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Signal Processing Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Signal Processing Engineer

Arlington, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsSignal Processing Engineer JobsSignal Processing Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Signal Processing Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$53.1K

$130.3K

$192K

How much do signal processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal processing engineer in Columbia, MD is $130,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,700.00 and $146,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Signal Processing Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, digital signal processing theory, and programming, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Python, DSP hardware platforms, and relevant certifications like Certified LabVIEW Developer are highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate analysis, efficient design, and successful implementation of signal processing solutions in diverse technical environments.

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

AspectSignal Processing EngineerCommunications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, R&D departmentsTelecom companies, network providers, infrastructure firms
Industry UsageDesigning algorithms for audio, video, radar, and sensor dataDeveloping and maintaining communication systems and networks
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on signal analysis, filtering, and data processingFocuses on network design, protocols, and transmission systems

While both roles involve electrical engineering principles, Signal Processing Engineers primarily develop algorithms for analyzing and filtering signals, whereas Communications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining communication systems and networks. The roles often overlap in telecommunications, but their core responsibilities differ based on the specific application and industry focus.

What does a Signal Processing Engineer do?

A Signal Processing Engineer designs, develops, and implements algorithms and systems to analyze, modify, and interpret signals such as audio, video, radar, or sensor data. They work with both analog and digital signals to extract meaningful information, improve signal quality, and enable communication between devices. Their work is essential in industries like telecommunications, healthcare (medical imaging), audio engineering, and defense. Signal Processing Engineers often use programming languages like MATLAB or Python, and work closely with hardware and software teams to optimize system performance.

What Does a Signal Processing Engineer Do?

A signal processing engineer is an information technologies expert that analyzes and alters digital signals to make them more accurate and reliable. As a signal processing engineer, your responsibilities are to develop, manage and update digital signals, creating algorithms to process them more efficiently. Qualifications for a signal processing engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering, math, or physics, and skills in various programming languages, like C++. You can find signal processing engineer jobs in a wide variety of industries from security to logistics.

What are some typical challenges Signal Processing Engineers face when working on real-time systems?

Signal Processing Engineers working on real-time systems often encounter challenges related to processing speed, latency, and resource constraints. They must design algorithms that efficiently handle large volumes of data without sacrificing accuracy, all while operating within the hardware's computational limits. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and software developers is common to ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance. Staying updated with the latest advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) tools and techniques also helps address these challenges effectively.
More about Signal Processing Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD? For Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Signal Processing Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Signal Processing Engineer job openings:
Signal Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Signal Processing Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,350 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Signal Processing Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 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

1st of 72 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you love applying your signal processing experience to solve complex problems in the RF domain, in particular, electronic warfare?
Are you willing to take chances with new and creative methods to solve the nations toughest challenges?
Do you want to work in an atmosphere where risk taking, innovation, and creativity are openly encouraged and sought out?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a creative signal processing engineer to help us build innovative technology applications for the next generation of electronic warfare systems. Your work will contribute to ensuring the US and its allies dominate the RF spectrum. You'll be joining our hardworking team of system engineers, algorithm developers, FPGA and embedded software engineers, and advanced EW technology enthusiasts who enjoy working together to craft creative solutions to complex challenges. You will contribute to a variety of interesting projects in a team environment.
As a Signal Processing Engineer, you will ...
  • Develop novel concepts to defeat adversarial radar and communication systems; This work will involve a multitude of sub-disciplines in the signal processing field.
  • Study current and future radar systems and evaluate their performance.
  • Be involved in the end-to-end modeling and performance evaluation of new systems being designed.
  • Be involved in prototyping of new concepts.
  • Brief sponsors and internal APL staff.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you ...
  • Have earned a Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics with a concentration in signal processing, or another related discipline.
  • Have at least seven years of relevant experience related to signal processing design and analysis.
  • Have strong MATLAB or Python programming experience.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level security 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 ...
  • Have earned a Master's or Ph.D. in signal processing, estimation theory or another related discipline.
  • Have at least ten years of experience in the signal processing field.
  • Have experience modeling electronic protection (EP) algorithms, seekers, angle estimation, digital arrays, space time adaptive processing, clutter, or trackers and C++ experience.
  • Have experience leading small technical teams and communicating with stakeholders.

#LI-AG1
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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