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Principal Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.

The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.

The Role:

As a Principal Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher, you will develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications that include signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. You'll engage directly with our customers to understand and address their most critical challenges. You'll lead a team of researchers in creating innovative system capability and collaborate with the engineering team to develop and demonstrate and optimize system capabilities.

A successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and substantial expertise in several of the following areas: adaptive signal processing, equalization, High Frequency (HF) radio propagation, ionospheric physics, machine learning, algorithm development, algorithm integration, test & evaluation, model & simulation, systems engineering, or communications systems. They will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments to support system performance modeling at HF radio frequencies to develop realistic simulations of complex propagation environments. This position requires skills leading multi-disciplinary teams designing, analyzing, integrating, and demonstrating signal processing algorithms for complex systems.

What you will do: 

  • Design and apply cutting-edge signal processing and techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges 
  • Engage directly with customers to understand their unique requirements and national security needs, and shape our solutions to meet their objectives
  • Collaborate with diverse teams, bringing together different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what's possible
  • Lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams, guiding them towards success with your technical expertise and leadership skills
  • Drive business development initiatives and support proposal writing efforts, playing a key role in shaping the future direction of our projects and organization

Who You Are: 

  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government. 
  • PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
  • 10+ years of experience on relevant physics modeling and processing programs, including the development of advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical/analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance
  • Experience in two or more of the following areas: RF signal processing, HF propagation (addressing heterogeneity, dispersion, and anisotropy), adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and geolocation
  • Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
  • Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to inform a range of audiences including subcontractors, senior level executives, and customers
  • Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better: 

  • Active TS Clearance with SCI-eligibility
  • Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts 
  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline 
  • Experience with HF propagation modes and an understanding of the underlying physics, end-to-end signal processing chains, RF frontend analysis 
  • Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end solution
  • Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $220,000 - $260,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

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