Wireless Communications Algorithm Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site at Laurel, MD

Competitive compensation

Security clearance support

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Wireless Communications Algorithm Engineer to tackle real-world wireless challenges on-site at our Laurel, MD campus. You will join a team solving crucial comms problems for specialized environments, delivering DSP-centered solutions and rigorous technical plans.

Required background includes a degree in engineering or physics with several years of relevant experience and eligibility for U.S. security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, OR a Master's with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in communication theory and digital signal processing (DSP).
• Experience in modeling and simulation of the physical layer with MATLAB, Python, and/or other languages.
• Familiarity with geolocation, detection and estimation theory, or waveform design.
• Eligibility for Interim Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Research new technologies and develop solutions to address evolving threats.
• Support DSP algorithm development.
• Provide implementable technical solutions to complex national problems.
• Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined technical plans.
• Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations.
• Work with wireless, SATCOM, Physical and MAC layer protocols, SDR, waveform design, RF modeling and transceiver design.

Skills

DSP

Comms theory

Python

MATLAB

Geolocation

Waveform design

RF modeling

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE/Physics/Math or related field

Master's degree in same fields

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SDR tools

Job description

Do you have experience solving real world problems related to wireless communications?

Are you searching for meaningful work to solve crucial communications challenges for the special operations and intelligence communities?

If so, we want you to join our team of comms engineers working on a broad set of evolving problems.

We are seeking a dedicated engineer to join a hardworking team that loves solving problems and building capabilities that may transition to operational prototypes. Our team is committed to the mission and passionate about developing capabilities for specialized wireless systems!

As a Wireless Communications Algorithm Engineer, you will:

• Research new technologies and develop solutions to address evolving threats.
• Support digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development.
• Provide implementable technical solutions to the Nation's hardest problems.
• Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined, and methodical technical plans.
• Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations.
• Work with technologies and concepts including, but not limited to wireless, SATCOM, Physical and MAC layer protocols, software defined radio (SDR), waveform design, RF modeling and simulation, RF system analysis, and transceiver design.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or another related field with at least seven years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree (or higher) in one of the same fields of study with at least three years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in communication theory and digital signal processing (DSP), with a foundational knowledge of, and experience with, the physical, data link, or media access layers of communications systems.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of the physical layer with MATLAB, Python, and/or other languages.
• Familiarity with some of the following: geolocation, detection and estimation theory, or waveform design.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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 ten years of experience in commercial and/or government communication engineering.
• A wide breadth and depth of wireless systems knowledge.
• Demonstrated expertise with end to end comms system design.
• Recent knowledge of DoD and/or intelligence community, sponsors, and programs.
• An active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

This position is on-site at APL's main campus (Laurel, MD) with occasional travel.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

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].

Benefits

• robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• healthy work/life balance
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• flexible spending accounts
• education assistance
• training and development

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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually