Principal DSP Engineer

InvestedintheMission; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment seeks a Principal DSP Engineer to lead signal processing for detecting and classifying UAS RF transmissions. The role emphasizes SDR-based systems, real-time DSP, MATLAB/C++ implementations, and collaboration with RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.

Candidates should have 10–15 years in EE or related fields, proficiency in C++ and MATLAB, RF protocol reverse engineering, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization is required.
• Proficiency in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
• Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
• Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
• Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
• Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
• Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

RF signal detection

Reverse engineering RF protocols

SDR systems

Git

AI/ML basics

Education

B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

Git

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to implement and support efforts in detecting and classifying Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platforms using their Radio Frequency (RF) link. The ideal candidate will have experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR) based systems, signal detection, RF protocol (WiFi, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, LoRa,...) decode, and strong software skills. Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
• Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
• Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
• Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
• Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
• Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.

This role will

• Set the strategy and technology roadmap for signal processing and development.
• Influence decision-making and strategic planning for signal programs.
• Determine new areas for software technology introduction or proof-of-concepts based on industry trends.
• Research and evaluation of emerging technology, industry, and market trends to assist in project development and/or operational support activities.
• Lead and mentor a lean team of DSP engineers, driving technical direction, architecture reviews, and task prioritization while remaining hands‑on in core algorithm development.
• Serve as both technical lead and individual contributor, guiding DSP architecture decisions, conducting peer code reviews, and unblocking the engineering team on complex signal processing challenges.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience. Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience.
• Proficient in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
• Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization.
• Strong background in reverse engineering wireless communication protocols.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

$153,500 - $234,250

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR 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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI‑powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

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

U.S. Citizenship required