Senior Communications and Signal Processing Engineer

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 206,128 - 250,536; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedule

Retirement plans

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking a Senior Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to drive the development of pioneering communication technologies. The role involves leading technical initiatives in RF and optical communications, focusing on signal processing, data compression, and machine learning.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in related fields, significant experience, and a strong leadership track record. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered, including health plans and flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in related fields with significant experience in telecommunication systems.
• Expertise in RF/optical communications and signal processing development.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in complex project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of business opportunities and technical initiatives.
• Drive R&D in RF and optical digital modems and signal processing.
• Plan and execute technical tasks within the team.

Skills

Telecommunication signal processing

RF communications

Optical communications

Data compression

Machine learning

Education

PhD in electrical engineering or related field

Master's degree with 10 years of experience

Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience

Job description

About the Role

The Advanced Communications & Networking Group within Section 361 is seeking a Senior Communications and Signal Processing Engineer. The group's work includes pioneering contributions to the theory, design, and standardization of turbo codes and low‑density parity‑check (LDPC) codes, as well as efficient algorithms for compressing still and hyperspectral imagery, enabling energy‑efficient and reliable communication of data from NASA/JPL spacecraft instruments to Earth. The group focuses on data compression, RF, optical, and quantum communications, and signal analysis and machine learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of new business opportunities, including proposals, technical approaches, and strategic initiatives.
• Drive research and development in areas such as RF and optical digital modems, adaptive signal processing, optical receivers and arraying systems, advanced modulation and encoding/decoding, synchronization, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and ranging.
• Plan, lead, and execute technical tasks within the Advanced Communications & Networking Group.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across the group and the institution, guiding capabilities, aligning efforts across teams, and representing JPL in collaborations with external partners.
• Contribute to defining capability goals, strategy, and long‑term technical direction.
• Key customers include both NASA and non‑NASA sponsors.

Qualifications

PhD in electrical engineering, signal analysis or similar disciplines with a minimum of 8 years of related work experience; Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years; Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12 years.

Significant expertise in the analysis of telecommunication or communication signal‑processing systems and technology development; extensive understanding and application of advanced principles, theories, and concepts for signal analysis and technical analyses of telecommunications systems; demonstrated application of advanced theories and principles in information theory, source coding, channel coding, detection and estimation theory, digital and adaptive signal processing, RF or optical communications from space.

Significant experience in proposing, developing or executing technology research in one or more of the group’s current technological focus areas: channel coding, modulation, ranging, data compression, RF communications, optical communications, quantum communications, signal processing, and machine learning.

Strong leadership skills with an excellent track record in planning, executing, and implementing complex projects or tasks; demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams; excellent communications, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Recent JPL experience in task and/or project management relating to telecommunication systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with JPL technical sections and divisions, and with JPL program and project offices.
• Record of successful collaboration across organizational boundaries, including scientists, investigators, and partners in industry, academia, and government.
• Experience working with non‑NASA sponsors.
• Willingness to obtain a security clearance.
• Knowledge of Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations across a range of applications.

Location

Pasadena, California.

Compensation

Typical full‑time equivalent annual hiring range: $206,128 – $250,536.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare and childcare support.
• Flexible schedule and parental leave.
• Work‑life balance and health‑promoting culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law. JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO is the Law.