Senior Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer

Employer description

Today, Electronic Warfare (EW) is a growing enterprise — protecting the warfighter and our national security against ever-adapting threats. Our division currently has an exciting opportunity for a Software Defined Radio (SDR) Engineer to perform design, development, and hardware/software integration in Arlington, VA for the Electronic Warfare Division.

Our division primarily focuses on research & development and advanced prototyping, transforming state-of-the-art signal processing algorithms into real-time software systems deployed on advanced RF platforms.

The successful candidate will be an individual contributor responsible for designing, developing, and integrating high-performance SDR solutions using Ettus Research USRP platforms. This role requires expertise in real-time RF signal processing, low-latency streaming architectures, and software development close to the hardware layer. The ideal candidate is comfortable building production-grade SDR systems from the ground up and optimizing them for demanding operational environments.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, develop, and deploy advanced SDR systems using Ettus Research USRP hardwareDevelop high-performance SDR applications using:C++UHD (USRP Hardware Driver)Implement and optimize:Real-time DSP pipelinesCustom waveform generationModulation/demodulation chainsRF streaming architecturesHigh-throughput signal processing systemsInterface directly with:FPGA-based SDR architecturesHigh-speed Ethernet transport layersRF front ends and synchronization systemsDevelop software for low-latency and real-time RF applicationsPerform RF system integration, testing, calibration, and troubleshootingAnalyze and optimize:Spectral performanceTiming synchronizationThroughput bottlenecksRF impairmentsIntegrate SDR platforms into larger communications, sensing, or EW architecturesProduce technical documentation, interface definitions, and software architecture artifactsSupport lab and field testing activities, travel up to 15%
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in:Electrical EngineeringComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceRelated technical disciplineMust have 8+ years of expereince including strong hands-on experience with:Ettus Research USRP platforms (X310/X410, N320/N321, X440, B-Series platforms)Strong proficiency in:Modern C++PythonLinux systems programming, including Linux performance optimizationMultithreaded and concurrent software architecturesExperience deploying systems with Red Hat LinuxExperience developing with:UHD APIReal-time streaming systemsHigh-rate packet processingSocket programmingLow-latency software architecturesEttus RF Network On Chip (RFNoC) architectureStrong understanding of:RF fundamentalsWireless communications systemsIQ signal processingDigital modulation techniquesWideband RF architecturesSpectrum analysisExperience implementing:OFDMQPSK/QAMChannel estimationSynchronization algorithmsFFT/channelization pipelinesAdaptive filteringSignal detection and classificationTime/frequency synchronizationPosition requires an active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one
Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:Electronic Warfare (EW)SIGINT/ELINT systemsTactical communicationsSpectrum operationsRadar or RF sensing systemsFamiliarity with:Xilinx FPGA architecturesVivadoVerilog/VHDLHardware acceleration pipelinesExperience with:10/40/100 GigE transportGPSDO/PPS synchronizationDistributed SDR architecturesReal-time operating systemsFamiliarity with:MIMO systemsBeamformingSATCOM architecturesActive Top Secret clearance preferred
Desired Traits

Strong systems engineering mindsetAbility to troubleshoot complex RF/software interactionsComfortable working directly with hardware in lab and field environmentsCapable of building production-grade SDR software from the ground upStrong debugging, optimization, and performance tuning skillsSelf-starter capable of operating in fast-paced R&D environments

NKE

ElectronicWarfare

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:October 13, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.