Chief Scientist

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within this role, we perform work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns and technology component development. Particular development roles within the Sensors Division include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Advanced Architectures and Algorithms (AAA) Group within the Sensors Division develops advanced signal processing and waveforms, machine learning, tracking/fusion algorithms, and resource management algorithms for next-generation ground-based, airborne, and space-based radar systems and EO/IR systems. We implement and deploy these algorithms onto prototype demonstration systems as well as operational systems. The group’s main customer focus is on Air Force and DARPA research programs.

The AAA Group is seeking a PhD-level, RF-focused Chief Scientist to research, design, develop and implement a portfolio of capabilities for future multi-function sensor systems. You will lead and advise fellow researchers, scientists, and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses to understand customer objectives, craft strategic plans, lead proposal efforts, and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems. Your areas of specific focus will include innovating and developing advanced sensing concepts, radar signal processing, as well as leading advanced sensor concept demonstrations.

A successful candidate will have significant expertise and skill in several of the following areas: radar systems, RF remote sensing, modeling & simulation, test & evaluation, hardware design, software architecture, antennas, RF receive chains, resource management, signal processing, and/or communications. This position requires skills in leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex system design, development, and test programs, developing technology roadmaps and marketing strategies, as well as deep technical proficiency in relevant technologies. Strong interpersonal, communication, technical, management, mentorship, and peer-leadership skills are also required.

Responsibilities Include:

• Developing system concepts, algorithms, and RF solutions to remote sensing challenges
• Designing, directing, and when necessary, implementing cutting-edge technology in hardware and software prototypes
• Leading small, multi-disciplinary teams to architect, develop, implement, and test novel sensing and signal processing systems built on open architecture principles.
• Technical leadership and oversite of system design, implementation, and testing
• Direct Modeling and Simulation of advanced RF systems, new sensing paradigms, and multi-function RF concepts
• Clearly communicate with customers, stakeholders, sponsors, prime- and sub-contractors

Required Qualifications:

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field
• 10-15 years of practical experience in RF systems, i.e., Radar, Signal Processing, and/or Sensor resource management
• Experience applying algorithm development and/or modeling to one or more of the following areas: radar design, signal detection, optimization, waveform design, resource management, or systems analysis
• Perform experiment design, performance modeling and simulation runs, and associated test verification and performance analysis using standard analysis tools
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, as well as other higher-level languages
• Demonstrated technical leadership and management skills
• Strong Mathematical, troubleshooting, writing, and verbal communication skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced RF system concepts, multi-dimensional signal processing, space-based sensing systems, and multi-function phased array apertures
• Experience using source code management and agile software tools (Git, Jira)
• Experience leading software and/or hardware system design, risk, and requirements management
• Experience & competency with software development tools and processes including continuous build, unit testing frameworks, static and dynamic code analysis

• Understanding and experience in interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end analytical solution

STR is a rapidly growing technology company with locations north of Boston, MA, Arlington, VA and near Dayton, OH. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security, trying to understand how to protect our society: from stopping malicious botnet attacks, to understanding cyber vulnerabilities, providing next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare to developing artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us. Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

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, but you go home at night knowing that you pushed the forefront of technology and made the world a little safer. We recognize that the world is changing, that it is becoming more connected than ever before, making things change faster than before, and reshaping society in the process. We all want to understand this changing world and leave it better for our work.

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 [email protected] 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.