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Phd Signal Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Phd Signal Processing information

What are PhD Signal Processing professionals?

PhD Signal Processing professionals are experts who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the field of signal processing, which involves analyzing, modifying, and interpreting signals such as sound, images, and scientific measurements. They apply advanced mathematical and computational techniques to extract meaningful information from complex data. These specialists often work in research, academia, telecommunications, medical imaging, audio engineering, and other industries that require sophisticated data analysis. Their work is crucial in developing technologies like speech recognition, radar systems, and biomedical devices.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in PhD-level Signal Processing roles and how can they be addressed?

PhD-level Signal Processing professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large, complex datasets and developing novel algorithms that balance accuracy and computational efficiency. Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and research can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing professional development, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and leveraging advanced computational tools. Regularly participating in conferences, workshops, and peer discussions can also help professionals overcome research hurdles and stay innovative in their field.

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

To thrive as a PhD Signal Processing specialist, you need deep expertise in mathematics, statistical analysis, and advanced signal processing algorithms, underpinned by a doctoral degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C++, and experience with simulation tools and machine learning frameworks are commonly required, along with publications or research experience. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for designing innovative solutions, advancing research, and conveying complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Phd Signal Processing vs Signal Processing Engineer?

AspectPhd Signal ProcessingSignal Processing Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Signal Processing or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustry, technology companies, product development
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, some tech companiesTech firms, telecommunications, aerospace, defense
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between Phd Signal Processing and Signal Processing Engineer lies in their focus and credentials. A PhD typically involves advanced research, theoretical work, and academic or R&D roles, while a Signal Processing Engineer applies practical skills in industry to develop and implement signal processing solutions. Both roles require knowledge of signal processing concepts, but their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Phd Signal Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Phd Signal Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Signal Processing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Staff Electrical Engineer - FPGA / MPSoC Systems & Digital Signal Processing

SirenOpt

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

About SirenOpt
SirenOpt helps manufacturers make better, safer, and more reliable micro- and nano-materials. These materials are the building blocks of critical sectors of the global economy such as batteries, computer chips, aircraft components, and power systems. But, surging material demand and growing complexity are pushing production to unprecedented scales and speeds, leaving manufacturers effectively flying blind. Small, undetected variations during production lead to wastage, lower performance, higher costs, and safety risks.
SirenOpt is changing this. Our manufacturing intelligence platform scans materials, revealing critical internal information without damaging them. Using a novel combination of cold atmospheric plasma, physics-informed machine learning, and predictive analytics, SirenOpt creates unique, real-time fingerprints that capture material signals no other method can access. These insights give manufacturers unprecedented visibility into how materials behave as they are made.
We turn hidden data into actionable intelligence to help manufacturers reduce variability and thus increase yield and performance. The technology can be deployed as a standalone tool or integrated directly into factory production lines. SirenOpt is currently deploying early versions of its platform with some of the largest industrial manufacturers in the world across North America, Europe, and Asia. Our first commercial product will be released in 2026.
Role Overview
SirenOpt is looking for a Staff Electrical Engineer - FPGA / MPSoC & Digital Signal Processing Systems to lead the architecture, design, implementation, and validation of high-performance programmable logic, embedded processing, and FPGA-based digital signal processing systems powering our next-generation metrology platform.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who enjoys working close to the technology, solving hard problems quickly, and helping shape products in an early-stage startup environment.
This role is ideal for an engineer who is energized by deep tech, thrives in cross-functional environments, and is motivated by the opportunity to build something genuinely new.
You will work closely with a small, highly capable team to turn advanced sensing, digital signal processing, and control concepts into robust, high-performance, field-ready systems.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the architecture, design, implementation, and validation of FPGA, MPSoC, and FPGA-based digital signal processing systems for SirenOpt's metrology platform.
  • Develop designs from concept through architecture definition, RTL development, modeling, simulation, verification, testbench development, bench testing, and system bring-up.
  • Build and maintain robust simulation and verification environments to validate functionality, timing, performance, and reliability at both block and system levels.
  • Design and implement FPGA-based digital signal processing pipelines for real-time sensing and metrology applications, including FIR filters, synchronization pipelines, control loops, and low-latency data paths.
  • Implement, evaluate, and refine signal-processing and control algorithms such as PID, ADPLL, filtering, and signal-conditioning methods for high-performance measurement systems.
  • Use MATLAB and Python for algorithm development, modeling, data analysis, system validation, and signal and electrical data characterization.
  • Perform large-scale data analysis to evaluate signal quality, characterize system behavior, and guide design tradeoffs and performance optimization.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, electrical, software, algorithm, and systems engineers to support end-to-end FPGA, MPSoC, firmware, and hardware integration.
  • Read and interpret schematics to understand board-level architecture, interfaces, signal paths, power domains, and subsystem dependencies.
  • Bring up new boards in the lab, troubleshoot issues independently, and debug hardware/firmware interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, and related lab equipment.
  • Help translate frontier R&D concepts into scalable, reliable, and manufacturable digital systems.

What We're Looking For
  • B.S., M.S., or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Strong experience with end-to-end FPGA and MPSoC design, including architecture, RTL development, simulation, synthesis, timing closure, verification, and board bring-up.
  • Advanced experience with FPGA-based digital signal processing for real-time systems, including FIR filters, synchronization methods, streaming pipelines, and control-oriented digital design.
  • Strong experience with algorithm modeling and analysis using MATLAB and Python.
  • Experience implementing and validating signal-processing and control techniques such as PID, ADPLL, filtering, and signal characterization workflows.
  • Strong command of HDL/RTL implementation for digital signal processing, control, and high-performance data-path design.
  • Hands-on experience developing testbenches, verification environments, and bench-level validation workflows.
  • Strong understanding of firmware/hardware integration and system-level debugging in tightly coupled digital platforms.
  • Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and work effectively at the board and subsystem level.
  • Proven experience troubleshooting and bringing up hardware in the lab using standard electrical test equipment.
  • Experience working in a fast-moving, multidisciplinary environment with a high degree of ownership and technical independence.
  • Strong communication skills and a practical, problem-solving mindset.

Nice to Have
  • Experience providing technical leadership for hardware and firmware engineering teams in complex product development environments.
  • Experience with image processing or vision-related algorithm pipelines.
  • PCB design experience, including familiarity with board-level layout considerations and signal integrity tradeoffs.
  • Experience with high-speed interfaces, instrumentation systems, or real-time sensing platforms.
  • Familiarity with mixed-signal systems and integration with ADCs, DACs, sensors, and embedded processors.
  • Exposure to metrology systems, scientific instrumentation, or advanced materials applications.

Why Join SirenOpt
  • Help define a new category in advanced materials metrology.
  • Work on genuinely novel deep-tech hardware with real scientific and industrial impact.
  • Join an early-stage team where your decisions directly shape the product, technology, and company.
  • Build systems at the intersection of plasma science, electronics, sensing, AI-driven analytics, programmable logic, and advanced digital signal processing.
  • Contribute to technology that can expand what researchers and industry teams are able to see, measure, and optimize.

Actual compensation within the pay range listed will be decided based on factors including skills and prior relevant experience.
Base Pay Range
$160,000-$240,000 USD
Benefits
  • Equity and Salary compensation depends on experience
  • Health, Dental, Vision plans provided
  • 401k matching provided
  • Time off: 20 days of PTO per year, plus approximately 15 paid US holidays per year