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Principal ELINT Processing Engineer

Herndon, VA

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal ELINT Processing Engineer to lead the development, integration, and optimization of our ELINT geolocation processing systems. This senior technical role requires an exceptional combination of deep ELINT domain expertise, software systems integration experience, and proven leadership in driving complex development efforts. You will serve as the technical bridge between ELINT operations and software engineering, guiding the evolution of our ground processing systems that transform raw IQ data into mission-critical ELINT geolocations. This position demands mastery of ELINT signal processing, hands-on experience with geolocation systems, and the ability to identify, debug, and resolve complex technical issues across the entire processing pipeline.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • ELINT Systems Leadership:
    • Serve as the principal technical authority on ELINT processing systems, providing strategic direction for system architecture, algorithm development, and capability enhancements
    • Lead cross-functional efforts to optimize ELINT geolocation accuracy, precision, and operational performance across diverse signal types and operational scenarios
    • Drive the technical roadmap for ELINT ground processing capabilities, identifying system deficiencies and architecting comprehensive solutions
    • Lead integration efforts for ELINT processing software components, ensuring seamless data flow from raw IQ ingestion through geolocation product generation
    • Identify and debug complex issues within ELINT signal processing pipelines, including algorithm anomalies, data quality problems, and system integration defects
    • Conduct root cause analysis of geolocation accuracy issues, performance degradation, and processing failures
    • Provide expert guidance on ELINT signal processing algorithms, geolocation methodologies, and emitter characterization techniques
    • Interface with stakeholders as senior technical expert, translating operational needs into system requirements and technical solutions
    • Support continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) initiatives by defining test strategies, acceptance criteria, and quality gates
    • Contribute to proposals, technical documentation, and strategic planning efforts

Your skills and qualifications:
Essential education and experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field; or equivalent experience
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in ELINT technical analysis with demonstrated expertise in complex signal processing environments
  • Expert-level proficiency with ELINT ground processing systems that generate geolocations from raw IQ data or similar RF collection systems
  • Proven expertise with signals analysis tool suites such as Sceptre, MARTES, ASPEN or CBET
  • Strong software integration and test experience, including hands-on work with complex data processing pipelines
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, debug, and resolve technical issues in signal processing software and geolocation algorithms
  • Strong understanding of CI/CD practices and experience integrating testing into continuous deployment pipelines
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across hardware and software domains
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Completion of SIGE2810/3810/4810 and advanced SIGINT training courses

Desirable:

  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Signal Processing, or related field strongly preferred
  • Direct experience with HawkEye 360 or similar space-based RF collection systems
  • Experience with test automation frameworks, scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, R), and CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI)
  • Background in software development, systems engineering, or DevOps practices
  • Understanding of software quality metrics, test coverage analysis, and quality assurance best practices

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Salary Range

$170,000 - $220,000 USD

Company Overview:

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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