Senior/Principal RF Signal Processing Analyst - Advanced Special Communications Systems Organization, Onsite

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What Your Job Will Be Like:

The Advanced Special Communications Systems Organization (5373) is seeking a motivated radio frequency (RF) signal processing analyst to join their team. This position focuses on design, analysis, and modeling of specialized RF communication waveforms, protocols, and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis, high-level systems design, trade-off studies, and requirements definition for radar, communications and geolocation systems
• Develop mathematical models, perform simulations, and develop signal-processing techniques for radio frequency (RF) systems, including radar, communications, waveforms, and geolocation systems
• Analyze RF systems to predict full-system, subsystem, and component performance
• Define experiments to refine existing RF systems and demonstrate new concepts
• Analyze experimental data to characterize, validate, and enhance system performance

The ideal candidate will possess outstanding analytical skills, including demonstrated strengths in applied mathematics, signal processing, mathematical modeling of systems, software simulation, and written and oral communications. Training or experience in subjects of linear systems and stochastic processes is highly desirable. Experience with or interest in design and implementation of electronics hardware will be viewed favorably. Experience with radar and communications systems development is desired; keen interest in these subject areas is required. The candidate must have good interpersonal skills and be able to work either independently or as an effective member of a team.

Our special communication systems range from highly optimized, ultra-low DC power, size-constrained RF receiver/transmitter designs to high-performance software defined radios implementing groundbreaking signal processing. These systems are deployed in battery-powered field sensors, small satellite payloads, satellite ground stations, manned and unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS), and handheld (dismount) applications. Projects range from fast-paced, quick-reaction requests in response to real-world needs to longer-term, life-critical efforts with rigorous development and quality requirements. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary, success-oriented high-performance team. Occasional travel is required.

On any given day, you may be called upon to:

• Contribute to conceptualization, requirements development, modeling and simulation, and analysis of RF systems
• Analyze recorded signals to verify compliance with waveform design and signal quality requirements
• Aid hardware development teams in troubleshooting

Design and analyze waveforms for:

• Detectability by both cooperative and non-cooperative receivers
• Suitability for geolocation
• Resilience in operational environments

Salary Range:

$114,000 - $227,500

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE Q clearance and SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.

Qualifications We Desire:

The ideal R&D Microwave & Sensor Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital test equipment.¿
• Knowledge of RF, Digital Communications, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Security systems and principles.¿
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, teaming environment.
• Active DOE Q or DOD TS security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI.¿

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• Experience with high consequence electronics applications (ex. Space, weapons, and/or other high-security applications)
• Experience with RF/microwave/EM applications
• Experience with analysis and modeling software: MATLAB, Python, GNU Radio, and/or equivalent is desirable
• Experience with Digital Communications, radar, and/or EW systems and principles
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Good presentation skills with interest and ability to interact with internal and external customers
• Be motivated by working with a highly successful, dynamic project team delivering systems that impact our National Security
• You must have an active US DOE Q security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph test.

About Our Team:

The RF & Systems Electronics Center (Center 5300) provides key electronics systems work to a wide variety of nuclear weapons, space, intelligence and military programs across Sandia and the Nation. The Strategic RF and Electronic Systems group (5370) supports the Nation¿s technology superiority strategies by delivering capabilities for RF & spectral dominance, global highly-reliable communications, and novel advancements for future strength. We are a highly dynamic set of departments that cross-team to provide integrated engineering systems solutions ranging from core research through prototype development and high-end, fielded products.

The Advanced Special Communications Systems department (5373) strives to Develop terrestrial, airborne, and space based special communications systems for use in surveillance and reconnaissance, Tagging Tracking and Locating (TTL), and the relay/detection/characterization of RF signals in challenging environments. Our customers include a variety of government organizations including the Intelligence Community and those conducting special operations missions. Our staff members have a diverse skills base including microwave circuit design, antenna design, signal analysis, digital signal processing, embedded software, space systems, and digital FPGA designs. Applications include long and short-range communications and transponder systems, typically utilizing ultra-low power signaling techniques. Our design challenges include highly miniaturized electronics, low-power transceivers, signal extraction in very low signal-to-noise environments, and signal analysis of RF and communication systems.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain these levels of access may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Job ID: 695544

Job Family: RD

Regular/Temporary Position: R

Full/Part-Time Status: F