RF Research Scientist - Spectrum Dominance (Open Rank)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) in Blacksburg, VA, invites applications for an open-rank Research Associate or Research Scientist position within the Spectrum Dominance Division. This role focuses on RF research, real-time systems, and collaboration with government sponsors, with opportunities across SDR, AI/ML for RF, and radar-related applications.

The successful candidate will work on TRL 3–6 projects, engage with sponsors, and contribute to publications while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Proven background in software/hardware development for RF applications.
• Python and C++ as primary development languages.

Responsibilities

• Support 2–3 simultaneous team-based RF research efforts.
• Assist with internal communications and milestones (status updates, code reviews).
• Contribute to final deliverables through documentation, guides, reports, and publications.
• Engage with sponsors via briefings and demonstrations as needed.

Skills

Python

C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer/electrical engineering

Master’s degree in computer/electrical engineering

Tools

GNU Radio

FPGAs

SDR hardware

Job description

Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) in Blacksburg, VA, invites applications for an open-rank Research Associate or Research Scientist position within the Spectrum Dominance Division. This role focuses on RF research, real-time systems, and collaboration with government sponsors, with opportunities across SDR, AI/ML for RF, and radar-related applications.

The successful candidate will work on TRL 3–6 projects, engage with sponsors, and contribute to publications while maintaining