Principal Systems Engineer, RF Communications & Sensing

Parallel Wireless; United States; Remote; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide senior technical leadership for U.S. Department of War communications solutions. This role involves expertise in software-defined RF systems, AI/ML-enabled networks, and integrated communications. Applicants should possess a Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering and 10+ years of experience in dual-use communications. The role offers the opportunity to shape strategy for O-RAN-based 5G/6G networks and requires US citizenship with security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in wireless dual-use communications, networking, or cognitive systems.
• System-level expertise in software-defined radio and virtualized networks.
• US citizenship required with ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal technical authority for wireless communications.
• Lead customer RFP technical responses and capability white papers.
• Conduct modeling and simulation performance assessments.

Skills

Software-defined RF systems

AI/ML-enabled wireless networks

Adaptive networking

Integrated communications and sensing

RF communications

Mesh networking

Education

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Parallel Wireless is reimagining mobile networks with innovative, energy-efficient Open RAN solutions. Join us as we lead the future of telecommunications, driving innovation through green and sustainable networks. Learn more about our mission, vision and values

Position Summary

The Principal Systems Engineer (Technical SME) provides senior technical leadership for U.S. Department of War and Federal wireless communications, networking, and sensing solutions. This role requires deep expertise in DoW network/communications CONOPS and mission needs, software-defined RF systems, AI/ML-enabled wireless networks, adaptive networking, and integrated communications and sensing.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as principal technical authority for wireless communications, networking, and integrated communications and sensing architectures.
• Primary technical support for Federal/DoW customer engagements
• Lead customer RFP technical responses and capability white papers
• Shape strategy for O-RAN–based 5G/6G, distributed sensing, and cognitive EMSO operations.
• Architect software-defined RF systems integrating communications, networking, and sensing.
• Design AI-driven (O-RAN RIC and applications) resilient wireless networks with adaptive resource management.
• Lead solutioning, architecture, and design of multi-waveform radios, waveforms, and SDN-enabled architectures.
• Conduct modeling, simulation, and performance assessments.
• Advise DoW and Federal leaders on communications, networking, and sensing architectures.
• Lead technical exchanges, CONOPS development, and capability road mapping.
• Provide technical leadership for captures, proposals, and complex programs as Chief Engineer or Technical Lead.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in wireless (tactical and cellular) dual-use communications, networking, sensing, or cognitive systems.
• System-level expertise in software-defined radio (SDR), software-defined networking (SDN/SD-WAN), and virtualized networks.
• Expertise in RF communications, mesh networking, and integrated communications/sensing.
• Experience with 5G/6G, O-RAN, tactical radios, and multi-domain MANET/mesh networks.
• Knowledge of RF sensing, EW awareness, and spectrum operations.
• Experience with DoW, NATO, and joint interoperability architectures (e.g., CMOSS, 3U-VPX).
• Knowledge of DoW and Federal communications requirements and network modernization efforts.
• US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US security clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required for the role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently holding an active U.S. Secret clearance or Top Secret clearance.
• Patents, Publications and standards contributions
• Prior experience as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Technical Fellow.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, please let us know.

Parallel Wireless embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams representing all backgrounds, with a wide range of perspectives, and empowering industry-leading skills. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. Parallel Wireless does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies or individuals. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Parallel Wireless employees, or any other company location. Parallel Wireless is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

Parallel Wireless is expanding the ecosystem for Open RAN with the GreenRAN™ energy-efficient Hardware-Agnostic technology. Deployed worldwide, our comprehensive 2G/3G/4G/5G Macro RAN solutions enhance network security while reducing operating expenses. As pioneers of Open RAN, we prioritize innovation, flexibility, and sustainability to help build a more connected, and green networks. Headquartered in the USA with global R&D centers, we are proud to serve over 60 customers worldwide and have been recognized with over 100 industry awards. Our mission is to accelerate GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero initiative by reducing TCO and driving innovation across the telecom ecosystem. Learn more at www.parallelwireless.com.