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Digital Signal Processing Engineer Jobs in Washington

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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 Jun 12, 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 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 - Mid Level - TS/SCI

Digital Signal Processing Engineer - Mid Level - TS/SCI

Parsons Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Parsons Corporation, is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Digital Signal Processing Engineer (DSP) positions at our headquarters in Chantilly, VA.
We are currently searching for full-time Digital Signal Processing Engineers that will design, develop and maintain complex systems. We meet customer and mission needs by leveraging cutting-edge research and technology, using small teams to rapidly get capabilities into the hands of the warfighter. Our technical efforts focus on signal processing, image processing, full-motion video, mission planning, and data analytics.
As an integral part of our team, you would work on one or more efforts at a time, assisting with multiple parts of the development process, including design, development, testing and deployment. Since we deal with specific customer needs, it will be necessary to understand the problem, to utilize methods from a potentially wide variety of domains, produce functional solutions, and see the efforts through to completion. Opportunities to cross-cut technical areas and hone adjacent skills abound.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Design, develop, and optimize digital signal processing algorithms for [specific application, e.g., audio, communications, radar, etc.]
  • Implement DSP algorithms in software and/or hardware using programming languages such as C, C++, MATLAB, Python, etc.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate DSP solutions into larger systems and ensure compatibility
  • Conduct simulations, testing, and debugging of DSP algorithms to validate functionality and performance
  • Stay updated on advancements in DSP technologies and apply innovative techniques to sole novel challenges
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to signal processing, hardware/software integration, and system performance
  • Support product development lifecycle, including prototyping, testing, and deployment of DSP-based systems

What Required Skills You'll Bring:
  • Must have a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline
  • TS/SCI is required
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in software implementation of algorithms related to digital wireless communications, signal processing, signal geolocation, estimation theory, image processing, control systems, statistics, machine learning and/or pattern recognition
  • Exposure with one or more tools/frameworks: X-Midas, GNU Radio, MATLAB
  • Minimum of 2 years within one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with Linux
  • Code management with Git or other common tools

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
  • Experience with CUDA or other parallel processing and high performance computing frameworks
  • Experience working with ARM or other non-x86 embedded platform
  • Experience using software-defined radio hardware (USRP or similar) for testing and/or prototyping
  • Application of machine learning techniques to signal processing, communications, and signal localization challenges
  • An active TS/SCI w/polygraph is preferred

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00
This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 30 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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