Principal Signal Processing Engineer

Systemstechnologyresearch; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 284,000; Full time

Job summary

STR’s Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector is seeking a Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher to develop state-of-the-art algorithms for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare. You will lead a team of researchers, work with customers, and collaborate with engineering to demonstrate and optimize over-the-air capabilities.

You will engage with customers to understand requirements, apply advanced signal processing and ML

Qualifications

• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience on EW or Radar programs with development of sensor system modes and advanced signal-processing algorithms.
• 2+ years experience in RF/radar signal processing, optimization, waveform design, electronic warfare, machine learning, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, or systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with customers to understand national security needs and shape solutions.
• Design and apply cutting-edge signal processing and machine learning techniques for radar RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to deploy prototype systems demonstrating advanced capabilities.
• Lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams with strong technical leadership.
• Drive business development and contribute to proposal writing to influence project direction.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Education

Electrical Eng / Applied Math / Physics

Tools

PyTorch

Ray

TensorFlow

MLflow

Job description

About the Team

STR’s Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector’s mission is to develop and apply innovative technology to space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing. Within the SMS Sector, the Space and Counter Space (SCS) team is at the forefront in electronic warfare technologies. Our team strives to bring critical and transformational capabilities to the warfighter through creative ideas and techniques. To realize the value, the team develops both engineering and operational prototypes to demonstrate capabilities in real world environments.

STR takes pride in our ability to address warfighter operational needs. Our core team includes principal investigators, program managers, signal processors, SW developers, FPGA expertise, RF and Electromagnetic engineers, and mechanical design experts. Our facilities support on site build and test (benchtop, anechoic chamber, and over the air). We collaborate with a dynamic group of research engineers across STR, academic researchers, and industry partners to develop practical and effective solutions to RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.

The Role

As a Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher, you will develop and apply state-of-the‑art algorithms and techniques for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare. You’ll engage directly with our customers to understand and address their most critical challenges. You’ll lead a team of researchers in creating innovative system capability and collaborate with the engineering team to develop and demonstrate and optimize over the air state‑or‑the‑art system capabilities.

What you will do

• Engage directly with customers to understand their unique requirements and national security needs, and shape our solutions to meet their objectives
• Design and apply cutting‑edge signal processing and machine learning techniques to solve complex radar and RF sensing and counter‑sensing challenges
• Collaborate with diverse teams, bringing together different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what’s possible
• Lead and inspire multi‑disciplinary teams, guiding them towards success with your technical expertise and leadership skills
• Drive business development initiatives and support proposal writing efforts, playing a key role in shaping the future direction of our projects and organization

Who You Are

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by U.S. Government
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience on EW or Radar programs, including the development of sensor system modes and advanced signal‑and data‑processing algorithms from mathematical/analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance
• 2+ years experience in two or more of the following areas:
  • RF/radar signal processing, optimization, waveform design, electronic warfare, machine learning, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and systems engineering
• Experienced in translating system capabilities into subsystem requirements
• Experienced researcher and team member who is excited to work with mission partners to leverage cutting‑edge technology and research for immediate impact
• Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to a range of audiences including subcontractors, senior level executives, and customers
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better

• Active Secret or TS/SCI Clearance
• Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with:
  • Radar and RF technologies in the defense sector, particularly for RF sensing and electronic warfare applications including electronic attack, electronic protection, cognitive EW, and advanced ESM techniques and algorithms
  • Machine learning tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, semantic segmentation, reinforcement learning, approaches such as Bayesian, deep convolutional and graph neural network methods, and tools such as PyTorch, Ray, TensorFlow/board, and MLflow
  • Interacting with decision‑makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end‑to‑end solution
• Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.