Principal Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer

Menlo Ventures; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in smart airspace security seeks a Principal Systems Engineer for their Electronic Warfare division in Sterling, Virginia. The role involves design and optimization of cutting-edge EW systems to enhance airspace safety. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in electronic warfare, counter-UAS technologies, and system integration, contributing to national security initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive salary and 401k with employer match

Discretionary paid time off

Paid parental leave for all

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Fitness Programs

Emotional & Mental Wellness support

Learning & Development programs

Snacks in the office

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in electronic warfare systems engineering.
• Hands-on experience with Counter UAS or EW systems.
• Strong understanding of military EW doctrine and CONOPS.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and optimization of EW systems.
• Utilize modeling, simulation, and analysis tools for performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with military and commercial regulations.

Skills

Expertise in RF systems

Signal processing

Electronic countermeasures

Problem-solving

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Company Overview:Dedrone is the world’s most trusted smart airspace security company. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone’s comprehensive, command and control (C2) solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling “good” drones to fly. By leveraging AI/ML, Dedrone is the only solution that provides continuous, autonomous interrogation and verification of drones that enables both multi-sensor and multi-mitigation options onto a single fused "pane-of-glass". Whether on-premise / air-gapped or in the cloud, Dedrone customers can easily detect, track, identify, analyze, and mitigate drone threats.

Your Impact
As a Principal Systems Engineer, Electronic Warfare at Dedrone, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and optimizing cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for airspace security. We are seeking a highly skilled engineer with deep expertise in counter unmanned aerial systems (Counter UAS), Electronic Support (ES), and Electronic Attack (EA), particularly in systems that disrupt or deny communication and navigation. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Counter UAS or other relevant EW systems and a track record of delivering innovative defense solutions.

What You’ll Do

Reports to: Chief Product & Technology Officer, Dedrone

Location: Onsite at our office in Sterling, Virginia

• Systems Engineering & Technical Leadership: Lead the design, integration, and optimization of EW and Counter UAS systems, ensuring they meet performance and operational requirements.
• Requirements Development & Analysis: Define, analyze, and validate system requirements for electronic attack, electronic support, and counter-UAS applications. Work closely with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into technical solutions.
• Modeling & Simulation: Utilize modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to evaluate system performance, conduct trade studies, and optimize system designs.
• Integration & Testing: Develop test plans, oversee system integration, and lead field testing to validate EW capabilities. Work with customers and stakeholders to conduct live system demonstrations and performance assessments.
• Technology Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and advancements in electronic warfare, signal processing, and RF communications to drive innovation and enhance Dedrone’s capabilities.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure adherence to relevant military and commercial regulations, standards, and certifications related to RF and electronic warfare systems.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including military and defense customers, to refine system requirements and ensure mission effectiveness.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in electronic warfare systems engineering, including communication and navigation EW (NAVWAR) and counter-UAS technologies.
• Expertise in RF systems, signal processing, communication protocols, and electronic countermeasures.
• Experience with radar, software-defined radios (SDRs), jamming techniques, and spectrum management.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C++, and/or other simulation and modeling tools for RF and EW system design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of military EW doctrine, CONOPS, and operational requirements.
• Hands-on experience with hardware integration, field testing, and performance validation of EW systems.
• Ability to work in complex development environments and familiarity with agile and predictive engineering processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, analytical mindset, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work

Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Dedrone, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

Dedrone is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Dedrone’s impact on the environment. All Dedrone employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Dedrone employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email [e-mail].