Senior​/Principal Radar Signal Processing Engineer; SAR Focus), Onsite

Senior/Principal Radar Signal Processing Engineer (SAR Focus), Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. Our Advanced RF Applications team (Department 5376) needs a Radar Signal Processing Engineer to develop advanced signal detection, estimation, and processing algorithms for next‑generation RF sensing, tagging, tracking, and locating systems.

• Develop and implement advanced digital signal processing algorithms.
• Research RF sensing applications and characterize signals of interest.
• Support conceptualization, design, and development of RF systems.
• Develop and evaluate signal processing approaches using modeling, simulation, laboratory experimentation, and field testing.
• Analyze experimental and operational data to characterize, validate, and improve system performance.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to transition new capabilities into deployed systems.
• Interact with customers, stakeholders, and mission sponsors to understand requirements and guide technical solutions.

Requirements include onsite work in a collaborative electronics laboratory environment and occasional domestic travel.

$117,500 – $235,700 (actual salary will be determined after consideration of experience and qualifications).

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and engineering or scientific experience.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE Q clearance and SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project.
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital test equipment.
• Knowledge of RF, Digital Communications, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Security systems and principles.
• Experience in SAR image formation, image processing, image exploitation, and analysis.
• Development and implementation of signal processing, image processing, and data exploitation algorithms.
• Feature extraction, target detection, classification, change detection, or related analytic techniques.
• Experience developing, implementing, validating, and improving algorithms using real‑world or simulated SAR data.
• Developments of analysis and algorithm software using Python, C/C++, MATLAB, and/or Simulink.
• Knowledge of GMTI radars and processing techniques.
• Proficiency with RF, digital, and signal characterization test equipment.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, dynamic environments, and cross‑organizational collaboration.
• Desire to develop novel technical capabilities and innovative solutions to national security problems.
• Independent research and development experience, mature concepts into impactful capabilities.
• Strong communication skills with internal and external customers, sponsors, and partners.
• Demonstrated success in fast‑paced environments and ability to adapt to evolving requirements.
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and execute multiple projects within scope, budget, and schedule constraints.
• Continuous learning, professional development, and technical excellence.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 3–4 times per year).
• Active DOE Q or DOW Top Secret clearance and ability to acquire and maintain an SCI clearance.

The Advanced Radio Frequency Applications department researches, develops, evaluates, and deploys specialized RF systems for national security applications, including space‑based, airborne, and terrestrial RF communications, Command and Control, remote sensing, electronic counter‑measures, and tagging, tracking, and locating systems. Team members possess skills in RF/microwave circuit and system design, antenna design, digital signal processing, embedded systems, program/project management, and field‑testing support.

Posting Duration:
Open for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, may be extended. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a DOE Q‑level security clearance. A pre‑employment background investigation is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

NNSA MedPED Requirements:
If employed, individuals with medical portable electronic devices must comply with NNSA security requirements.

• Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living.
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities.
• Recruiters review resumes manually to accurately determine qualifications.