Principal Signal Processing Engineer
$230,000–$290,000 year
On-site · Clarksburg, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Principal Signal Processing Engineer to design, prototype, and field advanced RF and radar signal processing capabilities for EMSO products. Own end-to-end signal processing development from algorithm design and analysis through implementation, integration, field test, and performance validation for autonomous ground platforms. Develop algorithms for RF sensing, spectrum awareness, electronic warfare, and pulsed-radar phenomenology; produce range-Doppler maps, spectrograms, channelized data products, pulse descriptor words, geolocation outputs, and other mission-relevant data products. Prototype in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and collaborate with RF, embedded software, autonomy, and systems engineers to deploy on fielded platforms. Conduct real-world RF data analysis from lab, vehicle, and field environments; support field testing and demonstrations; work with vendors and partners to integrate signal processing with COTS/GOTS, SDR, radar, EW, and SIGINT systems. Requirements emphasize 10+ years in related signal processing, strong DSP fundamentals, hands-on software transition from theory to practice, and proficiency in Python/MATLAB/C/C++. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience is required; advanced degree preferred. Role is senior-level with leadership in DSP and autonomy-focused initiatives, and salary ranges from $230k-$290k (US). Forterra emphasizes mission-first engineering, collaboration across RF/software/hardware domains, and field readiness for EMSO solutions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- 10+ years of experience developing signal processing algorithms for RF, radar, communications, EW, SIGINT, sonar, or related sensing systems
- Strong understanding of digital signal processing fundamentals (detection theory, estimation, filtering, spectral analysis, sampling theory, modulation, synchronization, and statistical signal processing)
- Hands-on experience taking algorithms from analysis or simulation into working software systems
- Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages for algorithm development, data analysis, and test automation
- Experience with radar or RF signal-processing problems involving pulsed emitters, signal identification, tracking, and geolocation
- Ability to work cross-functionally with RF, software, systems, autonomy, and hardware engineers
- Preferred: advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in relevant fields
- Preferred: experience with radar signal processing including range-Doppler processing, pulse compression, matched filtering, coherent/non-coherent integration, CFAR, clutter mitigation, waveform analysis, MIMO radar, SAR/ISAR, GMTI, or track-before-detect methods
- Preferred: experience with EMSO, EW, SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT, spectrum monitoring, direction finding, geolocation, or electronic support systems
- Preferred: experience with antenna arrays, beamforming, adaptive arrays, AOA, interferometry, or multi-sensor fusion
- Preferred: experience with software-defined radios, high-rate digitizers, RFSoC platforms, radar front ends, or RF sensing hardware
- Preferred: experience with real-time signal processing systems; GPU acceleration (CUDA, cuSignal, CuPy, OpenCL)
- Preferred: embedded, edge, or low-latency deployment constraints including throughput and memory bandwidth
- Preferred: field-collected RF data in noisy, cluttered, contested environments
- Preferred: advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) in relevant fields
- Preferred: prior experience in fast-paced, small-team environments
- Salary: US salary range provided
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