Principal Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer

Principal Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer

Dayton, OH

Principal Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer

About the Team: The Sensors Division develops advanced solutions in radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. Within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector, we focus on advancing space sensing, space control, and counter-sensing technologies for critical national security missions.

The Role: Principal Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer The SMS Sector is seeking a Principal Algorithm and Signal Processing Engineer to lead the development of state-of-the-art algorithms for the next generation of space systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between foundational research and mission-ready deployment, developing techniques for EO/IR and RF sensor detection, classification, and autonomous space platform and payload orchestration.

Your work will center on advancing space-based sensing and spacecraft control, leveraging RF, radar, and machine learning to solve complex sensing and resource management challenges. As a technical leader, you will engage directly with customers to translate high-level national security needs into rigorous mathematical frameworks and deployable prototypes. You will lead a team of researchers and collaborate closely with engineering teams to push the boundaries of what is possible in space-based sensing and control.

What you will do:

• Lead the design and application of cutting-edge signal processing and machine learning techniques to solve complex space-based sensing and spacecraft control challenges.
• Engage directly with customers and mission partners to understand unique requirements and shape technical solutions that address critical national security needs.
• Architect autonomous sensor management and processing algorithms that enable real-time processing and autonomy on orbiting platforms.
• Guide multi-disciplinary teams of researchers and engineers, providing the technical vision and mentorship necessary to move from early concept to integration and system verification.
• Drive business development and proposal efforts, identifying new technical opportunities and shaping the future direction of the sector’s research portfolio.

Who you are:

• Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Education/Experience:
• BS + 7 years, MS + 5 years, or PhD + 3 years of relevant experience in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Sensing & Control Expertise: Extensive experience developing sensor system modes and advanced signal/data-processing algorithms. While expertise in Radar is highly valued, we are seeking a broad application of these skills to space systems, including EO/IR space-based sensing and spacecraft control.
• Machine Learning: Proven experience applying Machine Learning (ML) or AI techniques to solve complex signal processing or sensing challenges.
• Technical Leadership: A track record of leading researchers and engineers through the full lifecycle—from analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance.
• Communication: Excellent communicator and briefer, comfortable translating high-level mission needs into technical requirements for subcontractors, executives, and customers.
• Programming: Proficiency in one or more scientific programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.

Even Better:

• Prior experience working on SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) or SAP (Special Access Programs).
• Deep expertise in Cognitive EW, Electronic Attack, Electronic Protection, or advanced ESM techniques.
• Hands-on experience with ML frameworks and tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray, or MLflow, specifically applied to image recognition or reinforcement learning.
• Experience interacting with high-level government decision-makers to translate abstract mission needs into end-to-end technical solutions.
• A demonstrated ability to apply novel, interdisciplinary approaches to "impossible" engineering problems.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $174.000 to $225.000

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, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. 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.

STRis 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in STR’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.