Associate Software Developer

About the role

Standard Job Description Spectrum Systems Lab (SSL) is seeking a passionate entry‑level software engineer with a foundation in software development. In this role you will contribute to the design, testing, and development of software, algorithms, and hardware for advanced digital and RF receivers, transmitters, and electronic‑warfare (EW) systems while also having the flexibility to explore research topics of interest and learn from peers across the lab. Your daily work will adapt to the evolving needs of our programs, allowing you to grow your skill set and directly impact cutting‑edge projects that support both commercial and military platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, code, and verify software for state‑of‑the‑art digital/RF receivers, transmitters, and EW systems.
• Architect and implement scalable data‑engineering pipelines for automated analysis of machine‑learning, sensor‑processing, and target‑tracking research prototypes over large data sets.
• Apply DevSecOps fundamentals to analyze, debug, and integrate RF‑processing and target‑tracking software within CI/CD workflows.
• Lead or support research projects that innovate novel solutions for emerging signal‑processing challenges.
• Participate in large‑scale field tests on ground, sea, and air assets, assisting with system deployment, data collection, and post‑test analysis.
• Contribute to business development by crafting modern, customer‑focused technical solutions and preparing technical briefings or proof‑of‑concept demonstrations.

Basic Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree (M.S. preferred) from an accredited university in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Early‑career experience – 0–2 years of professional software development, with strong C++ skills and proficiency in at least one additional language (Python preferred).
• Technical expertise:
  • Development on Linux platforms.
  • Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, or equivalent).
  • Modern version‑control systems (Git, GitHub, GitLab).
  • Agile development environments (Scrum, Kanban).
• Teamwork – Excellent collaboration and communication abilities; proven success working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Security clearance – Ability to obtain a Secret‑level clearance (Top‑Secret preferred).

Desired Skills

• Software / Algorithms:
  • Experience building CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).
  • Knowledge of modern wireless communication techniques and protocols (e.g., 5G NR, OFDM).
• Digital‑Signal‑Processing (DSP):
  • Filter design (FIR/IIR, windowing, multirate, polyphase).
  • FFT/IFFT, spectral analysis, and time‑frequency transforms.
  • Modulation/demodulation, coding/decoding (QPSK, OFDM, LDPC, Turbo).
  • Signal‑conditioning techniques (noise reduction, beamforming, digital down‑conversion).
  • Real‑time DSP implementation on FPGA (VHDL/Verilog, HLS) and DSP processors.
  • Python‑based DSP toolchains (NumPy, SciPy, CuPy, GNU Radio).
• Research & Innovation:
  • Experience working research projects on state‑of‑the‑art technologies (e.g., AI‑enhanced radar, next‑gen EW).
• General / Domain Awareness:
  • Understanding of Electronic Warfare.
  • Exposure to radar signal processing and advanced DSP techniques.

Pay

Salary range: $61,500.00 – $116,455.00. The salary is a general guideline; final offer considers scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, location, and business considerations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage.
• Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10).
• 401(k) match.
• Paid time off, holidays, parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Education Assistance.
• Life Insurance.
• Short‑Term Disability and Long‑Term Disability.
• Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs (non‑guaranteed, performance‑based).
• For Washington state applicants only: accrue 6.67 hours of vacation per month (up to 52 hours sick leave annually), at least 96 holiday hours; PTO, vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours prorated based on start date.