Manufacturing, Engineering Services

Staff RF Signal Processing Engineer

Washington, DCOnsiteFull TimeStaff$180,000–$230,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

RF sensing systems
advanced signal processing techniques
recorded I/Q data
synthetic I/Q data
FFT analyses
matched filtering
cyclostationary analysis
Python
C++
MATLAB

Nice to have

cyclostationary signal processing
commercial communication waveforms
non-commercial communication waveforms
electromagnetic spectrum sensing
classification techniques
machine learning

Role summary

CHAOS Industries is seeking a Staff RF Signal Processing Engineer to develop electromagnetic warfare products. This role focuses on transforming radar systems into sensing systems using advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to detect, classify, and geolocate RF emissions. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and refining DSP algorithms, and integrating/testing signal processing software with RF/SDR hardware. The position requires a B.S. degree, 5+ years of experience with RF sensing systems and DSP techniques, proficiency in Python, C++, or MATLAB, and experience with SDRs. The role is hybrid, based in Hawthorne, CA or Washington D.C., with up to 30% travel. A U.S. security clearance is required.

CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.

CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior RF Signal Processing Software Engineer to contribute to the successful development of our electromagnetic warfare product line. This role is critical to transforming our radar systems into sensing systems that detect, classify, and geolocate all RF emissions in the environment using advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The Senior Engineer will contribute to the Spectrum Sensing Team in the development of algorithms, modeling, software integration, and the execution of field demonstrations of the technology. They will collaborate closely with Business Development (BD), Production, and other Engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

As a key contributor to the Spectrum Sensing Team, the Senior Engineer will play an integral role in developing and redefining the passive radar system into a distributed spectrum sensing system, with a focus on software and algorithm development. The day-to-day will be diverse, engaging, and intellectually stimulating, with a direct impact on pushing the boundaries of sensing technology and application. Key responsibilities include:

Develop, implement, and refine advanced DSP algorithms to detect, identify, and track RF signals

Integrate and test signal processing software with underlying RF/SDR hardware and host processing platforms

Minimum Requirements:

B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field

5+ years of relevant development experience

Experience working with RF sensing systems (active or passive) and advanced signal processing techniques

Experience working with recorded I/Q data and generating synthetic I/Q data

Strong theoretical understanding and practical application of signal processing techniques (e.g., FFT analyses, matched filtering, cyclostationary analysis)

Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB for algorithm development and integration into current code base

Experience with software defined radios (SDR) and associated signal processing toolkits

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document technical details and present findings

Must be able to work on-site 3-5 days per week in Hawthorne CA or Washington D.C.

This role will require periodic travel, up to 30%

U.S. citizen

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Requirements:

M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field

Current U.S. security clearance

Expertise in cyclostationary signal processing

Demonstrated experience identifying commercial and non-commercial communication waveforms

Expertise with electromagnetic spectrum sensing and classification techniques (e.g., machine learning for signal classification)

Experience implementing signal processing algorithms for tactical applications

Experience implementing signal processing algorithms on RFSOC hardware

Experience with agile development tools like JIRA and Confluence

Experience in DoD, military, or other Government environment performing in a related subject area (e.g. engineering, computer science, etc.) in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 

Why CHAOS?

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company

Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more

Our Perks: Free daily lunch, fully-stocked kitchen, unlimited PTO, casual dress code

Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses

Team Growth: 350 employees and counting across 5 global offices

Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.

Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.

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