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Software Defined Radio Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FPGA Engineer

Germantown, MD ยท On-site

$132K - $169K/yr

Working with teams of software and hardware engineers to design custom RF communications systems for a Software Defined Radio * Designing and implementing waveform, signal detection, and feature ...

Senior FPGA Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA

$139K - $179K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Electronic Warfare (EW) team is responsible for developing high-reliability radios, embedded processing, and power systems for software defined radio platforms. Working across ...

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new RF electronics for use in software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work ...

Electrical Engineering Manager

Denver, CO

$126K - $162K/yr

Support development of software-defined radio platforms, phased array systems, and high-speed embedded computing architectures. * Contribute directly to board-level digital and mixed-signal hardware ...

Hands on SDR (software defined radio) development experience * Strong programming skills in C and C++ * Experience working with embedded systems/hardware * Comfortable working on-site/lab based ...

New

RF Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

This role is closely aligned to customer requirements for RF signal exploitation, software-defined radio environments, RF modeling and simulation, lab and field test support, and rigorous test ...

This role is closely aligned to customer requirements for RF signal exploitation, software-defined radio environments, RF modeling and simulation, lab and field test support, and rigorous test ...

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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 Jun 10, 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:
What job categories do people searching Software Defined Radio Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Defined Radio Internship jobs are:
Infographic showing various Software Defined Radio Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Internship, 49% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,621 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
FPGA Engineer

FPGA Engineer

Maxtena Inc

Germantown, MD โ€ข On-site

$132K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

As an FPGA Engineer, you will be responsible for design, development, and optimization of advanced signal processing algorithms. Your work will include designing waveforms and signal detection/demodulation methods for RF communications systems and developing firmware for field-programmable gate array (FPGA) of wireless modem products based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies.
The position is based in Germantown, MD.
YOUR WORK AT MAXTENA WILL INCLUDE:
  • Working with teams of software and hardware engineers to design custom RF communications systems for a Software Defined Radio
  • Designing and implementing waveform, signal detection, and feature extraction algorithms in firmware/software
  • Working at the physical layer to design waveforms and signal detection/demodulation methods that can be used in custom RF communications systems
  • Further Development of proven prototypes to a deployment standard
  • Building system solutions from algorithms by transitioning them from simulations to instantiations on FPGA platforms
  • Proposing verification methodologies and support the validation and testing of the implemented capabilities
  • Documenting the design, implementation, and test processes, and present the technical results to product teams and senior leadership
  • Development of Software/Firmware prototypes in an agile environment
  • Testing of solutions, including lab and field testing
  • Support demonstration of solution

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with an ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • 5+ years of experience with Signal Processing
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent, Master's degrees prefered.
  • Demonstrated ability to design waveforms and signal processing techniques for RF communication systems in real-world environments
  • Demonstrated experience with FPGA implementation and testbench design with VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog
  • Familiarity with Xilinx design process flow and tools (Vivado, Xilink SDK)
  • Demonstrated experience with developing algorithms using scripting languages such as MATLAB
  • Experience with C, C++ and developing for embedded targets
  • Lab integration / test / debug with Logic Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including concise presentation skills

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE GUIDELINE:
  • Experience with software defined radio architectures and experience prototyping and testing communications systems using open source SDR tools such as GNU Rad

PERKS OF WORKING AT MAXTENA:
  • Developing innovative, meaningful products from scratch
  • A dynamic, innovative, and productive workplace
  • Cutting-edge technology & high-tech lab
  • Continuous career growth opportunities
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401K match
  • Flextime
  • Fun & games events
  • Coffee, sweets, & much more...

Maxtena is an Equal Opportunity Employer.