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Radar Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do radar research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radar research scientist?

Radar Research Scientists are professionals who study, design, and improve radar systems used for detecting and tracking objects. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new technologies to enhance radar performance in areas such as defense, weather forecasting, aviation, and automotive safety. Their work often involves collaborating with engineers and using advanced mathematical models and simulations. Radar Research Scientists typically have backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or related fields, and may work in academia, government, or industry settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radar research scientist?

To thrive as a Radar Research Scientist, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in signal processing. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, programming languages such as Python or C++, and knowledge of radar system design and analysis are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting research findings. These competencies ensure the development of innovative radar technologies and the successful execution of complex research projects.

What are some common challenges radar research scientists face when developing new radar technologies?

Radar Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as integrating advanced signal processing algorithms with hardware limitations, minimizing interference and false alarms in complex environments, and ensuring system performance under varying weather or terrain conditions. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including software engineers, hardware designers, and data analysts—is crucial to address these obstacles. Staying current with rapid technological advancements and adhering to regulatory requirements can also be demanding, but overcoming these hurdles leads to innovative solutions and career growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Radar Research Scientist vs Radar Engineer?

AspectRadar Research ScientistRadar Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, government agenciesDesign, develop, and test radar systems in industry or defense companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government research labs, academiaDefense contractors, aerospace companies, telecommunications
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on research and development of radar technologyFocuses on practical implementation and system integration

Radar Research Scientists primarily focus on developing new radar technologies through research and experimentation, often working in labs or academic settings. Radar Engineers, on the other hand, apply existing radar principles to design and implement operational systems in industry or defense sectors. While both roles require a strong background in electrical engineering and radar principles, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

Are research scientists in high demand?

Research scientists, including those specializing in radar technology, are in high demand due to ongoing advancements in defense, aerospace, and remote sensing industries. Skills in data analysis, programming, and specialized equipment increase employability, and positions often require advanced degrees and security clearances. The field is expected to grow as technological innovation continues to expand applications for research scientists.

Are research scientists paid well?

Research scientists, including those specializing in radar or related fields, typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry. In specialized areas like radar research, salaries often reflect technical skills, advanced degrees, and security clearances, with many positions offering above-average compensation compared to other scientific roles.

Who are the top companies hiring for Radar Research Scientist jobs?

The top employers for Radar Research Scientist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Radar Research Scientist jobs?

For Radar Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Radar Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Materials Research Scientist/Engineer

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

SRI International
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SRI Internationalexternal

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International's Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will have the opportunity to make important contributions to on-going and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.

SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. From the computer mouse to robotic surgery, cancer treatments, and more, SRI's 75 years of innovation have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value, and lasting benefits to society. SRI was instrumental in the creation of the internet, high-definition television, and the U.S Postal Service's automated letter sorting system. Some of its many successful spinout companies include E-Trade, Siri, Symantec, Intuitive Surgical, and Nuance. CHECK OUT OUR HISTORY!

The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division at SRI. The lab is home to several collaborative groups that perform research and development in a variety of areas, including optical materials, advanced sensing systems, nanofabrication, energetic materials, radar systems, and atmospheric science. By and large, our lab is focused on applying academic research to address DoD applications. CHECK OUT OUR LAB!

Responsibilities
  • Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
  • Apply your scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
  • Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

This is a junior PI-track (principal investigator) opportunity to be mentored to become a PI for new research thrusts; based on your own ideas and direct interactions with customers, both in and outside your area of academic expertise.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience required.
    • Higher levels of relevant experience with demonstrated independent work or task leadership skills will also be considered.
  • Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance required.  Current clearance is a plus.
  • Limited travel required.

The salary range is: $115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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