Communications & Signal Processing Engineer Jobs

MITRE Wireless Communications RoleWhy choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.Department Summary MITRE operates Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in support of various U.S. Government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and others. Our sponsors rely on a wide range of wireless communications systems, including commercial radios, cellular technologies, satellite communications, tactical data links, and other mission-critical systems. We assess, design, analyze, prototype, and test advanced communications technologies to further the public good.About the Role You will help shape the next generation of resilient wireless communications for U.S. Government sponsors, including strategic and national-level command and control communications and other mission-assured systems. You will apply your expertise in digital signal processing (DSP), wireless systems, and networking-aware architectures to develop, evaluate, and prototype innovative solutions for contested and degraded environments.Those activities will include one or more of following:Develop novel DSP and signal processing algorithms to improve signal detection and classification in congested, contested, and denied environmentsDesign and implement PHY/baseband algorithms (e.g., OFDM, MIMO, beamforming, advanced channel coding) for modern wireless systemsEvaluate different MIMO transmission schemes and beamforming approaches for throughput, interference management, and robustnessConduct theoretical analysis to assess the performance of novel geolocation and direction-finding techniquesDesign and prototype waveforms for challenging channels (e.g., long-haul, beyond-line-of-sight, high-dynamics, and fading environments)Work with advanced wireless and SATCOM technologies (5G/6G, LTE, Wi-Fi, tactical data links, protected SATCOM, VLF/HF/UHF/EHF systems, beyond-line-of-sight communications)Prototype, modify, and integrate open-source tools to demonstrate new application areas (e.g., GNU Radio, USRP-based SDR testbeds)Apply machine learning and AI techniques to RF and baseband data for tasks such as signal classification, interference mitigation, RF fingerprinting, and adaptive waveform/beamforming optimizationSupport communications systems development and analysis by designing and analyzing components such as synchronization, forward error correction (LDPC, Turbo, convolutional codes), spread spectrum, medium access control, channel equalization, and interference cancellationPerform system performance analysis and RF laboratory testing (RF front-end characterization, spectrum analysis, over-the-air testing)Analyze and improve communications architectures that support command, control, and communications (C3) and C4ISR mission threads, with a focus on assured, survivable, and secure communicationsApply anti-jam, low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD), and resilience techniques to strategic and mission-critical communication linksIntegrate physical-layer and RF solutions into end-to-end architectures that interface with IP-based networks and higher-layer protocols (e.g., IP, TCP/UDP, routing, QoS considerations)Use software-defined radios (e.g., USRP/GNU Radio) and tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++ to implement communication protocols and perform signal analysisSuccessful candidates will:Demonstrate strong technical acumen in communications, DSP, and wireless systemsCollaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholdersTake initiative in owning technical tasking and enjoy mentoring early-career engineersCommunicate clearly in both written and oral formatsBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree with 5 years of related experience; or master's degree with 3 years of related experience; or a PhD; or an equivalent combination of related education and work experienceExperience with simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB or PythonTechnical background in at least one of the following areas: detection and estimation theory; waveform design, modulation theory, error control coding, information theory; stochastic processes, propagation, channel estimation and equalization; receiver design, interference cancellation, algorithm development; system performance analysis, RF laboratory testingAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearancePer the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-sitePreferred Qualifications:MS or PhD in an engineering discipline with 5+ years of relevant experienceExperience with strategic, mission-critical, or national-level command and control communications, C3/C4ISR systems, or protected and hardened communications infrastructuresStrong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to lead collaboration across organizations and engineering disciplinesExperience developing technical reports, presentations, and/or production-quality codeExperience with systems engineering processes for communication systems (e.g., requirements development/review, verification and validation, end-to-end architecture analysis, link budget analysis)Experience with SDR platforms and RF test equipment (e.g., USRP, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, channel emulators)Existing DoD Secret or Top Secret clearanceThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint: $126,800 - $158,500 - $190,200 Annual Work Location Type: Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. 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