Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineer with Security Clearance

ASD; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman – Xetron is seeking a cleared Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineer to develop advanced DSP algorithms in MATLAB or CUDA/OpenCL, and in Python/C++ for Linux/Windows environments.

The role emphasizes time/frequency domain DSP, RF chains, and digital communication systems within a high-security DoD context. The candidate will join a cross-disciplinary team delivering state-of-the-art DSP, RF, and cyber software designs for government programs.

Qualifications

• BS/BE/MS/PhD in Electrical, Computer, or related Engineering discipline with relevant experience
• US Citizenship required and ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance
• Proficient with MATLAB with a DSP focus and strong software/HDL integration

Responsibilities

• Develop cutting-edge DSP algorithms in MATLAB or CUDA/OpenCL, Python, C/C++
• Contribute to RF signal processing, digital communications, and AI/ML-enabled DSP techniques
• Collaborate in a cross-disciplinary team across ground, air, and space platforms
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on FPGA/embedded software design and verification

Skills

MATLAB DSP

C/C++

Python

AI/ML in DSP

FPGA design

GPU development (CUDA/OpenCL)

Embedded software

HDL (VHDL/Verilog)

HDL verification tools (Questa/Modelsi

FPGAs (Xilinx/Intel)

Technical leadership

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

CUDA/OpenCL

Verilog/VHDL

Questa/Modelsim

Xilinx/Intel FPGAs

Job description

Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Preferred Responsible

We are seeking cleared Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineers who are self-motivated, energetic individuals who will be responsible for developing cutting edge algorithms in MATLAB or other programming languages such as CUDA/OpenCL, Python, C/C++ in Linux/UNIX or Windows environments. The preferred candidate will have experience with various Signal Processing algorithms both in time and frequency domains, understanding of Digital Communication Systems and various modulation techniques as well as RF signal processing chains and link budgets. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineers contribute to a broad range of applications with exposure to a variety of programs and technologies that provide critical solutions to US government intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense. Practical experience in any of these fields is highly desired:

• RADAR (SAR/ISAR)
• LPI/LPD waveforms
• EW techniques
• Software Defined Radios (SDRs)
• Image Processing and AI/ML techniques As a DSP Engineer at Northrop Grumman – Xetron, you will be part of a cross-discipline, highly seasoned and talented team with experience in state-of-the‑art RF, Antenna Design, DSP, Digital Hardware Design and Cyber Software Design, amongst others. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, on the ground, air and space. Basic Qualifications:
• BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 8 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 6 years of experience, OR PhD Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 4 years of experience
• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
• Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Proficient in SW (Embedded, applications, AI/ML) or FPGA design Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, Embedded SW Design in Linux/UNIX environments
• Proficient in FPGA design on low SWAP systems.
• Basic understanding of Digital Communication Systems and RF signal processing chains
• Experience applying AI/ML (e.g., deep learning, transformer, or reinforcement learning models) to signal processing techniques such as denoising, classification, source separation, or anomaly detection, with emphasis on real time deployment and performance optimization.
• Experience in GPU Development (CUDA, OpenCL, or Vulkan) for real-time signal-processing workloads.
• Experience in Embedded Development in SoCs or DSPs
• Experience with VHDL (preferred) or Verilog
• Experience with HDL verification tools, such as Questa® or Modelsim®
• Experience with Xilinx, Altera (Intel) or Microsemi FPGAs
• Experience as a technical lead