Job Description

Project/Unit Description:

The Information and Communications Laboratory (ICL) Communications Systems and Spectrum Division (CSSD) Advanced Communication Systems Branch (ACSB) is looking for Communication Engineers who are eager and capable of researching and supporting the development of platforms supporting innovative adaptive communications and spectrum-sensing systems across a broad range of spectrum and are looking for a dynamic and challenging work environment.

The Division's projects fuse advanced signal processing, adaptive communications technologies, advanced algorithms, machine learning, and sophisticated modeling and simulation to perform research and develop solutions for systems that include cognitive communications, intelligent wideband spectrum sensing, electronic warfare systems, and next-generation cellular network technologies, including 5G/FutureG. The Division supports work across many branches of the Department of Defense (DoD), including the Army, Navy, and Office of the Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Key programs include deployed prototype systems, communication and spectrum sensing systems, machine learning algorithms, physics-based modeling and simulation tools, system analyses, and applied research.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Communications Engineer with a diversified background and exposure to related domains such as radar, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and/or communications security. Candidates should have a strong desire to collaborate with other team members while designing, implementing, testing and fielding innovative communications platforms with signal processing algorithms after performing tradeoff analysis to provide solutions for communications and spectrum sensing problems of interest to the DoD. As a researcher, the candidate will develop innovative concepts to investigate, advance, and create understanding of emerging problems and solution opportunities in communications technology and applications domains.

Job Purpose:

Research, design, development and prototyping of communications equipment and systems. Utilizing experience and knowledge of end-to-end communications systems to architect novel and robust communications systems including emerging software-defined radio platforms and other emerging commercial communication systems and advanced tactical networks. Establish key performance requirements for various target radios across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications. Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through secure communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform communication simulation development, system testing and characterization, debugging, modification / enhancement, and documentation
• Develop and maintain kernel and user-level software and scripts -Contribute to technical reports and presentations

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conduct solution or system design synthesis translating objectives into requirements, and requirements into physical architectures for networks of high complexity
• Contribute to the development of communications solutions including waveforms and networking concepts
• Develop new capabilities and applications for 5G / 6G/ NextG systems
• Understand and measure key performance requirements for various communications systems across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications
• Create and analyze network protocols
• Work with team members to develop AI/ML methods for controlling and optimizing the performance of 5G / 6G / FutureG systems
• Capture and analyze information and metrics useful for observation of a communications system in order to assess and optimize communication system performance
• Identify key performance indicators (KPI) useful for determining and measuring the benefits of specific communications system implementations
• Investigate, develop, and document technology approaches and solutions that produce valuable objective findings and outcomes for internal and sponsored research programs. Recognize, communicate, and report on objective findings and their implications and value.
• Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through robust, resilient, and secure communications.
• Contribute to research reports, white papers, and competitive proposals
• Work with project teams on technical aspects of research and system design including collaborating with multiple lab resources for system developments and deployments
• Work with program leadership to execute activities and achieve milestones in pursuit of objectives
• Provide guidance and mentoring to more junior research staff and student researchers in all research domains and activities.
• Contribute to internal research and development programs supporting the division strategic vision

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field
• Experience in communication systems research or development
• Understanding of communications theory related to radio frequency devices
• Demonstrated recent experience in performing and/or leading research projects
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to operate effectively, maintain productivity, and make well-reasoned decisions despite incomplete information and requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Secret Clearance
• 3+ years of experience in developing communications platforms and solutions including adaptive control mechanisms
• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field
• Experience in developing advanced communication systems, implementing or designing waveforms, and integrating communication implementations on SDR platforms
• Experience in adaptive communications systems research or development
• Expertise in signal processing, modeling & simulation, machine learning, image, or control theory
• Experience with electronic warfare threat systems
• Experience with 5G/6G/FutureG cellular communications systems, technologies, and specifications, including ORAN
• Expertise in signal processing, electromagnetics, modeling & simulation, machine learning / artificial intelligence, control theory
• Proficiency in C/C++ software and systems design and implementation (C++11, C++20)
• Proficiency with containerized software development, deployment, and security

Travel Requirements:

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience:

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering or realted.