Associate Communications & Signal Processing Engineer

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If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. Department Summary MITRE operates Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in support of various U.S. Government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and others. Our sponsors rely on a wide range of wireless communications systems, including commercial radios, cellular technologies, satellite communications, tactical data links, and other mission-critical systems. We assess, design, analyze, prototype, and test advanced communications technologies to further the public good. Applicant Note: Please be aware that this is not an application for a specific position. By submitting your information and providing your resume, you will be included in a pool of candidates for various full-time positions for communications and signal processing opportunities across the company. If you are selected for consideration for a particular position, a member of MITRE’s recruiting team will reach out to you. About The Role You will help shape the next generation of resilient wireless communications for U.S. Government sponsors, including strategic and national-level command and control communications and other mission-assured systems. You will apply your expertise in digital signal processing (DSP), wireless systems, and networking-aware architectures to develop, evaluate, and prototype innovative solutions for contested and degraded environments. Those activities will include supporting one or more of following: Develop novel DSP and signal processing algorithms to improve signal detection and classification in congested, contested, and denied environmentsDesign and implement PHY/baseband algorithms (e.g., OFDM, MIMO, beamforming, advanced channel coding) for modern wireless systemsEvaluate different MIMO transmission schemes and beamforming approaches for throughput, interference management, and robustnessConduct theoretical analysis to assess the performance of novel geolocation and direction-finding techniquesDesign and prototype waveforms for challenging channels (e.g., long-haul, beyond-line-of-sight, high-dynamics, and fading environments)Work with advanced wireless and SATCOM technologies (5G/6G, LTE, Wi‑Fi, tactical data links, protected SATCOM, VLF/HF/UHF/EHF systems, beyond-line-of-sight communications)Prototype, modify, and integrate open-source tools to demonstrate new application areas (e.g., GNU Radio, USRP-based SDR testbeds)Apply machine learning and AI techniques to RF and baseband data for tasks such as signal classification, interference mitigation, RF fingerprinting, and adaptive waveform/beamforming optimizationSupport communications systems development and analysis by designing and analyzing components such as synchronization, forward error correction (LDPC, Turbo, convolutional codes), spread spectrum, medium access control, channel equalization, and interference cancellationPerform system performance analysis and RF laboratory testing (RF front-end characterization, spectrum analysis, over-the-air testing)Analyze and improve communications architectures that support command, control, and communications (C3) and C4ISR mission threads, with a focus on assured, survivable, and secure communicationsApply anti-jam, low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD), and resilience techniques to strategic and mission-critical communication linksIntegrate physical-layer and RF solutions into end-to-end architectures that interface with IP-based networks and higher-layer protocols (e.g., IP, TCP/UDP, routing, QoS considerations)Use software-defined radios (e.g., USRP/GNU Radio) and tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++ to implement communication protocols and perform signal analysis Successful candidates will: Demonstrate strong technical acumen in communications, DSP, and wireless systemsCollaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholdersTake initiative in owning technical tasking and enjoy mentoring early-career engineersCommunicate clearly in both written and oral formats Basic Qualifications Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline0–2 years of relevant work experienceExcellent communication, presentation, and writing skillsAbility to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearancePer the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site Preferred Qualifications Experience developing technical reports, presentations, and/or production-quality codeExperience with systems engineering processes for communication systems, including requirements development and review, verification and validation, end-to-end architecture analysis, and link budget analysisExperience with agile software development and object-oriented programming, scripting, and/or simulation tools such as C/C++, Java, Python, or MATLABExperience with signal/waveform developmentFamiliarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and system-of-systems architecture frameworks such as Cameo/MSOSAExperience with SDR platforms and RF test equipment such as USRP, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, and channel emulators This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Top Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint: $89,200 - $111,500 - $133,800 Annual Work Location Type: Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. 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