Senior SDR Research Scientist

Peraton; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton Labs in Maryland seeks a poly-cleared Senior Research Scientist to design, prototype, and evaluate SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless and cyber experimentation. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-focused prototypes from research concepts to operational capabilities.

The role requires on-site work near College Park, MD, with opportunities to lead DoD/IC research efforts and present findings through briefs, reports, and publications.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years with a Master’s, or 2+ years with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• 2+ years hands-on experience developing Software Defined Radio solutions
• Strong understanding of RF systems, wireless communications, digital signal processing, and SDR architectures
• Experience with SDR hardware such as USRP/Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar platforms
• Experience working in Linux-based development environments
• Ability to develop, test, troubleshoot, and document research prototypes
• Experience developing SDR or wireless communications using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to stakeholders
• US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
• This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, prototype, and test Software Defined Radio capabilities for wireless communications and networking systems
• Research and implement signal processing, waveform, protocol, and radio frequency techniques to support mission-focused experimentation
• Develop SDR applications and prototypes using tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar
• Work with commercial and open-source SDR platforms, including USRP, Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar
• Support wireless protocol research, analysis, implementation, and experimentation across systems such as LTE, 5G, WiFi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio, or custom waveform environments
• Integrate SDR capabilities with Linux-based systems, networking environments, containers, testbeds, and cyber experimentation platforms
• Conduct lab-based testing, field testing, performance analysis, data collection, and troubleshooting of RF and SDR systems
• Analyze wireless signals, protocol behavior, RF performance, and systems teams to integrate SDR capabilities into larger prototypes
• Communicate findings, technical approaches, and prototype results through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, or publications

Skills

RF systems understanding

Wireless communications

Digital signal processing

SDR architectures

C/C++ programming

Python programming

GNU Radio

MATLAB/Simulink

Strong communication skills

DoD/IC research leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field

Master’s degree in a related technical field

Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

GNU Radio

UHD/USRP

Python

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Job description

Peraton Labs in Maryland seeks a poly-cleared Senior Research Scientist to design, prototype, and evaluate SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless and cyber experimentation. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-focused prototypes from research concepts to operational capabilities.

The role requires on-site work near College Park, MD, with opportunities to lead DoD/IC research efforts and present findings through briefs, reports, and publications.