Senior Scientist - Optical Signal Processing

Senior Scientist - Optical Signal Processing Arlington, VA About the Team The Maritime Domain Awareness Group (MDA) develops and delivers advanced signal processing algorithms and techniques for airborne radar and passive optical systems. MDA fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution. We develop and analyze cutting‑edge algorithms for detection and exploitation of signals in high clutter and noise environments using both classical physics‑based approaches and big data‑driven AI/ML techniques. If you are seeking an opportunity to apply your deep technical knowledge and creativity in a fast‑paced, challenging environment to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. The Role We are looking for a Senior Scientist to develop state‑of‑the‑art algorithms and techniques for airborne passive optical systems to detect and exploit targets with low signal‑to‑noise ratios. You will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments, develop a deep understanding of clutter, and then translate that knowledge into all relevant components of the signal‑processing chain from raw sensor data to target classification. What you will do Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities Conceive, prototype, test, and mature image‑processing algorithms for critical national security missions Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject‑matter experts Who You Are Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government BA or MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline 3–5+ years of relevant work experience Expertise in two or more of the following areas: Experience building and delivering technical briefs to peers, senior‑level executives, and customers Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ Experienced researcher and team member who is excited to work with mission partners to leverage cutting‑edge technology and research for immediate impact Excellent communicator and briefer, comfortable communicating with both technical and non‑technical audiences Strong mathematical, written, and verbal communication skills Even Better Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts Experience with: Passive optical technologies in the defense sector, particularly airborne, downward‑looking sensors Computer vision techniques such as feature identification/matching/tracking, optical flow, background subtraction, etc. Interacting with decision‑makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end‑to‑end solution Demonstrated ability to conceive, prototype, test, and mature novel algorithms for challenging sensors Pay Information Full‑time salary range: $139,000 – $180,000 Equal Opportunity STR is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at View email address on click.appcast.io and provide your contact info. Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr STR