Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer to join our team in the Maryland area. You will lead R&D on advanced wireless signal processing, focusing on detection, characterization, and reverse engineering of complex RF signals across tactical radio, cellular, satellite, and IoT systems.

You will design SDR receivers and develop analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, and C/C++.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• At least ten years of experience in wireless communications, DSP, or related field.
• Deep knowledge of digital communications and signal processing with experience in statistical signal processing, detection/estimation, receiver design, synchronization, modulation/demodulation, or channel coding.
• Hands-on experience developing and evaluating wireless receiver or signal-analysis algorithms, including SDR.
• Experience developing technical software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, strong communication skills, and ability to solve complex problems independently.
• Eligibility for Interim Top Secret clearance with potential TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of innovative signal processing solutions for wireless communications from concept to prototyping and testing.
• Develop techniques to detect, characterize, synchronize, demodulate, decode, and analyze wireless signals.
• Apply statistical signal processing and estimation theory to extract information from RF environments.
• Design and develop software-defined radio receivers, algorithms, and signal analysis capabilities.
• Build software prototypes and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, and validate with RF data.
• Research approaches for signal characterization and reverse engineering including modulation recognition and channel coding.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor staff, identify opportunities, and communicate results to sponsors.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Technical leadership

Independent problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electrical/Computer engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Description

Do you have deep experience researching and developing advanced wireless communications and signal processing systems?

Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges involving the defense of the US?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer to help us give our nation a significant advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. You will join a team of engineers developing advanced capabilities for the U.S. military and intelligence communities across tactical radio, cellular, satellite, IoT, and other wireless systems. You will apply advanced signal processing, software-defined radio, and wireless reverse engineering techniques to detect, characterize, understand, and exploit complex signals and systems.

As a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer, you will...

• Lead research and development of innovative signal processing solutions for challenging wireless communications problems, from initial concept and algorithm development through prototyping, experimentation, and operational test.
• Develop techniques to detect, characterize, synchronize, demodulate, decode, and analyze known and unknown wireless signals using advanced digital signal processing and communications techniques.
• Apply statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, and other advanced analytical techniques to extract information from complex and challenging RF environments.
• Design and develop software-defined radio receivers, receiver algorithms, and signal analysis capabilities.
• Develop software prototypes and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages, and evaluate them using simulated, laboratory, recorded, and operational RF data.
• Research and develop approaches for wireless signal characterization and reverse engineering, including modulation recognition, waveform analysis, and channel-code identification.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, mentor less-experienced staff, identify new technical opportunities, and communicate technical approaches and results to sponsors and the technical community.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have at least a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience in wireless communications, digital signal processing, communications systems engineering, or a related field.
• Have deep theoretical and practical knowledge of digital communications and signal processing, with demonstrated expertise in several areas such as statistical signal processing, detection and estimation, receiver design, synchronization, modulation/demodulation, or channel coding.
• Have hands-on experience developing and evaluating wireless receiver or signal-analysis algorithms, including experience with software-defined radios.
• Have experience developing technical software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Have demonstrated technical leadership, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to independently solve complex and open-ended technical problems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have at least a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
• Have at least fifteen years of relevant experience in wireless communications, signal processing, SIGINT, or related research and development.
• Have expertise in cyclostationary signal processing, advanced statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, or other techniques for detecting and characterizing challenging wireless signals.
• Have experience with modulation recognition, blind signal characterization, waveform reverse engineering, channel coding, or channel-code identification and reverse engineering.
• Have experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to wireless signal detection, classification, characterization, or reverse engineering, or developing automated or agentic workflows for complex signal-analysis problems.
• Have a working history supporting Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community organizations, sponsors, missions, or programs.
• Hold an active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

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About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually