Senior Principal Systems Engineer; RF​/Signal Processing

Senior Principal Systems Engineer (RF/Signal Processing)

Location:

Beavercreek, OH, US, 45431

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies. From air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.

We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer with expertise in MATLAB, signal processing, and RF systems design to support the development of advanced defense and aerospace systems on the Advanced Technology Team.

• Lead the end-to-end system design and analysis of advanced RF systems and signal processing solutions, from initial concept through detailed design.
• Develop and prototype signal processing algorithms and system models using MATLAB to validate concepts and predict system performance.
• Conduct system requirements definition, architecture design, and trade studies to transition early research prototypes into mature engineering specifications.
• Collaborate closely with software, firmware (FPGA), and hardware teams to ensure designs are implementable, providing detailed design guidance and facilitating a smooth hand-off to development and deployment teams.
• Perform modeling and simulation of RF signals and systems to evaluate performance under various scenarios and refine design parameters.
• Drive technical design reviews and produce comprehensive documentation (requirements, design specifications, interface control documents, test plans) to ensure clarity and quality of the system design.
• Lead and mentor engineers, fostering development and supporting career growth.
• Provide input on budget, cost, and schedule for design projects.
• Actively contribute to new business pursuits by proposing innovative concepts, technologies, or applications.
• Participate in proposal preparations, leveraging technical expertise to enhance proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methods in signal processing and RF engineering and incorporate best practices to improve system capability and reliability.
• Proven experience in RF systems design and analysis (communications, or electronic warfare systems), including a solid understanding of RF components, antennas, and propagation principles.
• Deep background in RF systems and advanced signal processing algorithms with some experience in one or more of the following: communications waveform design, communication link budget analysis, adaptive filtering, or electronic warfare techniques.
• Prior work experience in the defense or aerospace industry preferred with some experience in one or more of the following: advanced signal processing, secure communications, or electronic warfare systems.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field (7 years with a Master’s, 5 years with a Ph.D.).
• Expertise in MATLAB for algorithm development, data analysis, and modeling of signal processing systems.
• Extensive experience in digital signal processing techniques (e.g. filtering, modulation, detection, spectral analysis) and their application to real-world RF systems.
• Proven experience in RF systems design and analysis (such as radar, communication, or electronic warfare systems), including a solid understanding of RF components, antennas, and propagation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to take system concepts or prototypes through to detailed design and specification, including performing requirements analysis and developing system architecture.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience conducting complex system trade studies and performance analysis.
• Experience leading technical projects or engineering teams, with excellent communication skills for presenting technical information and guiding team discussions.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering processes (requirements management, configuration management,…