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Digital Signal Processing Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$60.6K

$148.8K

$219.2K

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

As of Sep 14, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital signal processing engineer?

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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,765 per year, or $71.5 per hour.

Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead research and development of innovative signal processing solutions for challenging wireless communications problems, from initial concept and algorithm development through prototyping, experimentation, and operational test.

  • Develop techniques to detect, characterize, synchronize, demodulate, decode, and analyze wireless signals using advanced digital signal processing and communications techniques.

  • Design and develop software-defined radio receivers, receiver algorithms, and signal analysis capabilities.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Do you have deep experience researching and developing advanced wireless communications and signal processing systems?
Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges involving the defense of the US?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer to help us give our nation a significant advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. You will join a team of engineers developing advanced capabilities for the U.S. military and intelligence communities across tactical radio, cellular, satellite, IoT, and other wireless systems. You will apply advanced signal processing, software-defined radio, and wireless reverse engineering techniques to detect, characterize, understand, and exploit complex signals and systems.
As a Senior Wireless Signal Processing Engineer, you will...
  • Lead research and development of innovative signal processing solutions for challenging wireless communications problems, from initial concept and algorithm development through prototyping, experimentation, and operational test.
  • Develop techniques to detect, characterize, synchronize, demodulate, decode, and analyze known and unknown wireless signals using advanced digital signal processing and communications techniques.
  • Apply statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, and other advanced analytical techniques to extract information from complex and challenging RF environments.
  • Design and develop software-defined radio receivers, receiver algorithms, and signal analysis capabilities.
  • Develop software prototypes and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages, and evaluate them using simulated, laboratory, recorded, and operational RF data.
  • Research and develop approaches for wireless signal characterization and reverse engineering, including modulation recognition, waveform analysis, and channel-code identification.
  • Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, mentor less-experienced staff, identify new technical opportunities, and communicate technical approaches and results to sponsors and the technical community.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have at least a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
  • Have at least ten years of relevant experience in wireless communications, digital signal processing, communications systems engineering, or a related field.
  • Have deep theoretical and practical knowledge of digital communications and signal processing, with demonstrated expertise in several areas such as statistical signal processing, detection and estimation, receiver design, synchronization, modulation/demodulation, or channel coding.
  • Have hands-on experience developing and evaluating wireless receiver or signal-analysis algorithms, including experience with software-defined radios.
  • Have experience developing technical software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages.
  • Have demonstrated technical leadership, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to independently solve complex and open-ended technical problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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...
  • Have at least a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or another related technical field.
  • Have at least fifteen years of relevant experience in wireless communications, signal processing, SIGINT, or related research and development.
  • Have expertise in cyclostationary signal processing, advanced statistical signal processing, detection and estimation theory, or other techniques for detecting and characterizing challenging wireless signals.
  • Have experience with modulation recognition, blind signal characterization, waveform reverse engineering, channel coding, or channel-code identification and reverse engineering.
  • Have experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to wireless signal detection, classification, characterization, or reverse engineering, or developing automated or agentic workflows for complex signal-analysis problems.
  • Have a working history supporting Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community organizations, sponsors, missions, or programs.
  • Hold an active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

#LI-AG1
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
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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