Job Description

Are you a communications system domain expert and enjoy designing and developing software defined radios on open-source frameworks?

Do you have experience designing, building or working with RF communication hardware systems?

Do you like to develop systems from SDR code to RF transceiver and enjoy testing and fielding your project designs?

Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges involving the defense of the US?

If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We are seeking Senior Software-Defined Radio Engineers to help us give our nation a significant advantage by controlling the wireless communications environment. You will be joining a team of engineers that provide the U.S. military and intelligence communities with operational advantages, using machine learning, software-defined radios and protocol reverse engineering to develop advanced capabilities for research and operational prototypes, applying innovative research to some of our government 's most critical challenges.

As a Senior Software-Defined Radio Engineer, you will work with a proactive SDR team to …

• Design and develop advanced, operational capabilities supporting sponsors from the DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) of national significance.
• Design and develop and prototype innovative new software-defined radio technologies to implement complex communication and networking technologies.
• Design and deploy, integrate, and test the prototypes in operationally-realistic environments, and establishing close relationships with sponsors to ensure mission success.
• Design and develop automated testbeds to analyze the performance of communication and networking technologies/systems, including developed prototype software-defined radios.
• Identify hardware and software accelerations options to optimize and refine algorithms and software implementations to meet evolving operational needs.

You meet the minimum qualifications if you have...

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or another related technical field.
• At least eight years of relevant experience developing communication system components for SDR systems, which include DSP libraries, wireless protocol layers, and hardware abstraction layer integration for common SDR frameworks like GNURadio.
• Solid foundational knowledge of, and experience with, the physical, data link, and media access layers of communication or networking systems.
• Proficient in programming: C, C++, and Python.
• Familiarity with several of the following tools: Docker, Gitlab, Wireshark, and Linux.
• Willingness to work off-site and may have limited travel both inside and outside the continental U.S.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or another related technical discipline.
• At least ten years of relevant experience developing communication system components for SDR systems, which include DSP libraries, wireless protocol layers, and hardware abstraction layer integration for common SDR frameworks like GNURadio.
• Knowledge of and experience with U.S. military communication or intelligence collection systems.
• Familiarity with commercial wireless communication standards.
• Familiarity with RF hardware and testing equipment, i.e. spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, power amplifiers, filters and open/closed RF networks.
• Experience in developing and optimizing forward error correction/error correcting code (FEC/ECC) algorithms for communication systems.
• Experience in signal identification, classification and reverse engineering methods for wireless communication signals and protocols.
• An active TS/SSBI level clearance with polygraph.
• Multiple active IC program involvements.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.