Communications Engineer (Experienced) - SEAL - Open Rank

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

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1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
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8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Location

Smyrna, GA (Metro Atlanta)

Project/Unit Description

This position is embedded in the Command, Control, and Communication Division (C3D) within the Sensor and Electromagnetic Application Laboratory (SEAL) at GTRI. The team is focused on providing state-of-the-art solutions for tactical communications, sensor integration, and data analytics, with applications spanning AI/ML integration, decision support systems, and enhanced battlefield management capabilities.

Job Purpose

Research, design, development and prototyping of communications equipment and systems. Utilizing experience and knowledge of end-to-end communications systems to architect novel and robust communications systems including emerging software-defined radio platforms and other emerging commercial communication systems and advanced tactical networks. Establish key performance requirements for various target radios across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications. Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through secure communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary author of technical reports/presentations for projects of moderate/high complexity.
• Compile report input from other researchers and prepare final report deliverable.
• Lead and/or contribute to white papers and proposals.
• Propose and lead IRAD programs
• Create and analyze network protocols

Additional Responsibilities

• Design and prototype advanced software-defined radio (SDR) systems, integrating novel waveforms to meet unique operational challenges.
• Provide technical leadership for multi-disciplinary teams on projects involving secure communications and enhanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.
• Develop and optimize network architectures for high-performance tactical communication systems in contested environments.
• Oversee testing and characterization of communication systems under varying operational conditions to ensure robustness and reliability.
• Act as a liaison with external partners, including DoD agencies, to align project goals with mission-critical requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering expertise in advanced communications and system integration.

Required Minimum Qualifications

- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing communication systems, including waveform development and network protocol optimization.
- Proven track record of developing secure and reliable tactical communication solutions for military or defense applications.
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and deliver results in high-pressure environments.
- Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to RF and communication systems.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Active security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance.
• Extensive experience in DoD operations, acquisitions, or program management.
• Expertise in advanced tactical network protocols and cross-domain integration for multi-mission platforms.
• Experience leading projects involving the integration of advanced communication systems into MDS.
• Published research in recognized journals or conferences.

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, and any other related field.
• 7 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, and any other related field.
• 4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, and any other related field.

Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels (Levels 5 & 6).

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link:

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

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Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at