Principal Systems Engineer, RF Communications & Sensing

Parallelwireless; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallelwireless is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Technical SME) to provide senior technical leadership for DoW and Federal wireless solutions. The role demands deep expertise in DoW CONOPS, SDR/SDN/SD-WAN, and AI-enabled networks, with broad experience across 5G/6G and integrated sensing.

The candidate will lead technical authority tasks, support RF system architecture, and shape strategy for advanced adaptive networks, interfaces, and multi-domain interoperability.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in wireless, dual-use communications, sensing, or cognitive systems.
• System-level expertise in SDR/SDN/SD-WAN and virtualized networks.
• Expertise in RF communications, mesh networking, and integrated sensing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal technical authority for wireless communications, networking, and integrated sensing architectures.
• Lead customer engagements and technical responses (RFPs) for Federal DoW and other agencies.
• Shape strategy for O-RAN–based 5G/6G and distributed sensing solutions.
• Architect software-defined RF systems integrating communications, networking, and sensing.
• Design AI-driven wireless networks with adaptive resource management.
• Lead multi-waveform radios and SDN-enabled architectures design and validation.
• Conduct modeling, simulation, and performance assessments.
• Advise DoW and Federal leaders on architectures and capabilities.
• Lead technical exchanges, CONOPS development, and capability road mapping.

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMOSS

Job description

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.

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.

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.
• Currently holding an active U.S. Secret clearance or Top Secret clearance.
• 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.