About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

Overview

Confidential Client (via Careertakes) is hiring an Entry Level DSP & SDR Engineer to support mission-critical engineering programs. This role provides hands-on experience with software-defined radios (SDRs), digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, RF test equipment, and laboratory prototyping. The position supports national-security space and defense programs and requires the ability to obtain a TS/SSBI security clearance. This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA.

---

What You’ll Do

• Gain hands-on experience with advanced SDR platforms, CI/CD development environments, HPC hardware, and RF test/measurement instrumentation.
• Design, implement, and test DSP algorithms (modulation, filtering, sampling) for real-time and offline processing.
• Develop and run experiments, simulations, and technical studies; document and present results to technical teams and customers.
• Integrate and prototype embedded electronics, SDRs, and FPGA or Linux-based systems for field or lab deployments.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams and participate in program interfaces with customers and program offices.
• Identify improvements to ongoing development programs and contribute ideas for future mission architectures.

---

Minimum Qualifications (Associate Member of Technical Staff)

• Bachelor’s degree (or in final year/pursuing/conferred within last 12 months) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• 0–1 year of industry work experience.
• Experience with scientific programming using MATLAB, Python, or C.
• Familiarity with laboratory RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multimeters).
• Understanding of core DSP principles (e.g., modulation, filtering, sampling) and ability to apply them to custom algorithms.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Official transcripts may be requested.

---

Preferred / Distinguishing Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a related technical discipline (recently conferred or in-progress).
• Active DoD security clearance (preferred).
• Hands-on experience with software-defined radios, embedded electronics, FPGAs, or Linux-based SDR toolchains.
• Experience applying machine learning or HPC resources to DSP problems.
• Knowledge of RF communication system design and signal-chain analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on impactful technical tasks.
• Understanding of computer networking principles and protocols.

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Grade-based pay range: $90,000 - $140,000 per year (actual salary determined by experience, education, and internal equity).
• Competitive benefits may include comprehensive health plans, paid holidays/sick/vacation, telework options, company-paid contributions to retirement, flexible spending accounts, variable pay programs, relocation assistance, education assistance, and professional development programs.

---

Location & Work Type

• Primary work location: Chantilly, VA. This role requires full-time on-site presence at the Chantilly facility.
• Note: Candidates must be eligible to obtain a TS/SSBI clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

---

Security Clearance

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS/SSBI) clearance. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for this clearance and therefore cannot be hired for this role.

---

Why Join

• Work alongside subject-matter experts on high-impact national-security and space programs.
• Gain practical lab and field experience with modern SDR/DSP toolchains and prototyping hardware.
• Grow technical skills in a mission-driven engineering environment that values innovation, collaboration, and results.

---

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.