Radar Systems Engineer - Signal Processing

TerraFirma; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in TerraFirma

Relocation support

Job summary

TerraFirma in Austin, TX is seeking an engineer to own a new DSP system from concept to prototype, spanning hardware and software across analog and digital domains. You will design and test RF frontends, analyze signals, run field tests, and develop algorithms to extract features from RF/EM interactions.

Responsibilities include system architecture, sensor hardware design, FPGA processing, and leading cross-disciplinary teams while mentoring others.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 2+ years of professional or project experience with RF, DSP, or electrical engineering with hands-on hardware development and prototyping.
• Proficiency in fundamentals of signals analysis and electrical engineering.
• Demonstrated experience owning large-scale deliverables, leading teams, and driving product roadmaps.
• Strong background in digital and image signal processing, machine learning, and large dataset handling.

Responsibilities

• Own the electromagnetic sensing system architecture from concept to prototype.
• Design and validate RF frontends and antenna concepts; comfortable with RF circuit and FPGA processing.
• Develop, test, and deploy algorithms in sensor fusion, image processing, and object detection in Python/C++; explore reinforcement learning for higher confidence.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to design, test, and deliver custom hardware and software solutions.
• Take on leadership roles when required, mentor new employees, and actively participate in the hiring process.

Skills

RF

DSP

FPGA

Python

C++

Linux

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

B.S. Computer Engineering

Tools

GNU Radio

Verilog HDL

PCB design

Job description

Overview

At TerraFirma, we’re redefining how the world moves earth for construction. TerraFirma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.

Our Story & Mission: We’ve built experience across space and infrastructure, applying engineering principles of simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation to construction to unlock progress. Accelerating infrastructure unlocks progress across domains and lays groundwork for future technologies.

Job Overview

In this role, you’ll take hands-on ownership of various systems spanning hardware and software, and analog and digital domains. You’ll lead the development of a new DSP system from concept to functional prototype, owning the full hardware and software stack. Daily tasks include designing and testing RF frontends, analyzing digital signals, running field tests, and creating algorithms to detect patterns and synthesize sensor data for extracting meaningful features from RF and EM interactions with the environment. You’ll oversee validation and testing campaigns as needed while building custom hardware.

Responsibilities

• Own the system architecture for an electromagnetic sensing application from concept through first prototype
• Design and validate new sensor hardware; comfortable with RF circuit and antenna concepts and ready to dive into real-time FPGA processing
• Develop, test, and deploy algorithms in sensor fusion, image processing, and object detection in Python/R/C++; explore reinforcement learning for higher confidence
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to design, test, and deliver custom hardware and software solutions
• Take on leadership roles when required, mentor new employees, and actively participate in the hiring process

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• 2+ years of professional or project experience with RF, DSP, or electrical engineering with hands-on hardware development and prototyping
• Proficiency in fundamentals of signals analysis and electrical engineering
• Demonstrated experience owning large-scale deliverables, leading teams, and driving product roadmaps

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Strong background in digital and image signal processing, machine learning, and efficient manipulation of large datasets for high-throughput analysis
• Experience designing or testing radar systems including antennas/frontends targeting the VHF and UHF bands
• Experience with FPGAs, including hardware design, HDL programming, and common low-level and embedded protocols
• Experience prototyping with SDR and open source tools like GNU Radio
• PCB design experience for rapid prototyping, including schematic capture and layout
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python/R, and Linux systems
• Solid understanding of antenna design and analysis
• Experience designing and running test campaigns for qualification/acceptance for custom hardware
• Experience with component selection and integration for SoCs, FPGAs, MCUs, and custom ICs

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical deadlines or triage urgent deployment issues
• Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment
• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.