Senior Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Digital Signal Processing System Engineer to support mission‑critical programs with hands‑on engagement in concept and prototype development, including software/firmware, testing, and customer demos. This onsite role leverages our Cambridge facilities.

You will design RF/communications waveforms, develop DSP algorithms, use Matlab/Python, and collaborate across teams while mentoring peers and contributing to proposals.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5–10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design waveforms and algorithms for high performance applications.
• Support signal processing areas of complex engineering projects.
• Develop and maintain expertise in telecommunications technology and network architectures.
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex RF systems and algorithms.
• Provide DSP insight and suggest algorithms based on analysis.
• Mentor less experienced teammates and lead cross-functional teams.
• Involve in business development and proposal activities.

Skills

DSP algorithm design

RF systems knowledge

Matlab/Python for DSP

Embedded software (FPGA/GPUs)

RF test instrumentation

C/C++ DSP implementations

Software Defined Radios

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

RF test equipment

C/C++ development

Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary: As a Senior Digital Signal Processing System Engineer you will support programs to create innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions, for a broad range of highly‑complicated mission needs. You will participate in hands‑on engagement with concept and prototype development, which may include software or firmware coding, test equipment operation, support of system integration, field tests and customer demonstrations. Due to the nature of our customers’ missions, this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently‑renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design waveforms and algorithms suited for high performance applications
• Support signal processing areas of complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Develop and maintain expertise in telecommunications technology and network architectures
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems and algorithms
• Provide DSP insight and suggest associated algorithms based on analysis outcomes
• Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Supports business development activities including development of proposals and engaging with sponsors

Skills/Abilities

• DSP algorithm design and implementation (e.g. FIR filter design, adaptive filtering, channel equalization, application of LMS, Maximum Likelihood and MMSE estimators, multirate signal processing)
• Statistical channel detection/estimation
• Neyman‑Pearson detectors and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
• Experience with wireless communications (4G/5G, MIMO, OFDM)
• Knowledge of RF systems and architecture
• Experience with signal link budget hand calculations
• Experience with embedded software for FPGAs and GPUs
• Hands‑on experience with test equipment for RF measurements
• FPGA, GPU, or C implementation of signal processing algorithms
• Experience programming and utilization of software defined radios
• Very experienced using Matlab and/or python for DSP signal analysis
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willingness to work in highly collaborative team environment
• Excellent self‑management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details

Job Description

• Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Manages complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.
• Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction—contributes to requirements development, proposes ways forward, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency or communications systems.
• Contributes to customer presentations.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Acts actively mentors less experienced teammates and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Ability to lead a cross functional team.
• Involved in business development and proposal activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.
• Skills with RF and Communications software tools.
• Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Education

Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 5–10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $82,300.00 - $220,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.