Mid-Level Radar Exploitation Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a mid-level Radar Exploitation Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will lead analytic efforts to characterize foreign missile systems and deliver high-impact intelligence products to senior decision-makers and the IC.

Responsibilities include extracting radar-derived observables, analyzing time-series data, and producing clear technical reports and briefings. On-site work with opportunity for limited travel; U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in engineering or related field.
• 3–6 years of radar/missile analysis experience.
• Strong radar fundamentals knowledge (CW/pulsed/Doppler, SNR, detection, tracking).
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python for signal processing and analysis.
• US Citizenship required; ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead characterization of foreign missile systems using radar data across missile classes.
• Extract and interpret radar observables (RCS, kinematics, propulsion phases).
• Analyze time-series radar data to identify flight phases and signatures.
• Apply advanced signal processing and tracking to derive parameters.
• Produce technical intelligence reports and briefings for IC stakeholders.

Skills

Radar analysis

Signal processing

MATLAB

Python (NumPy/SciPy)

Technical documentation

US Citizenship

TS/SCI clearance

Data analysis

Kinematic analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE/Physics/Math/AE/CE

Master’s degree in EE/Radar/Physics

Tools

STK

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryAV is seeking a mid-level Radar Exploitation Engineer with experience in radar-based missile analysis to provide advanced technical intelligence support to NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will lead analytic efforts to characterize foreign missile systems and deliver high-impact intelligence products to senior decision-makers and the broader Intelligence Community.Position ResponsibilitiesLead characterization of foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar–collected data across multiple missile classes (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface).Extract, analyze, and interpret radar-derived missile observables (RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior, engagement geometry).Analyze time-series radar data to identify flight phases and system-unique signature features.Apply advanced signal processing and tracking techniques to derive kinematic and dynamic parameters from radar returns.Produce clear, concise technical intelligence products (reports, briefings) that meet IC standards and withstand peer review.Brief findings to NASIC analysts, DoD program offices, and other IC stakeholders.Help develop and refine analytic methods, models, tools, and tradecraft for radar-based missile exploitation.Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related field.Approximately 3–6 years of relevant experience in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical intelligence work (graduate education may substitute for some experience).Strong understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, CW/pulsed/pulse-Doppler/FMCW/pulse-compression waveforms).Experience analyzing missile kinematics, trajectories, and flight phases.Hands-on experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for signal processing, modeling, and data analysis.Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and brief technical results to varied audiences.Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.U.S. Citizenship required.Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance; Active TS/SCI strongly preferred.Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesMaster’s degree in EE, RF Engineering, Radar Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.Prior experience directly supporting NASIC or other IC/DoD analysis centers focused on missile or air/space threat systems.Demonstrated expertise in trajectory reconstruction, RCS/signature analysis, and performance/vulnerability assessments for air and missile defense.Experience with modeling & simulation tools (e.g., STK, radar tracking simulations, missile engagement models).Familiarity with multi-sensor fusion and IC analytic tools/databases.Competencies & Work EnvironmentStrong technical curiosity and initiative; ability to operate with increasing independence.Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, classified environment alongside government, military, and contractor personnel.Work is performed on-site in secure facilities in or around Wright-Patterson AFB; occasional travel (<10–15%) may be required.Salary Range: $74,500 to $140,000ITAR 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.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.Who We AreBased 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 DoBuilding 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