Senior Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer

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

Job summary

Leidos in Arlington, VA seeks an experienced SDR Engineer to design, develop, and deploy high-performance SDR systems using Ettus USRP platforms. You will work on real-time RF signal processing, low-latency streaming, and hardware/software integration close to the SDR hardware layer.

The role requires strong C++ and Python skills, Linux performance optimization, and experience with UHD APIs. You will collaborate across RF front ends, FPGA interfaces, and network transports in a fast-paced EW

Qualifications

• Candidates must have hands-on experience with Ettus USRP platforms (X310/X410, N320/N321, X440, B-Series).
• Experience developing SDR applications in C++ and Python with real-time constraints.
• Strong Linux performance optimization and multithreaded architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced SDR systems using Ettus USRP hardware.
• Develop high-performance SDR applications using C++ and UHD.
• Implement and optimize real-time DSP pipelines and RF streaming architectures.
• Interface with FPGA-based SDR architectures and high-speed Ethernet transport.
• Perform RF system integration, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Modern C++

Python

Linux systems programming

Multithreaded software architectures

Real-time DSP

High-performance SDR concepts

Networking/Socket programming

RF fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Bachelor’s degree in Related technical discipline

Tools

UHD API

Ettus USRP hardware

Red Hat Linux

Job description

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 aSoftware Defined Radio (SDR) Engineerto 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 usingEttus 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++


• Develop high-performance SDR applications using UHD (USRP Hardware Driver)


• Implement and optimize real-time DSP pipelines


• Implement and optimize custom waveform generation


• Implement and optimize modulation/demodulation chains


• Implement and optimize RF streaming architectures


• Implement and optimize high-throughput signal processing systems


• Interface directly with FPGA-based SDR architectures


• Interface directly with high-speed Ethernet transport layers


• Interface directly with 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


• Analyze and optimize timing synchronization


• Analyze and optimize throughput bottlenecks


• Analyze and optimize 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


• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering


• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science


• Bachelor’s degree in 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++


• Strong proficiency in Python


• Strong proficiency in Linux systems programming, including Linux performance optimization


• Strong proficiency in Multithreaded and concurrent software architectures


• Experience deploying systems with Red Hat Linux


• Experience developing with UHD API


• Experience developing with Real-time streaming systems


• Experience developing with High-rate packet processing


• Experience developing with Socket programming


• Experience developing with Low-latency software architectures


• Experience developing with Ettus RF Network On Chip (RFNoC) architecture


• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals


• Strong understanding of Wireless communications systems


• Strong understanding of IQ signal processing


• Strong understanding of Digital modulation techniques


• Strong understanding of Wideband RF architectures


• Strong understanding of Spectrum analysis


• Experience implementing OFDM


• Experience implementing QPSK/QAM


• Experience implementing Channel estimation


• Experience implementing Synchronization algorithms


• Experience implementing FFT/channelization pipelines


• Experience implementing Adaptive filtering


• Experience implementing Signal detection and classification


• Experience implementing 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)


• Experience with SIGINT/ELINT systems


• Experience with Tactical communications


• Experience with Spectrum operations


• Experience with Radar or RF sensing systems


• Familiarity with Xilinx FPGA architectures


• Familiarity with Vivado


• Familiarity with Verilog/VHDL


• Familiarity with Hardware acceleration pipelines


• Experience with 10/40/100 GigE transport


• Experience with GPSDO/PPS synchronization


• Experience with Distributed SDR architectures


• Experience with Real-time operating systems


• Familiarity with MIMO systems


• Familiarity with Beamforming


• Familiarity with 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

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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 $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

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 at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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