Principal Signal Processing Engineer

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

Job summary

STR’s Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector seeks a Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher to advance radar electronic warfare capabilities. You will develop state-of-the-art algorithms, engage with customers, and lead a team of researchers across RF sensing and counter-sensing projects.

This role requires deep expertise in signal processing, machine learning, and software development (MATLAB/Python/C++), and the ability to translate mission needs into concrete subsystem

Qualifications

• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience on EW or Radar programs, from algorithm development through testing and verification.
• 2+ years in at least two: RF/radar signal processing, optimization, waveform design, electronic warfare, ML, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, or systems engineering.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements and national security needs, shaping solutions to meet 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 to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what is possible.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, guiding them toward success with technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Drive business development initiatives and support proposal writing efforts, shaping the future direction of projects and organization.

Skills

Technical leadership

Excellent communicator

Top Secret clearance

Customer engagement

Education

Electrical Engineering / Applied Mathematics / Physics degree

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

Overview

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, developing both engineering and operational prototypes to demonstrate capabilities in real world environments.

Our core team includes principal investigators, program managers, signal processors, software developers, FPGA expertise, RF and Electromagnetic engineers, and mechanical design experts. We collaborate with research engineers across STR, academic researchers, and industry partners to develop practical solutions to RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.

Locations: Boston, MA; Arlington, VA; Dayton, OH; Melbourne, FL; Carlsbad, CA.

The Role

Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher

Develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for signal detection, classification, autonomous sensor planning, and radar electronic warfare. Engage directly with customers to understand and address their critical challenges, lead a team of researchers, and collaborate with engineering to develop and demonstrate optimized system capabilities.

What you will Do

• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements and national security needs, shaping solutions to meet 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 to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what is possible
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, guiding them toward success with technical expertise and leadership skills
• Drive business development initiatives and support proposal writing efforts, shaping the future direction of projects and organization

Who You Are

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience on EW or Radar programs, from algorithm development through testing and verification
• 2+ years experience in at least two of: RF/radar signal processing, optimization, waveform design, electronic warfare, machine learning, adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and systems engineering
• Experience translating system capabilities into subsystem requirements
• Experienced researcher and team member eager to work with mission partners and leverage cutting‑edge technology for immediate impact
• Excellent communicator, able to develop and tailor technical briefs for subcontractors, senior executives, and customers
• Proficiency in at least one scientific or mathematical programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or 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 related discipline
• Experience with radar and RF technologies in defense sector, particularly for RF sensing and electronic warfare applications including electronic attack, protection, cognitive EW, and advanced ESM techniques and algorithms
• Machine learning tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, semantic segmentation, reinforcement learning, Bayesian, deep convolutional and graph neural network methods, and tools such as PyTorch, Ray, TensorFlow, and MLflow
• Interaction with decision‑makers and customers to translate mission needs into end‑to‑end solutions
• Application of novel, interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $206,000 – $284,000

EEO Statement

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.