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Day Software Defined Radio Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FPGA Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$132K - $169K/yr

Working with teams of software and hardware engineers to design custom RF communications systems for a Software Defined Radio * Designing and implementing waveform, signal detection, and feature ...

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

... Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies within multi-element antenna topologies. Key ... Collaborate with ASIC, RF, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and ...

FPGA Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$132K - $169K/yr

Working with teams of software and hardware engineers to design custom RF communications systems for a Software Defined Radio * Designing and implementing waveform, signal detection, and feature ...

$130K - $160K/yr

Hybrid: (at least 3 days on site per week - workflow dependent) Experience: 6-10 Years Salary Range ... Build infrastructure supporting LTE, 5G, OpenAirInterface (OAI), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and ...

... software and network standards for these systems. The position will assist in managing DOC radio systems including fleet mapping, maintenance and audit of Code Plug data for programmable radios ...

Staff FPGA Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Own FPGA development for various software defined radio platforms that enable EW functions * Work with software, and electrical, engineers to bring up state of the art boards for software defined ...

... software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work with a ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related ...

NY · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Hybrid: (at least 3 days on site per week - workflow dependent) Experience: 6-10 Years Salary Range ... Build infrastructure supporting LTE, 5G, OpenAirInterface (OAI), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and ...

RF Systems Engineer This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and developing next-generation ... Hands-on experience with software defined radio (SDR) systems. * Experience with electronic warfare ...

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Day Software Defined Radio Engineer information

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$147.5K

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

As of Sep 13, 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 is a software defined radio 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day software defined radio engineer?

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 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:

What states have the most Day Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Day Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Day Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs?

For Day Software Defined Radio Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Radio Frequency Engineer, Level II, III

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

Beyond SOF
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and execute product testing and integration plans for new or updated RF products.

  • Design RF module-based systems, test plans for RF relay systems, and RF portions of specialized RF/digital board-level solutions.

  • Assist with the design, integration, and sustainment of software elements of government software-defined radio systems, including shared libraries, modem signal processing, command-and-control systems, front-end components, automated testing, documentation, and prototype deployment.


Job description

Position Summary
The client is looking for a Radio Frequency Engineer to develop and execute product testing and integration plans for new or updated products.
Essential Job Functions
  • Evaluate engineering materials including detecting deviations and recommending solutions.
  • Design RF module-based systems, test plans for RF relay systems, and the RF portion of specialized RF/digital board-level solutions.
  • Share design requirements and restrictions of RF systems and related propagation with other design engineers during collaboration efforts.
  • Assist with design, integration, and sustainment of common software elements of Government software-defined radio systems including: common shared libraries, modem signal processing components, command-and-control / tasking systems, front-end components, automated software test, documentation, and prototype software deployment systems.

Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Due to the nature of this position and the information that employees will be required to access; U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronic, or computer engineering; systems engineering; physics; mathematics; telecommunications; or computer science.
  • Must have a total of five (5) years of experience in Radio Frequency (RF), microwave, analog or SDR design.
  • Required Security Clearance: TS/SCI with FS Poly. Potential opportunity for Conditional Certification of Access (CCA).

Level 2:
  • As part of the five (5) years of experience, at least two (2) years of combined detail design experience in at least two of the following areas of expertise:
  • RF and analog circuit designs implementing low-noise phase-locked-loop circuits and synthesizers, wideband automatic gain control (AGC) circuits, RF switching and control circuits, filters, low-noise high-efficiency power supplies, modulators, demodulators, RF power detection, frequency conversion, adaptive threshold, and low-distortion driver amplifiers.
  • Design, simulation, integration, and sustainment of Software Design Radio (SDR) systems to include modem signal processing components, command-and-control / tasking systems, front-end components, documentation, and prototype software deployment systems.
  • Circuit designs implementing microwave filters, oscillators, synthesizers, switches, and the cost/performance tradeoffs associated with these types of circuits.
  • Circuit designs implementing transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, or software defined radios (SDRs) or Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) components including antenna design/characterization while using VSWR to understand antenna performance.
  • Miniaturized, low-power receiver designs ranging in frequencies from High Frequency (HF) to C- Band.
  • Circuit designs using commercially available technologies for microwave filters, oscillators, synthesizers, and switches.
  • RF link budget and RF system analysis and cost estimate development for prototype and production efforts.
  • EMI requirements development and incorporation which includes filtering and shielding in the design to ensure performance.

Level 3:
  • As part of the ten (10) years of experience, at least seven (7) years of combined detail design experience in at least two of the following areas of expertise:
  • RF and analog circuit designs implementing low-noise phase-locked-loop circuits and synthesizers, wideband automatic gain control (AGC) circuits, RF switching and control circuits, filters, low-noise high-efficiency power supplies, modulators, demodulators, RF power detection, frequency conversion, adaptive threshold, and low-distortion driver amplifiers.
  • Design, simulation, integration, and sustainment of Software Design Radio (SDR) systems to include modem signal processing components, command-and-control / tasking systems, front-end components, documentation, and prototype software deployment systems.
  • Circuit designs implementing microwave filters, oscillators, synthesizers, switches, and the cost/performance tradeoffs associated with these types of circuits.
  • Circuit designs implementing transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, or software-defined radios (SDRs) or Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) components including antenna design/characterization while using VSWR to understand antenna performance.
  • Miniaturized, low-power receiver designs ranging in frequencies from High Frequency (HF) to C- Band.
  • Circuit designs using commercially available technologies for microwave filters, oscillators, synthesizers, and switches.
  • RF link budget and RF system analysis and cost estimate development for prototype and production efforts.
  • EMI requirements development and incorporation which includes filtering and shielding in the design to ensure performance.