Senior Scientist

STR · Arlington, VA · Other

Posted 2026-09-15

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About the Team

The Maritime Domain Applications (MDA) Group is seeking a Senior Scientist to develop advanced sensing concepts utilizing adaptive signal processing, resource management, and advanced algorithm development, as well as executing advanced sensor concept demonstrations.

The Role:

A successful candidate will have a strong technical foundation and an interest in solving challenging problems in sensing, signal processing, and complex physical systems. Relevant backgrounds may include signal processing, radar, optical or remote sensing, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, optimization, or related disciplines. Specific radar sensor experience is valuable but not required—we are interested in people who can bring strong analytical skills and new perspectives to difficult sensing problems.

Our work spans the development of new algorithms and sensing concepts through their implementation in efficient software for real-world systems. Candidates may contribute by developing advanced algorithms, modeling complex sensing environments, exploiting underlying physics, applying AI/ML techniques, or translating mathematical concepts into high-performance software. This position involves working as part of multidisciplinary teams to develop, analyze, implement, and test solutions to challenging sensing problems. Strong technical, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills are desired.

What you will do:

Develop new algorithms and system concepts for advanced sensing applications

Apply mathematics, physics, signal processing, optimization, and computational techniques to challenging real-world problems

Model and simulate complex sensing systems, environments, and new sensing paradigms

Develop and evaluate algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and other computational tools

Work with software and systems engineers to translate algorithms and prototypes into efficient implementations for fielded systems

Work as part of a small, focused, multidisciplinary team to develop, implement, and test advanced sensing capabilities

Who you are:

Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government

BS with 5+ years of experience, MS with 3+ years of experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field

Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or other scientific computing or higher-level programming languages

Strong mathematical, analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills

Ability and interest in learning new technical domains and applying your expertise to unfamiliar and challenging problems

Strong written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams

Even Better:

Active Secret or Top Secret (TS) clearance

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field

Experience developing algorithms for signal processing, sensing, estimation, detection, tracking, optimization, autonomy, or related applications

Experience modeling physical systems or using computational methods to understand complex environments

Experience with radar or optical systems, remote sensing, multi-dimensional signal processing, waveform design, system optimization, or multi-function phased-array apertures

Experience translating algorithms from research or prototype implementations into efficient C/C++ or other production software

Experience optimizing algorithms for real-time, embedded, or resource-constrained systems

Experience applying AI/ML techniques to signal processing, sensing, or physical systems

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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