DSP Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia at Xenon Innovations, Inc

Xenon delivers COMINT and signal processing systems - the algorithms are the product. Everything else (the firmware, the embedded software, the hardware) exists to carry those algorithms into an environment where the spectrum is dense, the emitters are uncooperative, and the platform is moving.

This role owns that algorithmic core. You will work on detection, demodulation, classification, and geolocation of communications signals under conditions that violate most of the assumptions in the textbook: low SNR, co-channel interference, short-duration transmissions, and non-cooperative waveforms that were designed not to be easy.

You will not be handed a specification and asked to code it. You will be handed a mission problem and expected to determine what is theoretically achievable, prototype it, prove it against real data, and then carry it through to something that runs in real time on constrained hardware.

Algorithm development

• Design detection, estimation, synchronization, and demodulation algorithms for communications signals across the spectrum
• Develop blind and semi-blind approaches to signal parameter estimation where prior knowledge is limited or wrong
• Build classification and modulation recognition capability, including approaches that degrade gracefully rather than failing silently

Performance characterization

• Own the analysis that proves an algorithm works including probability of detection and false alarm curves, threshold behavior, sensitivity to model mismatch
• Build and maintain synthetic signal generation and channel modeling infrastructure for repeatable evaluation
• Characterize performance against recorded collections and identify where lab results diverge from field results, and why

Implementation partnership

• Produce fixed-point analyses and reference models that firmware and embedded engineers can implement against
• Work through the trade space between algorithmic ideal and what the target hardware can actually sustain
• Review implementations against golden models and run the bit-accurate comparisons that catch problems before integration

Field and test support

• Perform post-mission reconstruction and root-cause analysis when system behavior does not match expectation
• Translate operator feedback into algorithmic requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years in RF signal processing with demonstrated COMINT, SIGINT, or EW application
• Deep working knowledge of detection and estimation theory, modulation theory, synchronization, and channel effects
• Strong MATLAB or Python prototyping skill, with the ability to write production-quality C/C++ when required
• Demonstrated experience characterizing algorithm performance rigorously
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

• MS or PhD with a signal processing emphasis
• Experience with wideband channelization, polyphase filterbanks, and blind signal separation
• Familiarity with GOTS RF analysis tooling and signal analysis workflows
• Exposure to fixed-point implementation and FPGA-targeted design
• Experience with GPU or SIMD acceleration of signal processing workloads
• Active TS/SCI

Estimated Salary Range: $150,000-$275,000 per year

The salary range noted is intended as a general guide. Actual base salary offers from Xenon Innovations are determined based on several factors, including the position's scope and responsibilities, along with the candidate's experience, education, skill set, and prevailing market conditions.

Xenon Innovations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.