Signal Processing Engineer

Job Title:

Signal Processing Engineer - Communications Job Description This on-site Signal Processing Engineer role in Huntsville, AL focuses on advanced communications and electronic warfare challenges. You will apply your expertise in digital signal processing, RF, and datalinks to design, analyze, and implement algorithms that improve resilience, anti-jam performance, and overall system effectiveness. You will work on complex, physics-based problems supporting UAS platform middleware and contribute to next-generation communications and EW capabilities. This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Responsibilities Design, develop, and implement signal processing algorithms for communications systems, with emphasis on RF, electronic warfare, and datalink applications. Analyze and enhance digital signal processing (DSP) techniques to improve detection, filtering, and estimation performance in complex electromagnetic environments. Perform vulnerability assessments of datalinks and communications architectures, including evaluation of jamming, deception, and other electronic attack threats. Develop and refine anti-jam techniques and properties for waveforms, and assess how waveform modifications affect signal reception and system performance. Apply communications waveform modulation theory, including spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveforms, to design robust and secure communication links. Use MATLAB, including object-oriented MATLAB programming, to prototype, simulate, and optimize algorithms and signal processing chains. Conduct analysis using RF concepts such as link budgets, frequency-domain transforms (FFT/IFFT), filtering, detection, and Kalman-based approaches where applicable. Support development and analysis of EW detectors and jammers, including evaluation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) impacts. Perform signal detection and cyclo-stationary feature analysis to characterize and exploit signals of interest (e.g., SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, FISINT). Contribute to the design and assessment of data links, including networked, multi-access, common, and digital links used in UAS/UAV platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate RF, EW, and communications/datalinks solutions into larger system architectures and UAS middleware. Optimize existing code and simulations by applying techniques to speed up execution while maintaining accuracy and reliability. Document designs, analysis results, and test outcomes clearly, and present technical findings to peers and stakeholders. Participate in technical discussions and interviews covering topics such as MATLAB programming, waveform design, anti-jamming strategies, and physics-based modeling. Essential Skills Active Secret security clearance and eligibility to work on sensitive defense-related projects. 2-5 years of technical experience in signal processing, RF, communications, or electronic warfare in a hands-on engineering capacity. Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Strong foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) and physics-based analysis of RF and electromagnetic systems. Proficiency in MATLAB, including the ability to program and develop object-oriented MATLAB code for algorithm development and simulation. Experience with communications waveform modulation theory and spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveforms. Knowledge of signal detection theory and cyclo-stationary feature analysis for characterizing and detecting signals in complex environments. Hands-on experience with RF concepts, including frequency-domain analysis, link budgets, FFT/IFFT, filtering, and detection techniques. Experience with data links, including networked, multi-access, common, or digital data links. Exposure to or experience with electronic warfare systems, including EW detectors and jammers, and related concepts such as jamming and deception. Ability to analyze how waveform changes affect signal reception, performance, and vulnerability to interference or jamming. Solid understanding of physics as it applies to RF, electromagnetic signals, and communications systems. Additional Skills & Qualifications 5+ years of experience solving problems and building solutions in signal processing, communications engineering, or electronic warfare is highly desirable. Experience with EMSO, SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, and FISINT concepts and applications. Familiarity with electromagnetic concepts such as EMI, EMC, AESA, and general electromagnetic spectrum operations. Experience with EW and communications hardware or pods (e.g., EA Pods, EW Pods, NGJ, ALQ-99, ALQ-131) is beneficial. Experience in working with UAS/UAV platforms, particularly related to communications, data links, and jammers. Experience with Linux environments and scripting or programming in languages such as Python and Bash. Strong algorithm development skills, including design, implementation, testing, and optimization for real-world systems. Ability to answer and engage with technical questions on code optimization, MATLAB programming, waveform design, and anti-jamming strategies. Demonstrated ability to work on digital waveforms and understand their behavior under various RF and EW conditions. Interest in and aptitude for supporting cutting-edge work that prepares systems and skills for future operational needs. Work Environment This role is performed on site in Huntsville, AL, working at a facility located on Redstone Arsenal. The work environment centers on the intersection of RF, electronic warfare, and datalinks/communications, supporting UAS platform middleware and advanced defense-related systems. You will collaborate with technical professionals in a secure setting that requires an active Secret clearance, though work is not conducted in a SCIF. The environment involves extensive use of MATLAB and other engineering tools, as well as Linux-based systems and scripting languages. The work is described as exciting and enjoyable, with opportunities to grow into future-focused technologies and the potential for clearance upgrades. Standard professional attire appropriate for an on-site defense engineering environment is expected. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $185000.00/yr. Financial Security Generous 401k Program with company contributions and profit-sharing Multiple investment options with professional guidance Image Health & Wellness Comprehensive Health Insurance with multiple plan options Company-Paid Dental Insurance Company-Paid Vision Insurance Life and AD&D Insurance with additional optional coverage Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Voluntary Long-Term Disability Voluntary Critical Illness with family coverage options Image Work-Life Balance Flexible Paid Time Off tailored to your needs Holiday Flex Program giving you control over when you take holidays Generous Paid Maternity Leave above and beyond other leave Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.