithms including acquisition, tracking, correlation, and demodulation. Translate mathematical models and specifications into efficient software implementations. Optimize algorithms for performance, latency, memory, and power constraints. Prototype and validate algorithms through simulation and testing.
• Implementation & Optimization: Implement DSP algorithms in Python/C/C++ or other appropriate languages. Optimize code for real-time performance on target platforms. Develop and maintain reusable signal processing libraries and components. Perform code reviews and ensure implementation quality. Debug and resolve signal processing issues.
• Signal Analysis & Modeling: Analyze GNSS signals in various domains. Develop simulation models and other testing methodologies to validate algorithms. Characterize system performance under various operating conditions. Investigate and resolve signal processing anomalies.
• System Integration & Collaboration: Integrate DSP components into larger systems and applications. Work with hardware teams to implement algorithms on target platforms. Define interfaces and APIs for signal processing modules. Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware teams on system architecture.
• Documentation & Best Practices: Document algorithm designs, specifications, and implementation details. Create and maintain technical specifications. Maintain code in version control. Adhere to coding standards and best practices.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer or information science, or other applied sciences.
• Three years of experience in digital signal processing or related field
• Strong foundation in signal processing theory
• Proficiency in Python or C or C++ for algorithm implementation
• Understanding of real-time processing constraints and optimization techniques
• Understanding of discrete-time signals and systems
• Knowledge of spectral analysis and transforms
• Familiarity with common filter designs and implementations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GNSS signal processing
• Experience with signal processing simulation tools
• Experience with embedded processors, GPUs, or FPGAs for signal processing
• Familiarity with receiver architectures for satellite navigation
• Knowledge of carrier-phase tracking and positioning algorithms
• Experience with hardware description languages such as Verilog or VHDL
• Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) front-end systems
• Experience with CPU-based high performance computing clusters for signal processing
• Experience with software defined radios/receivers
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
• Ten or more years experience in digital signal processing
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Benefits and Compensation

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Salary Range: $104,000 - $174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and may be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.