Senior Scientist

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

STR's Maritime Domain Applications Group seeks a Senior Scientist to create advanced sensing concepts, develop algorithms, and demonstrate sensor demonstrations. You will work with strong analytical teams across signal processing, radar, optics, or related disciplines to translate math into high‑performance software for real-world systems.

The role emphasizes robust modeling, simulation, and collaboration with software and systems engineers to deploy fielded solutions.

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years of experience in related fields.
• MS with 3+ years of experience or PhD in a technical field.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or other scientific computing languages.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop new algorithms and system concepts for advanced sensing applications.
• Apply mathematics, physics, signal processing, optimization, and computational techniques to real-world problems.
• Model and simulate complex sensing systems, environments, and new sensing paradigms.
• Develop and evaluate algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and other tools.
• Translate algorithms and prototypes into efficient implementations for fielded systems.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and test advanced sensing capabilities.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Analytical skills

Education

BS with 5+ years

MS with 3+ years

PhD in Electrical Engineering/CS/Math/Physics

Job description

About the Team

The Maritime Domain Applications (MDA) Group is seeking a Senior Scientist to develop advanced sensing concepts utilizing adaptive signal processing, resource management, and advanced algorithm development, as well as executing advanced sensor concept demonstrations.

The Role:

A successful candidate will have a strong technical foundation and an interest in solving challenging problems in sensing, signal processing, and complex physical systems. Relevant backgrounds may include signal processing, radar, optical or remote sensing, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, optimization, or related disciplines. Specific radar sensor experience is valuable but not required—we are interested in people who can bring strong analytical skills and new perspectives to difficult sensing problems.

Our work spans the development of new algorithms and sensing concepts through their implementation in efficient software for real-world systems. Candidates may contribute by developing advanced algorithms, modeling complex sensing environments, exploiting underlying physics, applying AI/ML techniques, or translating mathematical concepts into high-performance software. This position involves working as part of multidisciplinary teams to develop, analyze, implement, and test solutions to challenging sensing problems. Strong technical, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills are desired.

What you will do:

• Develop new algorithms and system concepts for advanced sensing applications
• Apply mathematics, physics, signal processing, optimization, and computational techniques to challenging real-world problems
• Model and simulate complex sensing systems, environments, and new sensing paradigms
• Develop and evaluate algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and other computational tools
• Work with software and systems engineers to translate algorithms and prototypes into efficient implementations for fielded systems
• Work as part of a small, focused, multidisciplinary team to develop, implement, and test advanced sensing capabilities

Who you are:

• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government
• BS with 5+ years of experience, MS with 3+ years of experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or other scientific computing or higher-level programming languages
• Strong mathematical, analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability and interest in learning new technical domains and applying your expertise to unfamiliar and challenging problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams

Even Better:

• Active Secret or Top Secret (TS) clearance
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field
• Experience developing algorithms for signal processing, sensing, estimation, detection, tracking, optimization, autonomy, or related applications
• Experience modeling physical systems or using computational methods to understand complex environments
• Experience with radar or optical systems, remote sensing, multi-dimensional signal processing, waveform design, system optimization, or multi-function phased-array apertures
• Experience translating algorithms from research or prototype implementations into efficient C/C++ or other production software
• Experience optimizing algorithms for real-time, embedded, or resource-constrained systemsExperience applying AI/ML techniques to signal processing, sensing, or physical systems

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 a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can’t do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

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.