Communications Systems Engineer

Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries?

Are you interested in trying novel, creative, and risky approaches for communications systems to solve and overcome mission critical challenges?

Would you enjoy rapid prototyping of ideas on both novel and deployed RF hardware/systems?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

The Networked Systems and Integrated Fires group is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to contribute to communications system design, implementation, hardware test/evaluation, firmware, real-time embedded software, and more. As part of our team, you will make critical contributions to both new and legacy communications systems and work on a variety of projects in a fast-paced team environment.

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in designing, implementing, and analyzing systems/algorithms for future resilient, secure, and adaptive communications networks operating in highly contested environments
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through implementation, evaluation, and deployment
• Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation
• Validate and analyze performance of prototypes and tactical systems against complex operational scenarios
• Work as part of a team to design novel solutions and approaches for size/weight/power/cost (SWaP-C) constrained communications concepts
• Provide status updates, analysis results, and algorithms in written reports and in presentations to internal APL staff, program contractors, and government sponsors
• Support occasional field tests for hardware testing

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have 3+ years of experience in FPGA/firmware development in VHDL or Verilog
• Have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Can effectively communicate ideas and results

Have professional experience in at least one of the following:

• Implementing digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms on FPGA
• C/C++ embedded programming on FPGA System-on-Chip (SoC) devices
• RF systems link analysis or communications algorithm modeling/simulation in Python or MATLAB
• Strong knowledge of RF (Radio Frequency) hardware design/test principles, with hands-on experience using test equipment

Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret security 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have a MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have experience implementing advanced concepts on FPGA such as adaptive filtering techniques, error correction codes, etc.
• Have hands-on experience implementing high speed ADC/DAC interfaces on FPGA
• Have experience with current military links (e.g. CDL, Link 16 / MIDS)
• Have an active Top Secret security clearance

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…