Senior Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer

Leidos LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced SDR Engineer in Arlington, VA to design, develop, and deploy advanced SDR systems using Ettus USRP hardware. You will implement and optimize real-time DSP pipelines and high-throughput signal processing for real-time RF applications close to the hardware layer.

The role requires strong C++, Python, and Linux experience, with multi-threaded architectures and RF front-end integration. Occasional travel up to 15% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience with Ettus USRP platforms.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Python, Linux, and real-time software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced SDR systems using Ettus USRP hardware.
• Implement and optimize real-time DSP pipelines and high-throughput signal processing.
• Develop software for low-latency RF applications and interface with FPGA-based SDR architectures.
• Perform RF system integration, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Travel up to 15%.

Skills

C++

Real-time DSP

Linux systems programming

UHD/USRP

Multithreading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

UHD (USRP Hardware Driver)

Xilinx Vivado

Verilog/VHDL

Job description

Today, Electronic Warfare (EW) is a growing enterprise - protecting the warfighter and our national security against ever-adapting threats. Our division currently has an exciting opportunity for a Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer to perform design, development, and hardware/software integration in Arlington, VA for the Electronic Warfare Division. Our division primarily focuses on research & development and advanced prototyping, transforming state-of-the-art signal processing algorithms into real-time software systems deployed on advanced RF platforms. The successful candidate will be an individual contributor responsible for designing, developing, and integrating high-performance SDR solutions using Ettus Research USRP platforms. This role requires expertise in real-time RF signal processing, low-latency streaming architectures, and software development close to the hardware layer. The ideal candidate is comfortable building production-grade SDR systems from the ground up and optimizing them for demanding operational environments.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, develop, and deploy advanced SDR systems using Ettus Research USRP hardware Develop high-performance SDR applications using: C++ UHD (USRP Hardware Driver) Implement and optimize: Real-time DSP pipelines Custom waveform generation Modulation/demodulation chains RF streaming architectures High-throughput signal processing systems Interface directly with: FPGA-based SDR architectures High-speed Ethernet transport layers RF front ends and synchronization systems Develop software for low-latency and real-time RF applications Perform RF system integration, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting Analyze and optimize: Spectral performance Timing synchronization Throughput bottlenecks RF impairments Integrate SDR platforms into larger communications, sensing, or EW architectures Produce technical documentation, interface definitions, and software architecture artifacts Support lab and field testing activities, travel up to 15%.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in: Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Related technical discipline Must have 8+ years of expereince including strong hands-on experience with: Ettus Research USRP platforms (X310/X410, N320/N321, X440, B-Series platforms) Strong proficiency in: Modern C++ Python Linux systems programming, including Linux performance optimization Multithreaded and concurrent software architectures Experience deploying systems with Red Hat Linux Experience developing with: UHD API Real-time streaming systems High-rate packet processing Socket programming Low-latency software architectures Ettus RF Network On Chip (RFNoC) architecture Strong understanding of: RF fundamentals Wireless communications systems IQ signal processing Digital modulation techniques Wideband RF architectures Spectrum analysis Experience implementing: OFDM QPSK/QAM Channel estimation Synchronization algorithms FFT/channelization pipelines Adaptive filtering Signal detection and classification Time/frequency synchronization.

Position requires an active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with: Electronic Warfare (EW) SIGINT/ELINT systems Tactical communications Spectrum operations Radar or RF sensing systems Familiarity with: Xilinx FPGA architectures Vivado Verilog/VHDL Hardware acceleration pipelines Experience with: 10/40/100 GigE transport GPSDO/PPS synchronization Distributed SDR architectures Real-time operating systems Familiarity with: MIMO systems Beamforming SATCOM architectures Active Top Secret clearance preferred.

Desired Traits

Strong systems engineering mindset Ability to troubleshoot complex RF/software interactions Comfortable working directly with hardware in lab and field environments Capable of building production-grade SDR software from the ground up Strong debugging, optimization, and performance tuning skills Self-starter capable of operating in fast-paced R&D environments.

NKE ElectronicWarfare If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

May 21, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

$107,900.00 - $195,050.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.