Embedded Software Engineer (DSP/SDR)

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Strategic Technology Consulting (STC), an Arcfield Company, is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer with expertise in Software Defined Radios and Digital Signal Processing to support advanced NAVWAR, EW, and resilient PNT capabilities. This role will focus on the design, development, and optimization of high-performance embedded software that processes RF data, characterizes contested signal environments, and supports multi-source PNT fusion in degraded or GPS-denied conditions. The engineer will work in an architecture-driven development environment, translating system-level requirements, SWaP constraints, and RF mission needs into efficient embedded C/C++ implementations. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience with SDR architectures, DSP algorithms, raw I/Q data processing, RF signal analysis, hardware/software integration, and resource-constrained embedded systems. This role requires a highly autonomous engineer who can take ownership of the signal processing chain from RF front-end integration through embedded implementation, delivering software capabilities that help detect, characterize, and respond to jamming, spoofing, and other threats to assured navigation.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Architecture to Execution: Operate with extreme autonomy within an architecture-driven engineering culture, independently translating system-level designs and mathematical models into deployable, production-grade embedded software.
• Build SDR Pipelines: Architect and deploy custom, high-throughput Software Defined Radio architectures on embedded Linux and RTOS platforms, optimizing the flow of raw I/Q data between RF front-ends, FPGAs, and ARM-based processors.
• Implement Tactical DSP: Write optimized C/C++ code for real-time digital signal processing, including FFTs, digital filters, decimation, and demodulation.
• Dominate the EW/NAVWAR Domain: Develop software features that analyze the RF spectrum in real-time to detect GPS interference, characterize jamming waveforms, and localize spoofing sources.
• Hardware Integration: Interface directly with low-level hardware components, writing the software that controls RF transceivers, synthesizers, and ADCs/DACs via SPI, I2C, and high-speed data buses.
• Test and Validate: Conduct live over-the-air (OTA) testing in anechoic chambers and open-air ranges, debugging complex RF and software interactions.

Qualifications:

• BS 8-10, MS 6-8, PhD 3-5 (Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field).
• Experience writing production-grade C and modern C++ for embedded systems.
• Strong foundational knowledge of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and digital communications theory.
• Hands-on experience developing software for Software Defined Radios (e.g., using Ettus USRP, custom hardware, UHD, or GNU Radio) and managing high-bandwidth memory transfers (DMA, PCIe).
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in an architecture-driven environment, taking complex subsystems from initial concept through to deployed capability.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux architectures, POSIX threads, and real-time processing concepts.
• Experience with developing capabilities for Electronic Warfare (EW), Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR), SIGINT, or anti-jam/anti-spoof systems preferred.
• Familiarity with accelerating DSP algorithms using Edge GPUs, NPUs, or vectorized instructions preferred.
• Understanding of VITA standards (VITA49 for VITA Radio Transport, VITA90) and SOSA hardware/software profiles.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Equal Pay ActThis is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $115,033.47 Max: $200,020.88 EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.