Principal Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer

Digital Prospectors; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Prospectors seeks a Principal Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer in Cambridge, MA, onsite. The role leads complex RF and signal processing efforts, with responsibilities in customer engagement, technical leadership, and new business development.

A Secret clearance is required, and the project is a 12+ month contract performed onsite in a secure lab environment. The candidate will mentor engineers, develop technical strategies, and collaborate with program managers to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in RF or communications engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of RF systems and architecture.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex problems, including developing requirements and adapting to changing needs.
• Analyze organizational strategy and work with management to build capabilities for long-term growth.
• Help customers shape needs and develop requirements for programs addressing technical problems.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor others; contribute to capability expansion and hiring.
• Support business development activities including proposal development and sponsor engagement.

Skills

RF systems

RF measurements

Signal processing

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

B.S. in electrical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

RF software tools

RF instrumentation

Job description

Position: Principal Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer

Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)

Length: 12+ Month Contract

Active Secret clearance required

Job Description

The Principal Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer will work directly with customers and program managers to develop innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions for highly complex mission needs. This role includes advanced systems analysis, hands‑on prototype development, and technical leadership across signal processing efforts.

The successful candidate will contribute at a senior level to technical strategy, customer engagement, business development, hiring, mentoring, and university outreach. This position is performed onsite due to the nature of the customer missions and the need for close collaboration in a secure laboratory and development environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex problems, including developing requirements, proposing paths forward when requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapting to changing needs.
• Analyze organizational strategy and work with management to build capabilities that support long-term business growth.
• Help customers shape needs and develop requirements for programs that address their most challenging technical problems.
• Advance state-of-the‑art solutions and techniques in the field.
• Contribute to capability expansion, talent acquisition, and mentoring of graduate students.
• Prepare and deliver customer presentations that build confidence in the organization and its work.
• Provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis results, applying analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identify program‑and system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to support program goals.
• Lead cross‑functional teams.
• Support business development activities, including proposal development and sponsor engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in radio frequency or communications engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of RF systems and architecture.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with RF and communications software tools.
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong management and organizational skills, including proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and maintain attention to detail.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED. Digital Prospectors is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Digital Prospectors affirms the right of all individuals to equal opportunity and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.