Junior DSP Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Junior DSP Engineer

Job Description

The Junior DSP Engineer supports the development, testing, and analysis of advanced sensing and communications systems, working with real-world signals, laboratory equipment, data analysis, and algorithm development. This role is ideal for an early-career electrical or related engineer who wants hands-on experience with RF systems, digital signal processing, and laboratory and field-test activities. The position is based in Warrenton, VA and includes approximately 15% travel to customer sites, test events, and engineering demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and characterize complex waveforms collected from sensors, communications systems, and RF-based platforms.
• Conduct laboratory testing, calibration, and validation of signal processing systems using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF test equipment.
• Develop, model, and evaluate signal processing techniques using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
• Process and analyze large datasets to identify signal characteristics, system performance trends, and potential anomalies.
• Support the development and refinement of filtering, detection, classification, tracking, and waveform analysis algorithms.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software engineers to troubleshoot signal integrity issues and validate overall system performance.
• Participate in field testing activities and assist with data collection, system integration, and performance assessments.
• Document test procedures, engineering analyses, and technical findings for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support design reviews, technical briefings, and customer demonstrations by preparing technical content and participating in discussions.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends related to digital signal processing, communications, sensing systems, and RF engineering.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• 0–5 years of experience in signal processing, communications systems, RF engineering, test engineering, or a closely related field.
• Understanding of DSP fundamentals, including filtering, spectral analysis, sampling theory, FFTs, signal detection, and waveform characterization.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret real-world measurement data.
• Ability to work effectively in both laboratory and field-test environments.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15% for customer meetings, test events, and system demonstrations.
• Active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• Hands-on experience or familiarity with RF concepts and RF test equipment such as signal analyzers.
• Comfort working with Linux or embedded Linux environments in support of testing and signal processing tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical discipline with coursework focused on Digital Signal Processing, Communications, Radar, Electronic Warfare, or Applied Mathematics.
• Experience analyzing RF, radar, communications, acoustic, sonar, or sensor-generated data.
• Exposure to software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and associated signal analysis tools.
• Familiarity with digital communications concepts such as modulation, demodulation, synchronization, and channel analysis.
• Experience supporting laboratory experimentation, field testing, or prototype system development.
• Knowledge of machine learning or advanced analytics applied to signal processing problems.
• Experience with general RF laboratory tools and test setups.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams and communicate technical concepts clearly in written reports and presentations.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based on site in Warrenton, VA, with an initial onboarding period during which the engineer works on site every day for the first two months to gain familiarity with systems, tools, and processes. After onboarding, the role transitions to a hybrid schedule with approximately two days per week on site. The work environment includes laboratory settings with RF test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other lab tools, as well as field-test environments for system integration and data collection. The position involves about 15% travel to customer locations, test events, and engineering demonstrations. Engineers collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and software teams, using technologies such as MATLAB, Python, Linux, and embedded Linux to support signal processing and testing activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Warrenton,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.