Senior RF Systems Engineer (SDR)

Trusted Concepts, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 145,353 - 218,030; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Two Six Technologies is seeking a Senior RF Systems Engineer to develop software for DSP/SDR systems in Herndon, VA. You will lead architecture design, software development, testing, and debugging for R&D programs.

The role emphasizes RF signal generation, protocol analysis, and reverse engineering, with autonomy to define toolchains and lab setups. Expect collaboration across teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 5+ years of DSP and SDR development experience.
• Extensive RF reverse engineering experience.
• Ability to generate and synthesize complex RF signals.
• Experience in SIGINT or telecom systems development.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer COTS devices to map reception logic.
• Decode RF protocols and PRN codes from signals.
• Synthesize custom RF waveforms based on parameters.
• Detect, identify, and decode captured RF waveforms and signals.
• Perform RF reception/transmission with baseline modulations.
• Implement SDR solutions in a Linux environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in rapid prototyping.
• Validate generated signals in lab facilities with SDR platforms.
• Provide SME in signal generation, RF reverse engineering, and DSP.

Skills

DSP development

SDR development

RF reverse engineering

Signal generation

Linux environments

Education

Engineering/CS degree

Tools

Ghidra

AGI STK

Linux

Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

Overview Of Opportunity

Two Six Technologies is seeking a Senior RF Systems Engineer to develop software for DSP/SDR systems. Engineers will perform architecture design, software development, testing, analysis, and debugging to support R&D programs in Herndon, Virginia. The engineer will have the autonomy to define their toolchains, guide lab build-outs, and select the SDR platforms and software required for the work. The primary focus of this role is RF signal generation, protocol analysis, and signal reverse engineering.

What You Will Do (Responsibilities)

• Reverse engineer COTS devices to map reception logic, with the objective of generating downlink messages to the device via simulated signals.
• Reverse engineer complex RF protocols, focusing on isolating, analyzing, and decoding Pseudo-Random Noise (PRN) codes.
• Synthesize and generate custom RF waveforms based on reverse-engineered signal parameters.
• Detect, identify, and decode captured RF waveforms and complex communication signals.
• Perform RF signal reception and transmission using various baseline modulation schemes (e.g., FSK, PSK, QAM).
• Implement custom SDR solutions using existing COTS platforms and software in a Linux environment.
• Solve technical challenges in communications, signal collection, data processing, and electronic warfare domains.
• Execute experiments and validate generated signals in laboratory facilities using SDR platforms and RF signal test equipment.
• Provide subject matter expertise in signal generation, RF reverse engineering, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams in a rapid prototyping environment.

What You Will Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required
• Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent practical, military, or intelligence community experience.
• Minimum 5 years of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Software Defined Radio (SDR) development experience.
• Extensive experience in RF reverse engineering, including deriving transmission parameters and regenerating target signals.
• Proven ability to generate and synthesize complex RF signals and waveforms.
• Experience in SIGINT, commercial telecom, cellular, or general communications systems development and testing.
• Ability to architect and implement digital signal processing and SDR solutions, with an emphasis on software and algorithmic implementations.

Nice If You Have (Preferred)

• Familiarity with the signal structures, modulations, and protocols of space-based systems (e.g., GPS L1/L2, GNSS, SATCOM).
• Experience working with space-dominant modulations like QBPSK and BOC (Binary Offset Carrier).
• Experience with Ghidra and firmware reverse engineering.
• Deep understanding of digital communication concepts, including Forward Error Correction (FEC), Viterbi and Reed-Solomon decoding, interleaving, and framing analysis.
• Experience with satellite simulation software (e.g., AGI STK) or practical knowledge of handling space-related signal phenomena, such as extreme Doppler shift mitigation.

Security Clearance

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary Range

• $145,353 - $218,030 USD

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff...

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