Senior Principal Systems Engineer (RF/Signal Processing)

Job ID: 112995

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies. From air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer with expertise in MATLAB, signal processing, and RF systems design to support the development of advanced defense and aerospace systems on the Advanced Technology Team.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end system design and analysis of advanced RF systems and signal processing solutions, from initial concept through detailed design.
• Develop and prototype signal processing algorithms and system models using MATLAB to validate concepts and predict system performance.
• Conduct system requirements definition, architecture design, and trade studies to transition early research prototypes into mature engineering specifications.
• Collaborate closely with software, firmware (FPGA), and hardware teams to ensure designs are implementable, providing detailed design guidance and facilitating a smooth hand-off to development and deployment teams.
• Perform modeling and simulation of RF signals and systems to evaluate performance under various scenarios and refine design parameters.
• Drive technical design reviews and produce comprehensive documentation (requirements, design specifications, interface control documents, test plans) to ensure clarity and quality of the system design.
• Lead and mentor engineers, fostering development and supporting career growth.
• Provide input on budget, cost, and schedule for design projects.
• Actively contribute to new business pursuits by proposing innovative concepts, technologies, or applications.
• Participate in proposal preparations, leveraging technical expertise to enhance proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methods in signal processing and RF engineering and incorporate best practices to improve system capability and reliability.
• Proven experience in RF systems design and analysis (communications, or electronic warfare systems), including a solid understanding of RF components, antennas, and propagation principles.
• Deep background in RF systems and advanced signal processing algorithms with some experience in one or more of the following: communications waveform design, communication link budget analysis, adaptive filtering, or electronic warfare techniques.
• Prior work experience in the defense or aerospace industry preferred with some experience in one or more of the following: advanced signal processing , secure communications, or electronic warfare systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field (7 years with a Master's, 5 years with a Ph.D.).
• Expertise in MATLAB for algorithm development, data analysis, and modeling of signal processing systems.
• Extensive experience in digital signal processing techniques (e.g. filtering, modulation, detection, spectral analysis) and their application to real-world RF systems.
• Proven experience in RF systems design and analysis (such as radar, communication, or electronic warfare systems), including a solid understanding of RF components, antennas, and propagation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to take system concepts or prototypes through to detailed design and specification, including performing requirements analysis and developing system architecture.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience conducting complex system trade studies and performance analysis.
• Experience leading technical projects or engineering teams, with excellent communication skills for presenting technical information and guiding team discussions.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering processes (requirements management, configuration management, verification/validation) and proficiency in creating high-quality technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, RF Engineering), with specialized coursework or research in RF signal processing or communications systems.
• Deep background in RF systems and advanced signal processing algorithms with some experience in one or more of the following: radar waveform design, communication link budget analysis, adaptive filtering, digital beamforming, or electronic warfare techniques.
• Prior work experience in the defense or aerospace industry with some experience in one or more of the following: radar, secure communications, or electronic warfare systems.
• Experience with C/C++ programming for simulation or prototyping of signal processing algorithms, and familiarity with software development practices and tools is a plus but not required.
• Experience with VHDL/Verilog or FPGA design for high-speed digital signal processing implementations, including the ability to transition algorithm prototypes to embedded hardware platforms is a plus but not required.
• Proven leadership in an engineering environment - for example, experience as a technical lead, project lead, or mentor - with a track record of guiding and developing engineering talent.
• MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) design experience, including familiarity with SysML or similar modeling languages, tools, and methodologies.
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) at time of hire.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #AIS

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:


- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.