Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer to help give our nation a significant advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. You will join a team of engineers developing advanced capabilities for the U.S. military and intelligence communities across tactical radio, cellular, satellite, IoT, and other wireless systems. You will apply advanced signal processing, software-defined radio, and wireless reverse engineering techniques to detect, characterize, understand, and exploit complex signals and systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development of innovative signal processing solutions for challenging wireless communications problems, from initial concept and algorithm development through prototyping, experimentation, and operational test.
• Develop techniques to detect, characterize, synchronize, demodulate, decode, and analyze known and unknown wireless signals using advanced digital signal processing and communications techniques.
• Apply statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, and other advanced analytical techniques to extract information from complex and challenging RF environments.
• Design and develop software-defined radio receivers, receiver algorithms, and signal analysis capabilities.
• Develop software prototypes and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages, and evaluate them using simulated, laboratory, recorded, and operational RF data.
• Research and develop approaches for wireless signal characterization and reverse engineering, including modulation recognition, waveform analysis, and channel-code identification.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, mentor less-experienced staff, identify new technical opportunities, and communicate technical approaches and results to sponsors and the technical community.

Requirements

• At least a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
• At least ten years of relevant experience in wireless communications, digital signal processing, communications systems engineering, or a related field.
• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of digital communications and signal processing, with demonstrated expertise in several areas such as statistical signal processing, detection and estimation, receiver design, synchronization, modulation/demodulation, or channel coding.
• Hands-on experience developing and evaluating wireless receiver or signal-analysis algorithms, including experience with software-defined radios.
• Experience developing technical software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to independently solve complex and open-ended technical problems.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• At least a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
• At least fifteen years of relevant experience in wireless communications, signal processing, SIGINT, or related research and development.
• Expertise in cyclostationary signal processing, advanced statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, or other techniques for detecting and characterizing challenging wireless signals.
• Experience with modulation recognition, blind signal characterization, waveform reverse engineering, channel coding, or channel-code identification and reverse engineering.
• Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to wireless signal detection, classification, characterization, or reverse engineering, or developing automated or agentic workflows for complex signal-analysis problems.
• A working history supporting Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community organizations, sponsors, missions, or programs.
• An active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Pay

Minimum Rate $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually

Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level with consideration for internal parity. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Education assistance
• Training and development