Entry-Level Radar Exploitation Engineer

AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 61,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment in Dayton, Ohio, is seeking an entry-level Radar Exploitation Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will characterize foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar data and help produce technical intelligence for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community.

The role requires a solid foundation in radar fundamentals, hands-on experience with MATLAB or Python, and the ability to communicate results clearly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 0-2 years of experience in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical disciplines.
• Foundational understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, basic waveforms).
• Familiarity with missile kinematics and flight phases (boost, midcourse, terminal).
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for data analysis, modeling, or signal processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate technical results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Help characterize foreign missile systems (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface) using line-of-sight radar data.
• Assist in extracting and interpreting radar‑derived observables (e.g., RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior).
• Support analysis of time‑series radar data to identify flight phases and unique signature features.
• Apply basic signal processing and tracking techniques, under guidance, to derive kinematic/dynamic parameters from radar returns.
• Draft clear written products (technical notes, reports, briefings) that meet IC standards.
• Present findings to teammates and support briefings to NASIC and other stakeholders as experience grows.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of methods and tools for radar-based missile exploitation.

Skills

Radar analysis

RF signal processing

MASINT

SNR

U.S. Citizenship

TS/SCI eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Description

AV’s Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department is seeking an entry-level Radar Exploitation Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will help characterize foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar-collected data and support the production of technical intelligence products for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community.

Worker Type

Regular

Summary

Job Description

AV’s Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department is seeking an entry-level Radar Exploitation Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will help characterize foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar-collected data and support the production of technical intelligence products for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community.

Position Responsibilities

• Help characterize foreign missile systems (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface) using line-of-sight radar data.
• Assist in extracting and interpreting radar‑derived observables (e.g., RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior).
• Support analysis of time‑series radar data to identify flight phases and unique signature features.
• Apply basic signal processing and tracking techniques, under guidance, to derive kinematic/dynamic parameters from radar returns.
• Draft clear written products (technical notes, reports, briefings) that meet IC standards.
• Present findings to teammates and support briefings to NASIC and other stakeholders as experience grows.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of methods and tools for radar-based missile exploitation.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 0-2 years of experience (internships, projects, or coursework) in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical disciplines.
• Foundational understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, basic waveforms).
• Familiarity with missile kinematics and flight phases (boost, midcourse, terminal).
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for data analysis, modeling, or signal processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate technical results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Relevant internships, research, or coursework focused on radar, missile systems, or technical intelligence.
• Exposure to modeling & simulation tools (e.g., STK, radar tracking simulations).
• Familiarity with multi-sensor data (radar, optical/IR) and basic fusion concepts.
• Active Top Secret//SCI clearance level.

Competencies & Work Environment

• Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn complex radar and missile phenomenology.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, classified environment.

Work is performed on-site in secure facilities in or around Wright-Patterson AFB; occasional travel <10-15% may be required.

Salary Range:

$60,500 - $86,100

Location:

Dayton, Ohio (On-site at or near Wright-Patterson AFB)

Organization:

AV Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR

• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR