Optical Apprentice Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.

The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.

The Role:

As a Senior Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher, you will develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications that include signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. You'll have opportunities to engage directly with our customers to communicate technical analyses for their most critical challenges. You'll work with a team of researchers in creating innovative system capability and collaborate with the engineering team to develop and demonstrate and optimize system capabilities.

A successful candidate will have demonstrated strong analysis skills and expertise in several of the following areas: adaptive signal processing, equalization, High Frequency (HF) radio propagation, ionospheric physics, machine learning, algorithm development, algorithm integration, test & evaluation, model & simulation, systems engineering, or communications systems. They will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments to support system performance modeling at HF radio frequencies to develop realistic simulations of complex propagation environments. This position requires skills contributing to a multi-disciplinary team designing, analyzing, integrating, and demonstrating signal processing algorithms for complex systems.

What you will Do:

• Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities
• Apply cutting-edge signal processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for critical national security missions
• Collaborate with diverse teams, learning from the different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what's possible
• Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject matter experts

Who You Are:

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience on RF programs, including the development of advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical/analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance
• Experience in two or more of the following areas: RF signal processing, HF propagation (or propagation in dispersive, heterogeneous media), adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and geolocation
• Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to influence a range of technical and non-technical audiences
• Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
• Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better:

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Demonstrated ownership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with HF propagation modes and an understanding of the underlying physics, end-to-end signal processing chain
• Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.