Principal Resilient PNT & Research Scientist

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are recruiting a Principal Resilient PNT & Research Scientist to pioneer next-generation navigation assurance algorithms and alternative PNT (Alt-PNT) architectures. Drawing on deep research and development expertise, you will solve complex signal processing and sensor-fusion challenges to ensure uninterrupted positioning and timing when satellite navigation is denied, degraded, or actively spoofed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

? Research, prototype, and mature advanced anti-spoofing and interference-mitigation algorithms, including spatial-temporal adaptive processing (STAP), cryptographic signal authentication, and multi-sensor anomaly detection.

? Architect resilient Alternative PNT (Alt-PNT) fusion engines integrating Signals of Opportunity (SoOP), celestial/vision-aided navigation, magnetic anomaly navigation (MagNav), and chip-scale atomic clocks (CSAC).

? Implement real-time digital signal processing (DSP) and estimation pipelines (Extended/Unscented Kalman Filters, particle filters) on embedded software-defined radio (SDR) and FPGA platforms.

? Lead technical proposals, white papers, and Principal Investigator (PI) research initiatives for DoD, DARPA, and Intelligence Community customers.

? Mentor junior engineers and transition high-TRL research prototypes from laboratory proof-of-concept to ruggedized field deployment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

? Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Physics (or Bachelor’s with 8+ years of specialized R&D experience).

? Proven track record in resilient PNT R&D, RF signal processing, or navigation algorithm development (such as experience with AFRL Sensors or Information Directorates).

? Expert-level proficiency in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for algorithm development, statistical signal processing, and real-time embedded optimization.

? Demonstrated experience with software-defined radios (USRP, Xilinx RFSoC) and raw I/Q signal capture analysis.

? Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

? Track record of peer-reviewed publications (e.g., ION GNSS+, IEEE PLANS) or patents in resilient navigation, anti-spoofing, or sensor fusion.

? Experience serving as a Technical Advisor or Principal Investigator on DoD SBIR/STTR or Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) programs.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

? Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics.

? 5+ years of experience in Electronic Warfare (EW), spectrum operations, RF systems engineering, or threat reprogramming (such as experience within the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing).

? Strong understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation, antenna theory, digital modulation schemes, and electronic attack/protection (EA/EP) techniques.

? Experience with EW modeling and simulation suites (e.g., AFSIM, STK, MATLAB/Simulink) and RF laboratory measurement equipment.

? Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

? Prior experience as a USAF Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), Developmental Engineer (62E), or Cyberspace Warfare Operations Officer (17S).

? Background in Cognitive EW, machine learning for RF signal classification, or Mission Data File (MDF) generation.