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Software Defined Radio Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior AI Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$180K - $210K/yr

The platform integrates software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, edge AI, distributed systems, and modern software engineering practices to enable autonomous processing and decision support at the ...

The platform integrates software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, edge AI, distributed systems, and modern software engineering practices to enable autonomous processing and decision support at the ...

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Software Defined Radio Internship information

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How much do software defined radio internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for software defined radio internship in the United States is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and technologies can I expect to work on during a Software Defined Radio Internship?

As a Software Defined Radio (SDR) intern, you'll typically be involved in hands-on projects that focus on developing, testing, and optimizing radio communication systems using platforms like GNU Radio and SDR hardware such as USRP devices. Common responsibilities include writing and debugging signal processing algorithms, implementing modulation schemes, and analyzing RF signals. You may also collaborate with engineers and researchers to prototype new wireless applications, contribute to open-source SDR projects, and participate in team meetings to discuss technical challenges and project progress. This environment fosters practical learning and direct exposure to both hardware and software aspects of modern radio systems.

What is the difference between Software Defined Radio Internship vs RF Engineer?

AspectSoftware Defined Radio InternshipRF Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF or Communications Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, testing environmentsDesign, testing, and deployment of RF systems in labs or field
Industry UsageWireless communication, defense, research projectsTelecommunications, aerospace, defense industries

The Software Defined Radio Internship focuses on hands-on experience with SDR technology, often for students or recent grads, while RF Engineers are full-time professionals designing and implementing RF systems. Both roles share similar educational backgrounds and industry applications, but differ in scope and career level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Defined Radio Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Defined Radio Intern, you need a solid understanding of digital signal processing, RF concepts, and programming (often in Python or C++), typically supported by coursework or a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SDR platforms like GNU Radio, MATLAB, and hardware such as USRP devices is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing, testing, and optimizing complex radio systems in dynamic research or engineering environments.

What is a Software Defined Radio Internship?

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) Internship is a program designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience working with SDR technology. SDR refers to radio communication systems where components that have typically been implemented in hardware are instead implemented by means of software on a computer or embedded system. Interns in this field usually work on projects involving wireless communications, signal processing, and developing or testing SDR platforms. This internship helps participants develop valuable technical skills and gain practical knowledge that can be applied in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and IoT.
More about Software Defined Radio Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Defined Radio Internship jobs? Cities with the most Software Defined Radio Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Defined Radio jobs? The most popular types of Software Defined Radio jobs are:
What states have the most Software Defined Radio Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Defined Radio Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Defined Radio Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,621 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Peraton

College Park, MD

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 213 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on designing, developing, prototyping, and evaluating SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless communications, networking, cyber operations, and experimentation platforms.At Peraton Labs, you will work on mission-focused R&D efforts that move from research concepts to working prototypes and operationally relevant capabilities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, and customer stakeholders to solve complex problems involving wireless systems, signal processing, protocol analysis, networked communications, and secure communications environments.

This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key responsibilities may include

  • Design, develop, prototype, and test Software Defined Radio capabilities for wireless communications and networking systems
  • Research and implement signal processing, waveform, protocol, and radio frequency techniques to support mission-focused experimentation
  • Develop SDR applications and prototypes using tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar
  • Work with commercial and open-source SDR platforms, including USRP, Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar
  • Support wireless protocol research, analysis, implementation, and experimentation across systems such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio, or custom waveform environments
  • Integrate SDR capabilities with Linux-based systems, networking environments, containers, testbeds, and cyber experimentation platforms
  • Conduct lab-based testing, field testing, performance analysis, data collection, and troubleshooting of RF and SDR systems
  • Analyze wireless signals, protocol behavior, RF performance, and systems teams to integrate SDR capabilities into larger prototypes
  • Communicate findings, technical approaches, and prototype results through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, or publications

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*

#MDFSP

#PLABS26

Qualifications

Required qualifications

  • Minimum of 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field or related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 10+ years.
  • 2+ years hands-on experience developing Software Defined Radio solutions
  • Strong understanding of RF systems, wireless communications, digital signal processing, and SDR architectures
  • Experience with SDR hardware such as USRP/Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar platforms
  • Experience working in Linux-based development environments
  • Ability to develop, test, troubleshoot, and document research prototypes
  • Experience developing SDR or wireless communications using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to stakeholders
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
  • This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired Additional Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field is preferred
  • Experience with LTE, 5G, WiFi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio systems, mesh networking, or custom waveform development
  • Knowledge of OpenAirInterface, srsRAN/srsLTE, Open5Gs, free5GC, Amarisoft, or similar wireless/telecom stacks
  • Experience with LTE or 5G standards, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS, or core network interfaces
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, vector signal analyzers, channel emulators, or RF front-end equipment
  • Experience with DSP concepts such as modulation/demodulation, synchronization, filtering, channel estimation, equalization, coding, detection, and signal classification
  • Experience with RFML, wireless security, protocol reverse engineering, electronic warfare, spectrum sensing, interference analysis, or RF cyber research
  • Experience integrating SDR capabilities into containers, Kubernetes, virtualized environments, cyber ranges, or network experimentation testbeds.
  • Experience with test automation, data analysis, and experiment orchestration using Python or similar tools
  • Experience contributing to proposals, whitepapers, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, or customer-facing research briefings
  • Ability to serve as a technical lead or principal investigator on DoD/IC research efforts
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017