Communications Engineer - Electronic Warfare

As a Communications Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems Developer, you will develop algorithms for deployment on tactical hardware, applying Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and wireless protocol techniques to create and analyze signals of complex communication systems. You will test and evaluate your software using lab equipment, analyze trade-offs for performance and hardware utilization, and provide technical expertise during field and laboratory test events. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team within the Electronic Warfare Systems Group, working to counter UAS and RCIED threats to protect warfighters and allies.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for deployment on tactical hardware: apply Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and wireless protocol techniques and software best practices to create and analyze signals of complex communication systems.
• Test and evaluate: Operate lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, software defined radios (SDR or protocol analyzers) to verify and benchmark the software you develop.
• Analyze trade-offs for performance and hardware utilization: Turn test data into actionable insights on performance, hardware utilization, and system‑level trade.
• Apply your knowledge: Provide technical expertise during field and laboratory test and evaluation events.
• Work on a team: You’ll be part of a high‑performing, knowledge‑rich team that thrives on collaboration and shared success.

Requirements

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another relevant technical field.
• Have at least five years of relevant experience developing and integrating code (C, C++, Python, MATLAB) for communications, electronic warfare, or other tactical systems.
• Have experience in hardware and software testing with embedded communication systems.
• Have demonstrated the ability to document and maintain software code bases using tools such as: Gitlab, Bitbucket, or Confluence.
• Have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work in a multifunctional, collaborative team environment.
• Are willing to occasionally travel to off-site facilities for integration and test events.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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.

Nice to have

• Have a Master's degree or PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or another relevant technical field.
• Have familiarity with the Layer 1 – 3 protocol stack for cellular standards such as 4G/LTE and 5G.
• Have experience with generating C or C++ code from MATLAB using CodeGen.
• Have experience with software defined radios, GNURadio, and open-source protocol stacks such as srsRAN and OAI.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance or higher.

Benefits

• At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
• The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.