Senior Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper is seeking a Senior Digital Signal Processing System Engineer to join our Cambridge, MA facility. You will design RF/communications systems, develop DSP algorithms, and contribute to hands-on prototype and field testing for mission-critical programs.

Onsite work, with opportunities to influence both technical and business outcomes. The role requires 5–10 years in RF/communications engineering, a DSP-focused Master’s thesis or equivalent, and strong MATLAB/Python skills.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design RF/communications systems and high-performance waveforms.
• Lead complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Mentor teammates and contribute to business development and proposals.
• Perform analysis and modeling of RF/communications systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet program goals.

Skills

DSP design

MATLAB

Python

RF systems

FPGA/GPU DSP

Test instrumentation

C implementation

Radio frequency knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Software defined radios

RF measurement equipment

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. Typical candidates have 1-5 years of relevant DSP experience and a DSP‑focused Master’s thesis.

Aligned with our goal of developing long-term relationships with Draper staff, we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry.

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

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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.


• 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

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - 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. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

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].