Entry-Level Radar Exploitation Engineer

Job Description

You will help characterize foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar–collected data and support the production of technical intelligence products for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community.

Position Responsibilities

• Help characterize foreign missile systems (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface) using line-of-sight radar data.
• Assist in extracting and interpreting radar-derived observables (e.g., RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior).
• Support analysis of time-series radar data to identify flight phases and unique signature features.
• Apply basic signal processing and tracking techniques, under guidance, to derive kinematic/dynamic parameters from radar returns.
• Draft clear written products (technical notes, reports, briefings) that meet IC standards.
• Present findings to teammates and support briefings to NASIC and other stakeholders as experience grows.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of methods and tools for radar-based missile exploitation.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 0–2 years of experience (internships, projects, or coursework) in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical disciplines.
• Foundational understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, basic waveforms).
• Familiarity with missile kinematics and flight phases (boost, midcourse, terminal).
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for data analysis, modeling, or signal processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate technical results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Relevant internships, research, or coursework focused on radar, missile systems, or technical intelligence.
• Exposure to modeling & simulation tools (e.g., STK, radar tracking simulations).
• Familiarity with multi-sensor data (radar, optical/IR) and basic fusion concepts.
• Active Top Secret//SCI clearance level.

Competencies & Work Environment

• Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn complex radar and missile phenomenology.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, classified environment.

Location

Dayton, Ohio (On-site at or near Wright-Patterson AFB)

Organization

AV Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

$60,500 - $92,500

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

About AV

AeroVironment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Principals Only

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.