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Signal Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

SAIC

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

Leidos

Signal Processing Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

The Electronic Warfare Divison at Leidos currently has an opening for a Signal Processing Engineer to support EW programs in Arlington, VA or San Diego, CA . As part of our team, you will focus on ...

Dev Technology

Audio AI Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$80K - $160K/yr

Audio AI Engineer, #1085 Multilingual Speech-to-Text Engineer -- On-Device Model Optimization, #1085 A Role with Purpose and Impact This role builds the speech recognition core of a mobile ...

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All JobsSignal Engineer JobsSignal Engineer Jobs in Washington

Signal Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$40.2K

$108.9K

$190.3K

How much do signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal engineer in Washington is $108,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges signal engineers face when working on railway or transportation projects?

Signal Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new signaling systems with legacy infrastructure, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including civil, electrical, and IT engineers. Projects may require balancing tight deadlines with the need for thorough testing and validation of signal systems to ensure passenger and worker safety. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities can shift quickly due to technical issues or changes in project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a signal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or electronic engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with signaling systems, CAD software, and industry-specific standards such as those from the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) or relevant certifications is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help Signal Engineers collaborate and respond to safety-critical situations. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of signaling systems in transportation networks.

What is the difference between Signal Engineer vs Communications Engineer?

AspectSignal EngineerCommunications Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications like IEEEBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Communications Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRailways, transit systems, transportation infrastructureTelecom companies, network providers, data centers
Industry UsageTransportation, infrastructure projectsTelecommunications, networking, data transmission
Job FocusDesign and maintenance of signaling systems for safety and efficiencyDesign and implementation of communication systems for data and voice transmission

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and similar certifications, Signal Engineers primarily focus on signaling systems in transportation, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Communications Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining communication networks for data and voice transmission across various industries.

How much do signal engineers make?

Signal engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in telecommunications systems, circuit design, and relevant certifications can lead to higher compensation.

What is a signal engineer?

Signal Engineers are professionals who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot signaling systems that control train movements on railway networks. Their work ensures the safe and efficient operation of trains by managing signals, track circuits, and interlocking systems. Signal Engineers work closely with other railway professionals to implement modern signaling technology and comply with safety standards. They may also be involved in upgrading existing infrastructure or developing new systems for improved reliability and capacity.
What are popular job titles related to Signal Engineer jobs in Washington? For Signal Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Signal Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Signal Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Signal Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Signal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Signal Engineer jobs in WA? For Signal Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Signal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Signal Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,851 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

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

2nd of 73 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you experienced with Digital Signal Processing for RF and wireless electronics and systems?
Are you interested in contributing to the development of space RF/ optical systems, payloads, and electronics for communications, PNT, remote sensing, and ISR&T applications?
Are you passionate about teaming and driving technology and science to new levels?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!
We are seeking a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engineer to design, analyze and develop RF and optical systems and payloads for NASA and DoW's next generation space missions. You 'll be joining a hard-working team of engineers who thrive on making critical contributions to our Nation's critical challenges. Our culture embraces our core values of unquestionable integrity, trusted service to our nation, world-class expertise, game-changing impact, highly collaborative, and even fun environment!
As a Digital Signal Processing Engineer...
  • You will work with engineers and scientists to develop new concepts for software defined radios and payloads for space RF and optical systems for communications, PNT, remote sensing, and ISR&T applications.
  • You will lead technical teams throughout the payload development cycle, including concept, trade studies, prototype work, flight development, integration, and test for both space and ground segment applications.
  • You will perform DSP algorithms design, simulation, hardware platform trade studies, technical tradeoffs, and costing for both space and ground segment implementations.
  • You will contribute to modeling, simulation, and analysis of space RF/ optical systems to support communications, remote sensing, ISR&T, and EW missions.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Have 5+ years direct experience in digital signal processing for RF or optical systems or payload design, development, simulation (MATLAB, SystemVue, or equivalent) and test.
  • Have experience in wireless modem or receiver design and/or testing.
  • Are willing and able to accommodate flexible hours for spacecraft level testing activities for short periods of time, infrequent travel to customer or sponsor locations as well as spacecraft integration and test sites.
  • Are able to obtain an interim Top-Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly 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...
  • Possess a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering with previous digital signal processing for RF systems or payload design leadership experience.
  • Have experience with software-defined radios (SDR), antennas, RF characterization and measurements to Ka-band or beyond, optical, PNT systems design, radar systems design, or military satellite communications systems.
  • Ability to work independently without technical oversight.
  • Other key skills: SIGINT, EW, Precision Timing, Time Transfer, PNT, and Radar Design

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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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