Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Engineer

PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein); Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 284,000; Full time

Job summary

STR is seeking a Principal Engineer to develop state-of-the-art RF sensing and electronic warfare algorithms and to lead multi-disciplinary teams across STR campuses. You will mentor researchers, drive prototypes from concept to operational capability, and engage with customers to shape innovative technical solutions for national security needs.

Ideal candidates have 8–12+ years in radar/EW, strong leadership, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of relevant experience in radar, EW, or RF sensing fields.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams across projects.
• Experience transitioning research into prototype capabilities for defense applications.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance (US citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary technical teams and guide program directions.
• Architect advanced RF sensing and EW algorithms from concept to prototype.
• Engage with customers to define requirements and tailor solutions.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical direction across programs.
• Transition new technologies from research to field-ready prototypes.
• Support proposal development and business development initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Radar/EW domain knowledge

RF sensing

Signal processing

Project management

Customer interaction

Communication

Mathematical background

Team mentorship

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Modeling & Simulation tools

Job description

About the Team:

The Electronic Warfare and Novel Capabilities Group (EWNC) develops and delivers advanced signal processing algorithms and prototype systems for next-generation radar and electronic warfare technologies.

EWNC fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. We investigate cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with engineers across STR, academic researchers, and industry partners to develop practical solutions to RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges. Our engineers are empowered to pursue innovative technical ideas, engage directly with customers, lead multidisciplinary teams, and transform advanced research into prototype capabilities that address the nation's most challenging RF sensing and electronic warfare problems.

The Role:

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to develop state-of-the‑ard algorithms for RF sensing, sensor decision‑making, and autonomous electronic warfare. Areas of interest include signal detection and classification, electronic support measures, electronic attack, electronic protection, cognitive EW, and advanced RF sensing technologies. Y ou will lead projects and proposal efforts, lead and advise fellow researchers, scientists, and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses. You will partner with customers to understand their missions and develop innovative technical approaches, proposal strategies, and program plans that address their current and future needs.

What you will do:

• Lead multidisciplinary technical teams
• Architect advanced RF sensing and EW algorithms from concept to operational prototype
• Engage directly with customers to understand their unique requirements and national security needs, and shape our solutions to meet their objectives
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical direction across programs
• Transition new technologies from research into operational prototypes
• Design and apply cutting‑edge signal processing to solve complex RF sensing and counter‑sensing challenges
• Support business development initiatives and lead proposal efforts that help shape the future technical direction of our programs and organization

Who You Are:

• This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
• Typical 8-12+ years of relevant experience depending on education and demonstrated expertise
• Demonstrated leadership in radar, EW, RF sensing, or related defense technologies
• Experience on EW or radar programs, including the development of system modes and advanced signal‑and data‑processing algorithms from mathematical/analytic‑derivation through testing and verification of system performance
• Expertise in two or more of the following areas:
  • RF sensing and radar signal processing
  • Electronic warfare
  • Optimization
  • Waveform design
  • Adaptive signal processing
  • AI/ML for RF applications
  • Modeling & simulation
  • Systems engineering
• Experience briefing technical work to customers, senior executives, and multidisciplinary audiences
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
• Experienced researcher and technical leader who thrives in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
• Excellent communicator and briefer, who is comfortable communicating with both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better:

• Active Secret or TS/SCI Clearance
• Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

Join EWNC and help shape the future of RF sensing and electronic warfare by developing innovative technologies that transition from advanced research into operational prototype systems. While this position is ideally suited for a Principal Engineer, applicants whose qualifications closely align with the requirements are encouraged to apply. We have opportunities for talented engineers at multiple experience levels in our MA, VA, and OH offices.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $206,000 - $284,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning enviro