Communications & Signal Processing Engineer (Full-time position starting summer 2026)

MITRE operates Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in support of various US Government agencies: including Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, and others. To execute their respective missions, these sponsors use a variety of wireless communications systems including commercial radios, cellular technologies, satellite communications, military unique data links, etc. MITRE’s work involves assessing, designing, analyzing, prototyping, and/or testing different communications technologies.

We are seeking candidates with educational background in and/or experience with communication systems, signal processing, and related disciplines.

Applicant Note: Please be aware that this is not an application for a specific position. By submitting your information and providing your resume, you will be included in a pool of candidates for various full-time positions for communications and signal processing opportunities across the company. If you are selected for consideration for a particular position, a member of MITRE’s recruiting team will reach out to you.

Roles & Responsibilities:

This position develops an ability for innovative thought, deep technical expertise, and knowledge of the challenges that will shape the development of cutting-edge resilient solutions in wireless communications for Government Sponsors.

In this position, you will apply your technical expertise towards furthering the public good by developing, applying, and evaluating communication technologies.

Typical projects include:

• End-to-end modeling and simulation (M&S) of commercial cellular physical layer signals to enable spectrum sharing innovation

• Development of novel signal processing algorithms for improved signal detection in congested environments

• Evaluation of different MIMO transmission schemes on throughput and interference management

• Theoretical analysis for performance assessments of novel geolocation techniques

• Waveform design and prototyping under challenging channel conditions

• Prototyping, modification, and integration of open-source tools to showcase new application areas

• Supporting communications systems development and analysis by designing and analyzing innovative waveform components such as synchronization, forward error correction, spread spectrum technologies, medium access control, channel equalization, interference cancellation, etc.

• Documenting and providing recommendations for improvements to communication systems including areas such as system resilience, networking, electronic warfare, capacity, etc.

• Using software defined radios to implement communication protocols or performing signal analysis

Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate:

• Technical acumen in communications and signal processing principles to help solve problems across application areas

• Collaborative working relationships with team members and department staff

• Desire for mentorship and continued technical growth

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires less than 1 year of related experience with a related Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.

• Currently pursuing (or recently received) a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or similar fields

• Experience in simulation and analysis software tools such as MATLAB or Python

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret security clearance

• A technical background in at least 1 fundamental communication or signal processing domain such as: detection and estimation theory, waveform design, modulation theory, error control coding, information theory, stochastic processes, propagation, channel estimation and equalization, receiver design, interference cancellation, algorithm development, system performance analysis, RF laboratory testing, advanced wireless protocols such as 5G NR, LTE, Wi-Fi, IoT, Bluetooth, understanding of networks and fundamental layer 3 and 4 protocols IP, TCP, UDP, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied mathematics, physics, systems engineering, or related discipline

• Experience with data analysis, and field or lab testing equipment

• Experience using software development tools like Docker and Git

• Experience with laboratory testing and experimentation and working with and programming software defined radios (SDRs) using C/C++ or GNURadio

• Experience developing technical reports, presentations, and/or code