Entry Level Research & Development Engineer with Security Clearance
The Entry Level Research & Development Engineer at Confidential Client's FAST Labs contributes to cutting-edge R&D projects in aerospace and defense, focusing on technologies such as RF processing, AI/ML, and electronic warfare. This role involves designing, testing, and analyzing advanced algorithms and systems within a secure, collaborative environment, supporting national security initiatives. It offers early-career engineers mentorship and opportunities to develop breakthrough technologies on-site in Merrimack, NH.
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.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Research & Development engineer role supports secure, mission-focused R&D programs. You will work onsite in Merrimack, NH on prototype systems and technical demonstrations related to RF, algorithms, signal processing, AI/ML, and electronic warfare. Typical responsibilities include:
- Support research-focused teams in the design, test, and analysis of RF, algorithmic, signal-processing, AI/ML, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and exploit-development efforts
- Develop algorithms, software, or tools to advance customer or internal research projects
- Contribute to modeling, simulation, and analytical work that informs and validates prototype performance
- Collect, analyze, and visualize experimental data; produce summaries and technical insights for the team
- Work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams and engage with senior technical mentors
- Take initiative on loosely defined problems and iterate quickly toward demonstrable results
Qualifications
Required (minimum):
- Bachelor’s degree (Engineer I) in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline prior to June 2027
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interpret open-ended direction, ask clarifying questions, and drive tasks to completion
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Must be eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Preferred:
- Master’s (Engineer II) or PhD (Senior Engineer) in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline (completion prior to June 2027)
- Experience or coursework in RF technologies, algorithms, signal processing, AI/ML, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
- R&D experience, including prototype design, test, and evaluation
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++
- Active security clearance (Secret or higher) is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time salary range: $79,365 – $134,921 (range reflects market pay and may vary by experience, skills, and location)
- Benefits for regular full-time employees typically include health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; 401(k) savings plan; disability and life insurance; employee assistance programs; paid time off and holidays; parental and other leave programs; and various employee discounts and recognition plans. Specific benefits will be provided by the Confidential Client and may vary by role and level.
Location & Work Arrangement
- Onsite — Merrimack, NH (secure labs and collaboration with senior technical staff)
- This position requires U.S. person status and eligibility for a U.S. DoD security clearance. Remote work is not an option for this role due to on-site secure facilities.
Preferred Skills & Tools
- RF systems and signal processing
- Artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) techniques
- Reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and exploit development
- Algorithm development, modeling, and simulation
- Data analysis and visualization skills
- Programming with MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++
Why Join
Join a research-focused environment where early-career engineers receive mentorship, tackle open-ended technical challenges, and contribute to technologies that support national security. This role is ideal for curious, self-driven engineers who want rapid skill growth and to work on cutting-edge R&D projects.
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.
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