Senior Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher

STR; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

STR’s Sensors Division seeks a Senior Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer to develop, implement, test, and demonstrate novel signal‑processing, optimization, and machine‑learning algorithms for electronic warfare, radar, and remote‑sensing applications.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to research next‑generation sensing concepts and transition advanced algorithms into integrated systems for lab and field demonstrations.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline with 2–5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar scientific‑computing languages.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing, implementing, testing, or analyzing signal‑processing, optimization, or machine‑learning algorithms.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to translate research objectives and customer needs into practical technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced sensing concepts, signal‑processing algorithms, and machine‑learning techniques for radar, electronic warfare, and remote‑sensing applications.
• Research, design, implement, and evaluate novel algorithms from concept through demonstration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to architect, develop, integrate, and test advanced RF signal‑processing systems.
• Support modeling and simulation activities to evaluate algorithm performance and inform system design.
• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing to assess algorithm performance and transition research into operational prototypes.
• Contribute to technical proposals, customer interactions, presentations, and technical briefings.
• Survey emerging research and incorporate state‑of‑the‑art techniques into practical algorithm solutions.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Job description

About the Team

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on the development of advanced sensor systems and platforms for national security. Our focus areas include airborne, spaceborne, and surface-based radar; electronic warfare; underwater acoustics; hyperspectral imaging; and EO/IR sensing. The division spans RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, systems analysis, and real‑time embedded processor implementation.

APEX Group

The Algorithms, Processing and Experimentation (APEX) Group specializes in advanced signal processing chains and algorithm research for RF/radar modes. We mature technologies for implementation, integration, and operational use in RF-based systems, tailoring work for specific defense and intelligence needs.

About the Role

As a Senior Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer, you will develop, implement, test, and demonstrate novel signal‑processing, optimization, and machine‑learning algorithms for electronic warfare, radar, and remote‑sensing applications. You will collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to research next‑generation sensing concepts and transition advanced algorithms into integrated systems for laboratory and field demonstrations.

A successful candidate will have expertise in signal processing, adaptive radar signal processing, optimization, machine learning, electronic warfare, algorithm development, radar systems, communications systems, RF remote sensing, resource management, modeling and simulation, or related technical fields. Strong analytical and scientific‑programming skills, coupled with the ability to collaborate with researchers, engineers, and customers, are required.

What You Will Do

• Develop advanced sensing concepts, signal‑processing algorithms, and machine‑learning techniques for radar, electronic warfare, and remote‑sensing applications.
• Research, design, implement, and evaluate novel algorithms from concept through demonstration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to architect, develop, integrate, and test advanced RF signal‑processing systems.
• Support modeling and simulation activities to evaluate algorithm performance and inform system design.
• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing to assess algorithm performance and transition research into operational prototypes.
• Contribute to technical proposals, customer interactions, presentations, and technical briefings.
• Survey emerging research and incorporate state‑of‑the‑art techniques into practical algorithm solutions.

Who You Are

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required.
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline with 2–5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar scientific‑computing languages.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing, implementing, testing, or analyzing signal‑processing, optimization, or machine‑learning algorithms.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to translate research objectives and customer needs into practical technical solutions.

Even Better

• Active Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience with radar systems, RF remote sensing, electronic warfare, or communications systems.
• Experience with adaptive signal processing, waveform design, multidimensional signal processing, resource management, or system optimization.
• Experience developing algorithms for real‑time or embedded systems.
• Experience with modeling and simulation, algorithm integration, and system test and evaluation.
• Experience with software development and scientific‑computing workflows.
• Ability to survey technical literature, identify emerging approaches, and transition research into integrated, tested solutions.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.