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Digital Signal Processing Engineer information

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$60.6K

$148.8K

$219.2K

How much do digital signal processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital signal processing engineer in Washington is $148,765.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,900.00 and $167,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digital Signal Processing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, signal processing theory, and proficiency in programming languages like MATLAB, C/C++, or Python, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with DSP hardware, simulation tools, and platforms like FPGA or DSP processors is typically required, and certifications in embedded systems or signal processing are advantageous. Problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing, implementing, and optimizing algorithms that process digital signals accurately and efficiently in various applications.

What is the difference between Digital Signal Processing Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectDigital Signal Processing EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, telecommunications firmsPower plants, manufacturing, electronics design
Industry UsageSignal processing, communications, audio/video techPower systems, electronics, control systems
Common Search IntentComparing roles in signal processing and electronicsBroader electrical engineering roles

The Digital Signal Processing Engineer specializes in designing algorithms and systems for processing digital signals, often within communications, audio, and video applications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power, and electronics across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What does a Digital Signal Processing Engineer do?

A Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer designs, develops, and implements algorithms and systems that manipulate and analyze signals such as audio, video, and sensor data. They work on both hardware and software to improve signal quality, extract useful information, or compress data for efficient storage and transmission. DSP Engineers are essential in industries like telecommunications, audio engineering, medical imaging, and consumer electronics, where they help create products such as smartphones, hearing aids, and radar systems.

What are some common challenges Digital Signal Processing Engineers face when integrating new algorithms into existing systems?

Digital Signal Processing Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new algorithms and legacy hardware or software, maintaining real-time processing requirements, and optimizing for limited computational resources. Debugging and validating algorithm performance under various signal conditions can also be complex, requiring collaboration with hardware engineers and extensive testing. Effective communication with cross-functional teams is essential to address integration issues and achieve system-wide functionality.
What are popular job titles related to Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Washington? For Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digital Signal Processing Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,765 per year, or $71.5 per hour.
Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you experienced with Digital Signal Processing for RF and wireless electronics and systems?
Are you interested in contributing to the development of space RF/ optical systems, payloads, and electronics for communications, PNT, remote sensing, and ISR&T applications?
Are you passionate about teaming and driving technology and science to new levels?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!
We are seeking a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engineer to design, analyze and develop RF and optical systems and payloads for NASA and DoW's next generation space missions. You 'll be joining a hard-working team of engineers who thrive on making critical contributions to our Nation's critical challenges. Our culture embraces our core values of unquestionable integrity, trusted service to our nation, world-class expertise, game-changing impact, highly collaborative, and even fun environment!
As a Digital Signal Processing Engineer...
  • You will work with engineers and scientists to develop new concepts for software defined radios and payloads for space RF and optical systems for communications, PNT, remote sensing, and ISR&T applications.
  • You will lead technical teams throughout the payload development cycle, including concept, trade studies, prototype work, flight development, integration, and test for both space and ground segment applications.
  • You will perform DSP algorithms design, simulation, hardware platform trade studies, technical tradeoffs, and costing for both space and ground segment implementations.
  • You will contribute to modeling, simulation, and analysis of space RF/ optical systems to support communications, remote sensing, ISR&T, and EW missions.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Have 5+ years direct experience in digital signal processing for RF or optical systems or payload design, development, simulation (MATLAB, SystemVue, or equivalent) and test.
  • Have experience in wireless modem or receiver design and/or testing.
  • Are willing and able to accommodate flexible hours for spacecraft level testing activities for short periods of time, infrequent travel to customer or sponsor locations as well as spacecraft integration and test sites.
  • Are able to obtain an interim Top-Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering with previous digital signal processing for RF systems or payload design leadership experience.
  • Have experience with software-defined radios (SDR), antennas, RF characterization and measurements to Ka-band or beyond, optical, PNT systems design, radar systems design, or military satellite communications systems.
  • Ability to work independently without technical oversight.
  • Other key skills: SIGINT, EW, Precision Timing, Time Transfer, PNT, and Radar Design

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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