Communications & Signal Processing Engineer

MITRE Wireless Communications Role

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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.
Develop novel DSP and signal processing algorithms to improve signal detection and classification in congested, contested, and denied environments
Design and implement PHY/baseband algorithms (e.g., OFDM, MIMO, beamforming, advanced channel coding) for modern wireless systems
Evaluate different MIMO transmission schemes and beamforming approaches for throughput, interference management, and robustness
Conduct theoretical analysis to assess the performance of novel geolocation and direction-finding techniques
Design 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 optimization
Support 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 cancellation
Perform 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 communications
Apply anti-jam, low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD), and resilience techniques to strategic and mission-critical communication links
Integrate 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 analysis
Successful candidates will:
Demonstrate strong technical acumen in communications, DSP, and wireless systems
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholders
Take initiative in owning technical tasking and enjoy mentoring early-career engineers
Communicate clearly in both written and oral formats
Basic 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 experience
Experience with simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python
Technical 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 testing
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance
Per 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-site
Preferred Qualifications:
MS or PhD in an engineering discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience with strategic, mission-critical, or national-level command and control communications, C3/C4ISR systems, or protected and hardened communications infrastructures
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to lead collaboration across organizations and engineering disciplines
Experience developing technical reports, presentations, and/or production-quality code
Experience 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 clearance
Salary compensation range and midpoint: $126,800 - $158,500 - $190,200 Annual
Work Location Type: Onsite
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.