Lead RF Waveform Analyst — DSP, SDR & Protocols

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced RF Waveform Analyst to analyze complex RF signals, develop DSP algorithms, and characterize communications protocols. You will work with SDRs and RF lab gear to advance secure national security solutions.

The role requires 5+ years in RF, DSP, or protocol analysis, a relevant degree, and the ability to mentor engineers and present results to sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in RF communications, waveform analysis, DSP or related.
• Strong understanding of modulation, sampling, filtering, synchronization.
• Experience with AM/FM/PSK/FSK/QAM/OFDM or similar.
• Experience analyzing protocols, packets, network behavior.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, C/C++ for DSP.
• Experience with RF data and I/Q samples.
• Experience with SDR platforms and RF lab gear.
• Ability to work independently and mentor others.
• Excellent communication skills and sponsor-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, characterize RF waveforms and protocols.
• Develop signal processing algorithms and software.
• Evaluate RF systems in lab and field environments.
• Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and communicate results to sponsors.
• Design experiments and build automated RF data tools.

Skills

RF waveform analysis

Digital signal processing

Protocol analysis

Python/MATLAB/C/C++

SDR platforms

I/Q data

Strong communications theory

Independent problem solving

Technical mentorship

Effective written/spoken communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering, CS, Physics, Math or related

Tools

GNU Radio

USRP

RF lab equipment (spectrum/vsa, generators, scopes)

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced RF Waveform Analyst to analyze complex RF signals, develop DSP algorithms, and characterize communications protocols. You will work with SDRs and RF lab gear to advance secure national security solutions.

The role requires 5+ years in RF, DSP, or protocol analysis, a relevant degree, and the ability to mentor engineers and present results to sponsors.