Principal Scientist - Optics Signal Processing

Job Description

Job Description

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 artificial intelligence and machine learning (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 seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development of next-generation signal processing capabilities for airborne passive optical sensing systems supporting critical national security missions. In this role, you will guide teams of scientists and engineers in designing advanced algorithms and processing architectures that enable the detection, characterization, and exploitation of targets operating in low signal-to-noise and highly cluttered environments.

You will apply first-principles physics, statistical signal processing, and advanced modeling and simulation to understand complex operational environments and drive the development of end-to-end processing solutions—from raw sensor phenomenology and calibration through detection, tracking, and classification. This role requires the ability to integrate knowledge across optics, sensing phenomenology, atmospheric effects, signal processing, and machine learning to develop robust solutions that transition from research prototypes into operational systems.

As a senior technical leader, you will help shape the technical vision and strategy for passive optical sensing within the organization, identifying emerging mission challenges, defining research directions, and guiding the development of technologies that address future operational needs.

What You Will Do: 

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in the design, development, and maturation of advanced signal processing algorithms for airborne passive optical sensing systems
• Apply physics-based modeling and simulation to understand sensing phenomenology, clutter environments, and environmental effects impacting sensor performance
• Architect and develop end-to-end processing chains, including sensor modeling, calibration, detection, tracking, and target classification algorithms
• Identify and pursue novel algorithmic approaches for detecting and exploiting low-SNR signals in complex environments
• Collaborate closely with program leadership, government sponsors, and external partners to shape technical direction and align research with mission needs
• Mentor and guide scientists and engineers, helping develop the next generation of technical leaders within the organization
• Drive the transition of research algorithms into operational software and deployed capabilities
• Communicate technical vision and results through briefings, technical publications, and presentations to senior stakeholders and subject matter experts

Who You Are: 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
• BA, or MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10-12+ years of relevant work experience
• Expertise in two or more of the following areas:
• Signal processing, Fourier analysis, linear estimation, optimization, adaptive signal processing, AI/ML algorithm development, algorithm development, modeling & simulation, systems engineering, optics modelling
• 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, who is 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: $220,000 - $250,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.