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Community Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Post Doc Researcher

Washington, DC · On-site

$58K - $68K/yr

... communities and economies. The postdoctoral researcher will collect and analyze data and make ... recommendations on streamlining and making communication with the public accessible and actionable.

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 ...

Transportation Researcher Location: Arlington, Virginia ICF Office (Hybrid) Application ... and communities. ICF's work focuses on integrated approaches that support sustainable ...

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 ...

AI Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended, collaborative communities, and to ... Strong publication record in top-tier research publications and conferences. Candidates should ...

AI Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended, collaborative communities, and to ... Strong publication record in top-tier research publications and conferences. Candidates should ...

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 ...

AI Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended, collaborative communities, and to ... Strong publication record in top-tier research publications and conferences. Candidates should ...

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

... research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and ... community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government ...

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 ...

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

... research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and ... community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government ...

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Community Researcher information

What is a community researcher?

Community researchers are individuals who conduct research within specific communities, often focusing on local issues, needs, or experiences. They may be members of the community themselves, helping to build trust and gather more accurate data. Community researchers play a vital role in participatory or community-based research projects, working collaboratively with academic researchers or organizations. Their work can include interviews, surveys, data analysis, and sharing insights that help improve programs, policies, or services for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community researcher?

To thrive as a Community Researcher, you need strong analytical, data collection, and report-writing skills, typically supported by a degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with survey tools, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and software such as NVivo or SPSS is often required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and relationship-building skills are vital for engaging diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for gathering accurate insights and translating findings into actionable recommendations that address community needs.

What are some common challenges community researchers face when engaging with diverse populations?

Community Researchers often work with individuals from various backgrounds, which can present challenges such as building trust, overcoming language barriers, and ensuring cultural sensitivity. Navigating these complexities requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to ethical research practices. Proactively seeking feedback from community members and collaborating closely with local organizations can help address these challenges and enhance the quality and impact of the research.

What is the difference between Community Researcher vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectCommunity ResearcherCommunity Outreach Coordinator
Primary FocusGathering and analyzing community data, conducting research projectsEngaging community members, organizing outreach programs
Required SkillsResearch methods, data analysis, reportingCommunication, event planning, relationship building
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, offices, community sitesCommunity centers, events, public spaces
Common EmployersNonprofits, research institutes, government agenciesNonprofits, social service organizations, government

While both roles serve community interests, a Community Researcher focuses on collecting and analyzing data to inform programs, whereas a Community Outreach Coordinator emphasizes engaging and mobilizing community members through events and communication efforts.

How do you become a community researcher?

To become a community researcher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level research positions helps develop skills in data collection, analysis, and community engagement. Proficiency with research tools and strong communication skills are also important for success in this role.

What does a community researcher do?

A community researcher gathers and analyzes information about communities to understand their needs, behaviors, and issues. They often conduct surveys, interviews, and field observations, using data analysis tools to inform programs or policies aimed at community development or engagement.

What are popular job titles related to Community Researcher jobs in Washington?

For Community Researcher jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Community Researcher jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Community Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA

$139K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

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 Senior 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 have opportunities to engage directly with our customers to communicate technical analyses for their most critical challenges. You'll work with 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 strong analysis skills and 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 contributing to a multi-disciplinary team designing, analyzing, integrating, and demonstrating signal processing algorithms for complex systems.

What you will Do: 

  • Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities
  • Apply cutting-edge signal processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for critical national security missions
  • Collaborate with diverse teams, learning from the different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what's possible
  • Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject matter experts

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
  • 3+ years of experience on RF 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 (or propagation in dispersive, heterogeneous media), adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and geolocation
  • Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to influence a range of technical and non-technical audiences
  • Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
  • Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better: 

  • Active Top Secret Clearance
  • Demonstrated ownership 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 chain
  • Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000

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.