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Software Defined Radio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beyond SOF

Position Summary The client is looking for a Radio Frequency Engineer to develop and execute ... Circuit designs implementing transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, or software defined radios (SDRs ...

Lifecycle

Software Engineer SWE 2

Frederick, MD

Experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) programming * Experience with geospatial processing * Experience coding 2D and 3D image displays * Experience with GitLab, GitHub, or similar version ...

Maxtena Inc

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD

$145K - $169K/yr

... on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies within multi-element antenna topologies. Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and optimize FPGA and ASIC-based digital signal processing systems for ...

Specter

RF Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Role Specter is hiring a Lead RF Engineer to lead the design and development of our modular software-defined radio (SDR) architecture - the communications backbone for our distributed sensing ...

Maxtena Inc

FPGA Engineer

Germantown, MD

$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 ...

Maxtena Inc

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

... on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies within multi-element antenna topologies. Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and optimize FPGA and ASIC-based digital signal processing systems for ...

Maxtena Inc

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

... on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies within multi-element antenna topologies. Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and optimize FPGA and ASIC-based digital signal processing systems for ...

Maxtena Inc

FPGA Engineer

Germantown, MD · 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 ...

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How much do software defined radio jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for software defined radio in the United States is $54.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Software Defined Radio position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Software Defined Radio (SDR) role, you need a strong background in digital signal processing, radio frequency (RF) concepts, and programming, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SDR platforms (such as GNU Radio, MATLAB/Simulink, or LabVIEW), proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++, and industry certifications in wireless communications are often required. Problem-solving ability, collaborative teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These competencies enable the successful design, testing, and deployment of flexible radio systems that adapt to evolving communications needs.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Software Defined Radio engineer?

As a Software Defined Radio engineer, your daily tasks often involve designing and developing software components for radio systems, implementing and testing algorithms for signal processing, and troubleshooting hardware and software integration issues. You may also work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, project managers, and testers to ensure SDR solutions meet performance and compliance standards. Depending on the organization, you might participate in field testing, documentation, and optimizing system performance. This role is hands-on and dynamic, perfect for those who enjoy solving complex technical challenges and collaborating with others.

What is a Software Defined Radio job?

A Software Defined Radio (SDR) job involves designing, developing, and maintaining radio communication systems that rely on software rather than traditional hardware components. SDR professionals work with programmable hardware, digital signal processing (DSP), and communication protocols to create flexible and adaptive wireless systems. These roles are common in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and aerospace, where SDR technology improves spectrum efficiency and enables advanced signal processing.

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What cities are hiring for Software Defined Radio jobs? Cities with the most Software Defined Radio job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Defined Radio jobs? The most popular types of Software Defined Radio jobs are:
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Software Defined Radio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Defined Radio job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,906 per year, or $54.8 per hour.
Wireless Communications Senior Design Engineer

Wireless Communications Senior Design Engineer

Maxtena Inc

Germantown, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary:

As a Wireless Communications Senior Design 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 solutions

IDEAL CANDIDATE:


  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with an ability to obtain a Secret clearance

  • 5+ years of experience with wireless system modem implmentations

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent, Master's degrees prefered.

  • Lab integration / test / debug with Logic Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes

  • Knowledge of existing cellular, satellite or WiFI standards.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including concise presentation skills

DESIRED EXPERIECE:


  • Demonstrated ability to design waveforms and use signal processing techniques for RF communication systems in real-world environments

  • Demonstrated experience with developing algorithms using scripting languages such as MATLAB

  • Demonstrated experience with FPGA implementation and testbench design with VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog

  • Experience with baseband firmware and hardware component selection

  • Familiarity with Xilinx design process flow and tools (Vivado, Xilink SDK)

  • Experience with C, C++ and developing for embedded targets

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

Maxtena is an Equal Opportunity Employer.