Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio

Welcome page Returning candidate? Log back in! Research Scientist - Software Defined Radio Job Locations US-MD-College Park Requisition ID 2026-166503 Position Category Scientific, Research & Analysis Clearance Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on designing, developing, prototyping, and evaluating SDR-based capabilities for advanced wireless communications, networking, cyber operations, and experimentation platforms.At Peraton Labs, you will work on mission-focused R&D efforts that move from research concepts to working prototypes and operationally relevant capabilities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, and customer stakeholders to solve complex problems involving wireless systems, signal processing, protocol analysis, networked communications, and secure communications environments. This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD. Key responsibilities may includeDesign, develop, prototype, and test Software Defined Radio capabilities for wireless communications and networking systemsResearch and implement signal processing, waveform, protocol, and radio frequency techniques to support mission-focused experimentationDevelop SDR applications and prototypes using tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, or similarWork with commercial and open-source SDR platforms, including USRP, Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similarSupport wireless protocol research, analysis, implementation, and experimentation across systems such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio, or custom waveform environmentsIntegrate SDR capabilities with Linux-based systems, networking environments, containers, testbeds, and cyber experimentation platformsConduct lab-based testing, field testing, performance analysis, data collection, and troubleshooting of RF and SDR systemsAnalyze wireless signals, protocol behavior, RF performance, and systems teams to integrate SDR capabilities into larger prototypesCommunicate findings, technical approaches, and prototype results through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, or publications*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process* #MDFSP#PLABS26 Qualifications Required qualificationsMinimum of 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 4+ years of experience with a Master’s degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field or related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 10+ years.2+ years hands-on experience developing Software Defined Radio solutionsStrong understanding of RF systems, wireless communications, digital signal processing, and SDR architecturesExperience with SDR hardware such as USRP/Ettus, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar platformsExperience working in Linux-based development environmentsAbility to develop, test, troubleshoot, and document research prototypesExperience developing SDR or wireless communications using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar toolsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to stakeholdersUS Citizenship is a requirement for this positionThis position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph Desired Additional QualificationsAdvanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field is preferredExperience with LTE, 5G, WiFi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio...