Communications/RF Data Collection and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Communications/RF Data Collection and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer to conduct the large-scale collection, simulation, and delivery of Radio Frequency (RF) data for research program Test & Evaluation, and to develop SDR software deployed onto radio hardware. The role spans three connected areas: building automated, multi-node data collection and calibration infrastructure in the laboratory; building custom synthetic data generation and channel emulation pipelines that facilitate at-scale collection; and integrating generated signal processing chains into a GNU Radio based waveform framework that runs on commercial SDRs through a standardized radio control API.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on SDR engineer who is equally comfortable at a spectrum analyzer, in a GNU Radio flowgraph, and in a Python data pipeline. They must be able to design experiments that produce statistically meaningful, well-labeled datasets across many channel conditions, automate those experiments so they run unattended across a rack of radios, and deliver the resulting data and software on a regular cadence to teammates and to an independent evaluation team. This position is based at the Red Bank, New Jersey laboratory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and operate the laboratory RF data collection testbed: multi-node SDR configurations (Ettus USRP or similar), timing and data networking, calibration procedures, and automated collection scripts that capture I/Q data with complete metadata (SigMF or equivalent) across controlled channel conditions

• Plan and execute over-the-air and cabled data collection campaigns at scale, including experiment design, RF test and measurement, spectrum monitoring, interference and co-channel scenario generation, and quality control of captured data

• Develop synthetic data generation and channel emulation pipelines (Python, GNU Radio, and RF propagation and channel models) that extend laboratory collections with simulated conditions, and maintain consistency between simulated and measured data

• Implement and maintain the SDR waveform framework: GNU Radio out-of-tree modules, Python and C++ blocks, flowgraph generation from generated signal processing chains, and the runtime that deploys waveforms to radios through the program radio control API

• Support the Lead System Integrator in packaging the waveform framework and data pipelines into containerized deliverables that build and run on T&E hardware, including hardware passthrough for SDRs, and in reproducing evaluation scenarios locally for self-test leaderboard runs

• Characterize generated waveforms against objectives (bandwidth, BER, throughput, spectral and temporal masks) using laboratory measurements; document collection procedures, dataset contents, and framework design for program deliverables

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field

• 5+ years of hands-on software-defined radio experience, including at least 3 years building and operating SDR systems with GNU Radio (3.8+) and Ettus USRP hardware (UHD), or equivalent COTS SDR platforms

• Strong proficiency in Python and C++ for signal processing and SDR software development, including GNU Radio out-of-tree (OOT) module development and flowgraph automation

• Demonstrated experience designing and running RF data collection campaigns: RF test and measurement equipment (spectrum and signal analyzers, signal generators), calibration, over-the-air testing, and management of large I/Q datasets with metadata

• Solid understanding of digital communications and DSP fundamentals: modulation and coding, synchronization, filtering, channel models, link budgets, and measurement of BER, throughput, and occupied bandwidth

• Experience automating laboratory experiments and data pipelines in Linux environments, including scripting, scheduling, and storage management for multi-terabyte collections

• Experience with RF simulation and channel emulation (GNU Radio channel models, MATLAB or Python propagation models, or hardware channel emulators)

• Ability to produce clear technical documentation including test plans, collection procedures, dataset descriptions, and software design documents

• Ability to work on-site at the Red Bank, New Jersey laboratory

• US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience on IARPA, DARPA, or similar government research programs involving SDR testbeds, independent T&E, and delivery of data and containerized software to an evaluation team

• Experience with Docker containerization of SDR software, including USB and network hardware passthrough, and with CI/CD pipelines for automated build and test

• Experience with multi-node, synchronized SDR deployments (timing distribution, GPSDO or reference clocks, MIMO or distributed collection)

• Familiarity with Machine Learning dataset practices (dataset splits, augmentation, label schemas) and with supporting ML researchers who consume RF data

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field

• Willingness and ability to obtain Secret security clearance

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.