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Signal Processing Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join our Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied ...

$121K - $231K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer to join the Acoustic Data Science Department at the Applied Research Laboratory ...

In this role, you will support research, development, analysis, and prototyping of resilient communications and signal processing systems that directly contribute to national security and sponsor ...

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Signal Processing Research information

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$53.5K

$131.3K

$193.5K

How much do signal processing research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal processing research in the United States is $131,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is signal processing research?

Signal processing research involves the study and development of methods to analyze, modify, and interpret signals such as sound, images, and scientific measurements. Researchers in this field work on designing algorithms and systems for filtering, compressing, and extracting meaningful information from raw data. The applications of signal processing research are vast and include areas like telecommunications, medical imaging, audio and speech recognition, and radar systems. The goal is often to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and capabilities of signal-related technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in signal processing research?

To thrive in Signal Processing Research, you need a solid background in mathematics, engineering, and statistical analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, as well as experience with digital signal processing (DSP) tools and machine learning frameworks, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills help researchers innovate and communicate complex concepts. These capabilities are essential for pushing the boundaries of technology and developing novel solutions in signal processing applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in signal processing research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Signal Processing Research often encounter challenges such as managing large datasets, staying updated with rapidly evolving algorithms, and integrating theoretical developments into practical applications. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is key, as projects frequently require input from hardware engineers, software developers, and domain experts. To address these challenges, researchers should prioritize continuous learning, actively participate in conferences and workshops, and engage in cross-functional teamwork to bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation.

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

AspectSignal Processing ResearchSignal Processing Engineer
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/Ph.D.), research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsIndustry settings, product development teams, telecommunications, consumer electronics
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, tech companiesTech firms, telecom companies, hardware manufacturers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, academic careersDesigning and implementing signal processing solutions

Signal Processing Research focuses on developing new algorithms and theories, often within academic or R&D environments, requiring advanced degrees. Signal Processing Engineers apply these principles in industry to create practical systems and products, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree. Both roles are integral to advancing communication and electronic technologies but differ mainly in their focus on research versus application.

More about Signal Processing Research jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal Processing Research jobs?

The most popular types of Signal Processing Research jobs are:

What states have the most Signal Processing Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Signal Processing Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Signal Processing Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,349 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Signal Processing Research Scientist

RTX Corporate

Arlington, VA

$133K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-21

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-ARLINGTON-111 ~ 1300 17Th St N ~ BBN ARLINGTON

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

RTX BBN solves challenging problems of high importance to our customers in the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and Industry by rapidly prototyping systems for sensing complex physical phenomena, correlating them to events of interest, and producing high-value, actionable information from the sensed data. The team specializes in delivering networked sensor system solutions by combining a strong understanding of the underlying physics, high-fidelity modeling, simulation of complex signatures and propagation phenomenology, deep expertise in signal processing, EM and RF phenomenology, and computer science, proven capabilities in system development, and mature tools to enable rapid design cycles from theory to demonstration. We are currently searching for a highly qualified Signal Processing Research Scientist to join our team in Arlington, VA.

Role Overview:

RTX BBN solves challenging problems of high importance to our customers in the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and Industry by rapidly prototyping systems for sensing complex physical phenomena, correlating them to events of interest, and producing high-value, actionable information from the sensed data. The team specializes in delivering networked sensor system solutions by combining a strong understanding of the underlying physics, high-fidelity modeling, simulation of complex signatures and propagation phenomenology, deep expertise in signal processing, EM and RF phenomenology, and computer science, proven capabilities in system development, and mature tools to enable rapid design cycles from theory to demonstration. We are currently searching for a highly qualified Signal Processing Research Scientist to join our team in Arlington, VA.

What You Will Do:

Statistical signal processing:

  • Estimation techniques including Bayesian and non-Bayesian estimators, performance measures such as bias and mean-square error and bounds on estimator performance such as the Cramer-Rao lower bound.

  • Detection techniques including the Neyman-Pearson detection, probabilities of detection and false alarm, receiver operating curves, etc.

Cyclostationary signal processing:

  • CAF, SCF, SOF estimation.

  • Computation of Cyclic Cumulants.

  • Cyclic Feature Detection.

Adaptive signal processing:

  • Temporal and space-time adaptive processing.

  • Interference covariance estimation techniques including both structured and reduced-rank techniques.

  • Wiener filtering and on-line adaptive techniques such as LMS and RLS.

  • Kalman filtering, particle filtering, and multi-hypothesis tracking.

  • Machine learning and optimization for optimal control.

RF propagation and signature modeling:

  • Link budgets, terrestrial and free-space propagation models, multipath, non-stationary propagation environments (Doppler spread), clock stability and phase noise, and target kinematics.

  • Antenna pattern estimation.

  • Estimation of bistatic RCS.

Sensing:

  • Sparse array processing, beamforming, direction finding, filtering and tracking.

  • Range-Doppler radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

  • Signal classification and recognition.

Physical-layer communications:

  • Modulation techniques and tradeoffs, channel estimation and tracking, MIMO communications, equalization, forward error correction and decoding.

  • LPX waveform design.

  • Multi-user detection.


Qualifications You Must Have:

  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics plus 5+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. plus 3+ years experience.

  • Experience with signal processing, including estimation, detection, etc.

  • Experience with RF modeling and sensing.

  • Active Top Secret government security clearance
     

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Position may require some overnight travel.

  • Experience applying advanced methods, theories, and R&D techniques to solve difficult problems.

  • Skillset to tackle research challenges proactively with minimal supervision and periodic check-ins with team leads.

  • Experience leading small teams of technical contributors.

  • Experience documenting plans and scientific findings with opportunities to present to government customers.

Learn More & Apply Now!
Work Location: Onsite - Alrington, VA
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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