Principal Radar Mode Architect

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology advantage into users’ hands, from space to sub-surface. Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. SDD considers the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development, to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems. Current efforts include programs for airborne and space RF as well as advanced testing enabled by multi-function, multi-modal capabilities.

SDD is seeking a Principal Radar Mode Architect to support the architecting, design, development, and implementation of modes for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You will collaborate with fellow researchers and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses, groups, divisions, and with industry partners to interpret and understand customer objectives and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems. You may direct and/or lead development efforts and junior engineers, as needed, in areas of focus including exploration and demonstration of Radar and EW/RF convergence.

You will leverage your extensive and deep skill and experience in radar mode architecting for applications primarily related to Air-to-Air applications (Air-to-Air expertise required). In this role, you will design and implement signal processing algorithms for Air-to-Air radar modes, ensuring optimal performance in various operational environments over the complete signal processing chain. This will be supported by your analysis, implementation, and optimization of motion compensation and navigation design implementation, waveform design, pulse compression, and application of target detection and engagement techniques. Your work will lead to the development of robust target tracking algorithms and incorporation with advanced techniques for target identification and discrimination for airborne targets, including maneuvering and evasive targets. Additionally, you will integrate electronic warfare capabilities into Air-to-Air radar modes for enhanced situational awareness and threat assessment.

You will conduct performance analysis through simulations and real-world testing to validate and optimize radar modes. Additionally, you will support the effort to evaluate current and future system capabilities, identify improved applications and techniques, and ultimately recommend solutions. Since the systems SDD develops are deployed in operationally relevant environments, the products you develop needs to meet standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse. This position will offer the opportunity for technical leadership, project planning, design, analysis, development, testing, and fielding of capabilities.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and expertise in areas such as: radar, algorithms, systems engineering, and test & evaluation. This position requires skills in working with multi-disciplinary teams, managing design, development, and test activities, as well as technical proficiency in relevant technologies. Strong interpersonal, communication, technical, and peer-leadership skills are also required. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and individual contributors on the program team through strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities:

Develop innovative radar mode architectures tailored for Air-to-Air applications (other application domains may also be addressed)

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and specifications for radar modes, and ensure seamless integration and interoperability

Design and implement signal processing algorithms for Air-to-Air radar modes, ensuring optimal performance in various operational environments

Analyze and optimize motion compensation and navigation design implementation, waveform design, pulse compression, and target detection and engagement techniques

Lead the development of robust target tracking algorithms for airborne targets, including maneuvering and evasive targets

Integrate electronic warfare capabilities into radar modes for enhanced situational awareness and threat assessment

Conduct performance analysis through simulations and real-world testing to validate and optimize radar modes

Identify areas for improvement and implement enhancements

Prepare comprehensive documentation, design specifications, test plans, and reports

Lead the assigned task/team, manage budget and schedule, ensure milestones are met

Communicate effectively with internal teams, stakeholders, and customers to convey technical concepts and project updates

Required Qualifications:

This position requires an active Secret security clearance with eligibility to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.

Expert understanding of and experience with Radar systems (including beam forming) and their principles of design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, and data analysis

Expert understanding of developing and implementing radar modes, specifically in air-to-air applications

In-depth knowledge of signal processing, target tracking, weapons engagement, and electronic warfare techniques

Proficiency in radar simulation tools, MATLAB, and programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, Rust, etc).

Capable of effectively working in a team environment

Mentoring and providing career development direction to junior engineers

Expertise in preparing and delivering briefings diverse audiences. Interacting with decision-makers, customers, and team members to translate mission needs into end-to-end solutions

Familiarity with the execution of technical reviews (SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, TIMS)

Demonstrated experience in leadership and management, especially of multi-disciplinary teams, and delivery of advanced development projects

Background should include a Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of applicable experience; Master’s degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 5 years of applicable experience. Equivalent experience will be considered

Desired Qualifications:

Active Top Secret clearance

Experience with algorithm optimization for real time systems, especially radar and/or remote sensing

In-depth knowledge of signal processing, target tracking, weapons engagement, and electronic warfare techniques

Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable; Radar, Electronic Warfare, Antenna Apertures, Sensor Resource Management, Sea/Air/Space, Large-Scale Platform Test Systems, Cyber Physical Systems, Open System Architectures (UCI, OMS, COARPS)

Education:

Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Radar Systems, or related technical field

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.