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Day Software Defined Radio Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr SIGINT Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$120.70K - $159.10K/yr

... Defined Radio (SDR) technologies and applications • Analyze and process wideband communications signals and related data streams • Collaborate with engineers and technical teams to integrate ...

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Day Software Defined Radio Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do day software defined radio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for day software defined radio engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Day Software Defined Radio Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Day Software Defined Radio Engineer, you need a strong background in digital signal processing, RF engineering, and programming languages like C++ or Python, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SDR platforms such as GNU Radio, MATLAB, and hardware like USRP devices, along with relevant certifications, is typically required. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced radio systems that meet evolving communication needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Defined Radio Engineers when integrating new SDR technologies into existing systems?

Software Defined Radio Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new SDR solutions and legacy hardware or software, managing real-time data processing demands, and addressing security vulnerabilities unique to SDR architectures. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including hardware engineers, network specialists, and cybersecurity experts—is crucial for successful integration. Staying current with rapidly evolving standards and protocols is also essential to minimize integration issues and maximize system performance.

What is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer?

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests radio communication systems where components that have typically been implemented in hardware (such as mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators/demodulators, detectors, etc.) are instead implemented by means of software on a personal computer or embedded system. SDR Engineers work with digital signal processing, communication protocols, and often use tools like GNU Radio or MATLAB. Their work enables flexibility and adaptability in radio systems for various applications, including telecommunications, defense, and research. They often collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and system integrators to create efficient and reliable SDR solutions.

What is the difference between Day Software Defined Radio Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectDay Software Defined Radio EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or related; certifications like CCNA or RF-specific certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Communications; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and implementing SDR systems in labs or field environmentsDesigning and testing RF circuits and systems in labs or field settings
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospace, and software development sectorsWireless communications, broadcasting, defense, and electronics industries

The Day Software Defined Radio Engineer and RF Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating within telecommunications and defense sectors. While SDR engineers focus on software-based radio systems, RF engineers concentrate on radio frequency hardware. Both roles require technical expertise in communications systems, but SDR engineers emphasize software development and digital signal processing, whereas RF engineers focus on hardware design and testing.

What cities are hiring for Day Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Day Software Defined Radio Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs are:
Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Peraton

College Park, MD

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on designing, developing, prototyping, and evaluating SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless communications, networking, cyber operations, and experimentation platforms.At Peraton Labs, you will work on mission-focused R&D efforts that move from research concepts to working prototypes and operationally relevant capabilities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, and customer stakeholders to solve complex problems involving wireless systems, signal processing, protocol analysis, networked communications, and secure communications environments.

This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key responsibilities may include

  • Design, develop, prototype, and test Software Defined Radio capabilities for wireless communications and networking systems
  • Research and implement signal processing, waveform, protocol, and radio frequency techniques to support mission-focused experimentation
  • Develop SDR applications and prototypes using tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar
  • Work with commercial and open-source SDR platforms, including USRP, Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar
  • Support wireless protocol research, analysis, implementation, and experimentation across systems such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio, or custom waveform environments
  • Integrate SDR capabilities with Linux-based systems, networking environments, containers, testbeds, and cyber experimentation platforms
  • Conduct lab-based testing, field testing, performance analysis, data collection, and troubleshooting of RF and SDR systems
  • Analyze wireless signals, protocol behavior, RF performance, and systems teams to integrate SDR capabilities into larger prototypes
  • Communicate findings, technical approaches, and prototype results through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, or publications

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*

#MDFSP

#PLABS26

Qualifications

Required qualifications

  • Minimum of 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field or related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 10+ years.
  • 2+ years hands-on experience developing Software Defined Radio solutions
  • Strong understanding of RF systems, wireless communications, digital signal processing, and SDR architectures
  • Experience with SDR hardware such as USRP/Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar platforms
  • Experience working in Linux-based development environments
  • Ability to develop, test, troubleshoot, and document research prototypes
  • Experience developing SDR or wireless communications using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to stakeholders
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
  • This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired Additional Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field is preferred
  • Experience with LTE, 5G, WiFi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio systems, mesh networking, or custom waveform development
  • Knowledge of OpenAirInterface, srsRAN/srsLTE, Open5Gs, free5GC, Amarisoft, or similar wireless/telecom stacks
  • Experience with LTE or 5G standards, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS, or core network interfaces
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, vector signal analyzers, channel emulators, or RF front-end equipment
  • Experience with DSP concepts such as modulation/demodulation, synchronization, filtering, channel estimation, equalization, coding, detection, and signal classification
  • Experience with RFML, wireless security, protocol reverse engineering, electronic warfare, spectrum sensing, interference analysis, or RF cyber research
  • Experience integrating SDR capabilities into containers, Kubernetes, virtualized environments, cyber ranges, or network experimentation testbeds.
  • Experience with test automation, data analysis, and experiment orchestration using Python or similar tools
  • Experience contributing to proposals, whitepapers, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, or customer-facing research briefings
  • Ability to serve as a technical lead or principal investigator on DoD/IC research efforts
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017