Fairwinds Technologies · 3 hours ago
Sr.DSP Engineer (Hybrid, Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland)
United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
15+ years expFairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications and RF Transmission Systems. They are seeking a Senior DSP Engineer with expertise in RF communications signal processing to design, develop, and optimize DSP algorithms for RF communications signals, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical solutions.
InfrastructureManufacturingWireless
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and optimize DSP algorithms for RF communications signals, including waveform processing in contested and dynamic environments (e.g., filtering, synchronization, channelization, detection/estimation, demodulation/decoding, interference mitigation)
Lead algorithm development from concept through prototype to implementation, balancing performance, latency, robustness, and computational constraints
Implement and validate DSP solutions on heterogeneous compute platforms including Xilinx RFSoC, UltraScale+, and Versal, leveraging PL/PS resources and hardware acceleration as appropriate
Collaborate with FPGA engineers to translate algorithms into hardware-realizable architectures (fixed-point design, throughput/latency optimization, resource trade studies, hardware-friendly formulations)
Work closely with embedded software engineers to integrate real-time DSP pipelines (drivers, data movement, DMA, streaming interfaces, buffering strategies, runtime configuration)
Develop and execute test/verification strategies using lab instrumentation and captured RF datasets; characterize performance under impairments (CFO/phase noise, multipath, fading, interference/jamming, nonlinearities)
Develop simulation and analysis environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python) and correlate simulation results to hardware/field behavior
Provide technical leadership: define architecture, conduct design reviews, mentor engineers, and communicate trade-offs clearly to stakeholders
Produce high-quality documentation (DSP design descriptions, algorithm specs, performance reports, ICD inputs, SBIR deliverables as required)
Support integration, debug, and field test activities spanning DSP, RF, FPGA, and embedded software domains
Qualification
Required
Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field
15+ years (typical) of relevant DSP engineering experience with demonstrated delivery of RF communications signal processing solutions
Proven practical experience processing RF communications signals (beyond academic examples), including development, validation, and performance characterization
Strong fundamentals in communications and statistical signal processing (detection/estimation, synchronization, spectral analysis, filtering, modulation/demodulation concepts)
Experience implementing DSP on embedded/real-time systems and/or hardware-accelerated platforms, including Xilinx UltraScale+, RFSoC, and Versal
Ability to simulate and/or model DSP algorithms in a suitable environment (MATLAB, Modelsim, etc.), with the ability to define or implement fixed-point functions, where applicable
Demonstrated ability to create innovative DSP approaches when standard methods are insufficient—creative problem solver with strong analytical rigor
Proficiency in at least one of: Python, C/C++, HDL (VHDL or Verilog), MATLAB (or equivalent), with disciplined software engineering practices
Experience working with cross-functional teams (RF, FPGA, embedded, systems) to deliver complete system solutions
U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance (or ability to obtain)
Preferred
Experience with multi-carrier channelizers, DDC/DUC architectures, polyphase filter banks, efficient FFT-based processing, and real-time spectral sensing
Experience with timing/synchronization challenges (PPS/10 MHz disciplining, phase-coherent multichannel systems, TDOA/FDOA concepts)
Familiarity with JESD204B/C-based high-speed converter interfaces and RF front-end integration considerations (AGC, spur mitigation, calibration)
Exposure to electronic warfare / interference environments, adaptive filtering, beamforming concepts, or robust waveform processing under jamming
Experience with embedded Linux on Zynq/RFSoC/Versal platforms and real-time streaming architectures
Scripting and automation (Python) for test harnesses, regression, and performance sweeps
Working knowledge of applicable 3GPP 38.211 - 38.214 (Minimum Release 17) standards related to the 4G/5G physical layer
Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Professional development and growth opportunities.
Company
Fairwinds Technologies
Fairwinds Technologies is a defense and space manufacturing company that offers engineering, field service, and interactive training.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
J
Jim Sprungle
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Sprungle
Chief Financial Officer
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