Principal DSP Engineer & Team Lead

Job Description
We are seeking a

Worker Type
Regular


Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer to implement and support efforts in detecting and classifying Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platforms using their Radio Frequency (RF) link. The ideal candidate will have experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR) based systems, signal detection, RF protocol (WiFi, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, LoRa,...) decode, and strong software skills. Familiarity with phased array DF techniques and AI/ML-based classification approaches is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement DSP algorithms to detect and analyze UAS RF signals.
• Reverse engineer RF protocols associated with commercial and custom UAS platforms.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Radios for signal acquisition and experimentation.
• Develop signal processing workflows in MATLAB and production-ready implementations in C++.
• Analyze RF environments to distinguish UAS signals from background noise and benign emitters.
• Manage source code and collaborative development using Git.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including RF engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts.
• Contribute to research efforts on novel RF-based UAS detection methods including AI.

This Role Will

• Set the strategy and technology roadmap for signal processing and development.
• Influence decision-making and strategic planning for signal programs.
• Determine new areas for software technology introduction or proof-of-concepts based on industry trends.
• Research and evaluation of emerging technology, industry, and market trends to assist in project development and/or operational support activities.
• Lead and mentor a lean team of DSP engineers, driving technical direction, architecture reviews, and task prioritization while remaining hands-on in core algorithm development.
• Serve as both technical lead and individual contributor, guiding DSP architecture decisions, conducting peer code reviews, and unblocking the engineering team on complex signal processing challenges.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience.
  
  Note:
  
  Military experience is equivalent to professional experience.
• Proficient in C++ and MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
• Experience in RF signal detection, demodulation, and characterization.
• Strong background in reverse engineering wireless communication protocols.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Clearance Level
No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is

• $153,500 - $234,250

Aero Vironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.

Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Aero Vironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Aero Vironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.

See 22 CFR

• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits
: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

We also encourage you to review our company website at  to learn more about us.

Principals…