GNSS Digital Signal Processing Research Associate

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer‑paid medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratories at UT Austin seeks a GNSS Digital Signal Processing Research Associate to advance DSP techniques for GPS/GNSS and RF applications on the Space and Geophysics Laboratory team.

The role involves independent research, publication, and collaboration. Requirements include a PhD in a related field and experience with C++/Python, Linux, and scientific computing; US citizenship is required and travel may be involved.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, engineering, or applied science.
• Demonstrated ability to develop software in C++ or Python for scientific computing.
• Post‑graduate experience in developing statistical and computational algorithms.
• Record of peer‑reviewed scientific publications.
• Ability to present technical content to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑level independent DSP research relevant to SGL interests.
• Present and publish research internally and externally; engage with sponsors and conferences.
• Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment.
• Define interfaces between program components and document implementations clearly.
• Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.

Skills

C++

Python

Scientific computing

Peer‑reviewed publications

Technical leadership

Time management

Education

PhD in physics/engineering/applied science

Tools

Linux

Git & GitHub/GitLab

Job description

GNSS Digital Signal Processing Research Associate

Purpose

Applied Research Laboratories is a University Affiliated Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin, located on the Pickle Research Campus in North Austin. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security. Within ARL:UT, the Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL) engages in research in electromagnetic propagation, geo-positioning, and remote sensing. The lab monitors the long‑term performance of GPS, addresses the specification of government geodetic‑quality GPS receivers, and designs and executes government tests for industry‑produced receivers. We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Digital Signal Processing (DSP) team. As a member of the team, you will be researching and developing new DSP techniques for GPS, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and other radio frequency (RF) applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑level independent digital signal processing research relevant to the interests of SGL.
• Present and publish your research, both internally and externally. This may involve participating in project reviews and technical interface meetings to present designs and test results to sponsors and other external organizations, as well as publishing work in scientific journals and presenting work at conferences.
• Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment.
• Work closely with team members to define interfaces between program components.
• Document implementations thoroughly and clearly.
• Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other full‑time employees and student employees.
• Provide technical leadership and identify new directions for research.
• Other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in physics, engineering, other applied science(s).
• Experience developing software in C++ or Python for scientific computing applications.
• One or more years post‑graduate experience developing statistical and computational algorithms.
• Demonstrated record of authoring peer‑reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated record of presenting scientific content to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time.
• The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with diverse groups of clients.
• Able to work under pressure and accept supervision.
• Regular and punctual attendance.
• 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

• Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of results of processing digital receiver data.
• Experience with any of the following: software‑defined radio, multi‑rate signal processing, HF radio, remote sensing, radar, wireless communications, RF signal processing, radio astronomy/interferometry, ionosphere, geodesy, reference frames, orbital mechanics, and digital design.
• Experience designing, implementing, and deploying robust scientific software.
• Experience with high‑performance computing.
• Experience processing GNSS carrier phase signals.
• Experience using GNSS hardware and techniques for precise geo‑positioning.
• Experience in writing proposals for and leading externally funded research projects.
• Experience modeling or employing models of geophysical phenomena.
• Experience estimating orbits of spacecraft and satellites.
• Experience employing statistical estimation techniques.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or similar.
• Experience developing on Linux and Windows platforms, including terminal‑based environments (bash), version control (Git and GitHub/GitLab), and cloud services (such as AWS).
• Proficiency with LaTeX.
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Salary Range

$120,000-$165,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Benefits

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

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

Required Materials

• Resume/CV work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts
• Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc. Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing. Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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 you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees 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.

Gallery

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Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll‑free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco‑free Campus