Principal DSP Engineer & Team Lead
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
About the role
We are seeking a Principal Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to implement and support efforts in detecting and classifying Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platforms using their Radio Frequency (RF) link. The ideal candidate will have experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR) based systems, signal detection, RF protocol decode, and strong software skills. Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
- Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
- Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
- Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
- Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
- Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.
- Set the strategy and technology roadmap for signal processing and development.
- Influence decision-making and strategic planning for signal programs.
- Determine new areas for software technology introduction or proof-of-concepts based on industry trends.
- Research and evaluate emerging technology, industry, and market trends to assist in project development and/or operational support activities.
- Lead and mentor a lean team of DSP engineers, driving technical direction, architecture reviews, and task prioritization while remaining hands-on in core algorithm development.
- Serve as both technical lead and individual contributor, guiding DSP architecture decisions, conducting peer code reviews, and unblocking the engineering team on complex signal processing challenges.
Requirements
- B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- A minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience. Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience.
- Proficient in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
- Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization.
- Strong background in reverse engineering wireless communication protocols (WiFi, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, LoRa, etc.).
- Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401K with company matching.
- 9/80 work schedule.
- Paid holiday shutdown.
Pay
The salary range for this role is $153,500 - $234,250.
About AV
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.