Radar Signal Processing Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

TDY travel 5-10%

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio seeks a Radar Signal Processing and Systems Engineer to lead R&D in multifunction digital arrays and radar modes for Air Force programs. You will drive modeling, simulations, and develop advanced DSP techniques, influencing both in-house and major acquisition efforts.

Ideal candidates have strong C/C++, Python, and MATLAB skills, a proven record of independent work, and the ability to present technical results to senior audiences.

Qualifications

• Degree in science or engineering is required.
• Specialized radar engineering and signal processing experience is required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced radar modes and digital signal processing techniques.
• Conduct modeling, simulation, and analysis to validate system performance.
• Lead design, test, and evaluation of surveillance sensor software and hardware.

Skills

Radar engineering

Radar signal processing

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Technical leadership

Strong communication

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Education

Professional science or engineering degree

Tools

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 21 October 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 21 October 2026.

The AFRL Information & Spectrum Warfare Directorate is seeking a driven and innovative Radar Signal Processing and Systems Engineer to join our team in Dayton, Ohio. This position is ideal for an Electronics Engineer, Electrical Engineer, or Computer Scientist with experience in radar systems, radar signal processing, radar algorithms, or radar-mode development.

As a key member of our research team, you will independently plan, lead, and conduct research and development in multifunction digital arrays. Your work will directly contribute to state-of-the-art radar modes for both in-house projects and major Air Force acquisition programs.

• Design, develop, and implement advanced radar modes and digital signal processing techniques.
• Conduct in-depth modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) to validate system performance.
• Lead the design, test, and evaluation of surveillance sensor software and hardware.
• Oversee data collection efforts to support research and development initiatives.
• Provide critical technical oversight for Air Force-sponsored contractual efforts.
• This role requires a high degree of autonomy and technical leadership. You will be empowered to:
• Serve as a subject matter expert, presenting detailed scientific findings to peers, senior leaders, and external organizations.
• Author and co-author technical papers reporting on the results of your investigations.
• Evaluate engineering analyses from academic and industry partners, providing expert scientific judgment.
• Represent the Air Force Research Laboratory as a technical authority in your field.

Required Qualifications

• United States citizenship
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, DR-1, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes radar engineering and signal processing; developing, maturing, and/or producing sensors, sense-making, autonomy, or spectrum-warfare technologies; developing and managing technical research and development programs; systems engineering; and leading cross-organizational teams. SES is not required for Scientist and Engineering positions (DR).
• Applicant must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf . Or https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N); experience is 4 years; and the selectee will have 60 months to meet APDP requirements, or a waiver must be obtained. *Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications in their resume.
• This position is eligible for situational telework and will require routine mission travel, work in classified environments, and in-person meetings that cannot always be scheduled around a regular or recurring telework schedule. The employee must live within the commuting area of Wright-Patterson AFB.
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance; this position is Special Sensitive.
• Proficient with programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and MATLAB.
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical and senior-leader audiences.
• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and able to meet deadlines.
• Open to collaboration and able to work productively as part of a team.
• Proficient in digital signal processing.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution.
• Knowledge of RF/radar modes, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and/or moving target indication (MTI).
• Knowledge of radio-frequency components, including antennas, amplifiers, filters, mixers, and analog-to-digital converters.
• Experience related to the research and development of radar systems and concepts.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare.
• Familiarity with open-architecture standards.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• RF experimentation and test-and-evaluation experience.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

• 0854
• 0855
• 1550

Additional Information

• The position requires official travel (Temporary Duty or TDY) approximately 5-10% of the time
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing, including one at the time of hiring
• Requisition Number 01399

Posting End Date

10/21/2026