GNSS Digital Signal Processing Research Associate

Department: Applied Research Laboratories – Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL). Location: Pickle Research Campus, North Austin, TX. Position type: Research Associate, Exempt, full‑time (40 hours/week). Expected start: Immediately. Position expected to continue.

Purpose

Applied Research Laboratories (ARL:UT) is a University‑Affiliated Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin. The SGL conducts research in electromagnetic propagation, geo‑positioning, and remote sensing, monitoring GPS performance and developing geodetic‑quality GPS receivers. The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) team seeks a Research Associate to research and develop new DSP techniques for GPS, GNSS, and other RF applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑level independent digital signal processing research relevant to SGL interests.
• Present and publish research internally and externally, including project reviews, technical meetings, scientific journals, and conferences.
• Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment.
• Define interfaces between program components and document implementations thoroughly.
• Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
• Provide guidance and assistance to full‑time and student employees.
• Provide technical leadership and identify new research directions.
• Perform other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in physics, engineering, or other applied science.
• Experience developing software in C++ or Python for scientific computing.
• One or more years post‑graduate experience developing statistical and computational algorithms.
• Record of authoring peer‑reviewed scientific publications.
• Record of presenting scientific content to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Dynamic skill set, willingness to work with new technologies, strong organization, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Attention to detail, effective problem‑solving, excellent judgment, and ability to work independently with sensitive/confidential information.
• Professional demeanor, teamwork without daily supervision, and effective communication with diverse client groups.
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security investigation and classified information access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing and interpreting digital receiver data.
• Familiarity with software‑defined radio, multi‑rate signal processing, HF radio, remote sensing, radar, wireless communications, RF signal processing, radio astronomy/interferometry, ionosphere, geodesy, reference frames, orbital mechanics, or digital design.
• Designing, implementing, and deploying robust scientific software.
• High‑performance computing experience.
• Processing GNSS carrier‑phase signals and using GNSS hardware for precise geo‑positioning.
• Writing proposals and leading externally‑funded research projects.
• Modeling geophysical phenomena or estimating spacecraft/satellite orbits.
• Employing statistical estimation techniques.
• Proficiency with Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or similar languages.
• Development on Linux and Windows platforms, including bash, Git/GitHub/GitLab, and cloud services such as AWS.
• Proficiency with LaTeX.
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage.
• Retirement contributions (Teacher Retirement System of Texas or Optional Retirement Program).
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid holidays.

Pay

Salary range $120,000 – $165,000+ negotiable depending on qualifications.

Schedule

Standard 40‑hour work week (full‑time). Some weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required; occasional interstate/intrastate travel.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.
• Manual dexterity required.