LLJP00001504 MITLL Radar Systems Engineer - Encode Inc

SPOTLIGHT NOTES:
 

We need candidates who understand radar, not who just process radar, they need to understand inner working of radars, algorithms etc - We've spoken to a few people who can't design the radar, they were unable to articulate how to upgrade portions of the radar - Radar is not being taught in undergrad (BS degree) – they won't have the expertise to be a radar engineer. It's really at the graduate level, we need people who are at least at the MS or PhD level, exposed to communications systems, understanding radar systems, radar range equation (they should know). Electrical Engineering experience with radar, what part of the radar have they worked on, not just data they have analyzed, that is not enough. Need to understand how to manipulate the radar - Really difficult to find radar experts – not coming out with BS degree. - In terms of fundamentals, if someone has advanced signal processing (this is good to ask), statistics, if they don't have RF understanding (good to know but not really required). RF does not mean you are a radar engineer. - If they have been managing waveforms, we would want to talk to them - There is some overlap with radar and communication – some can be transferable to radar - Background in communication systems we would look at 1) Want to clarify, if they have communication and understand signal processing, waveform, would you look at them, even if they don't have radar? Yes, we will look at them. We will figure out how to get them to learn what we need. Yes, this is the relevant experience. 2) On the radar side? Any radar phased array, weather radar, a lot of this knowledge is transferable. We will work with them, get them onboarded and get them up to speed. 3) What about candidates with signal processing, DSP, phased array, what about experimental type Radar? Yes we will consider but will be case by case. Not everyone with communications background will be applicable here but if they have these skills, increases the chances to be a fit. 4) Airborne radar systems, optical systems? Yes some skills are transferable. 5) How important is the testing responsibilities? Less important because we have folks onboard who are doing the testing. If you have the radar experience, the test experience is easier to learn. 6) Will they be expected to be out in the field testing? No. Radars are in Kwaj, if they have interest, we are happy to accommodate. 7) Clearance? Would be good to have a clearance but we do have it listed as interim. 8) For the component of the RF side of things, we understand radar is key, come across folks who have antenna background, RF is not necessarily needed for this? Correct RF not needed. 9) If someone is really established in matlab, would you consider? C++ is an advantage. Makes it easier to work with the software developers. Yes we would consider matlab (it is sufficient). 10) In your mind, what would you consider dated or too dated? I have a candidate doing radar since the 80's, with all the technology changes, is this too dated? If last time he touched it was 1980, then yes too dated. If he's still currently working on a radar then yes. It really depends when the last time they worked on the radar. Need relevant background to consume information we give to them.

2 OPENINGS

Clearance: Interim secret sufficient to start.

Work location: Hybrid - Individual works from home or off-site for a portion of their schedule and within a routinely commutable distance from the Lexington facility. Candidate should expect to work onsite at least 3 days a week.

Travel: Not a requirement but if candidate has ability to travel there could be opportunities to do so (domestic/international).

Interview process: Initial pre-screen with hiring manager. If candidate advances, next round of interviews will be with the Group Leaders and Technical Staff Team.
 

Background/Need

The Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds Group (33) performs concept development, prototype design, analysis, and demonstrations in support of the National test ranges and HF and air defense radars and systems. Major activities within the group include the development of optical systems, communication systems, and wideband, airborne, over-the-horizon, and bistatic radar systems with technology development in the areas of phased arrays, advanced waveforms, adaptive signal processing, and unique detection and tracking algorithms. The work in the group often requires the fabrication of one-of-a-kind operational and experimental test assets in support of a significant amount of field testing and data collection to prove new concepts.

Other information relevant to the job requirement?

Radar systems engineers are needed for wideband radar system analysis and design, associated signal and data processing, radar calibration, testing, and data analysis. Typical work activities will include: • Architect and design advanced radar systems. • Design, develop, and evaluate advanced radar signal and data processing algorithms. • Develop test plans to evaluate radar systems and/or subsystems, execute tests, analyze data, and evaluate performance. Required Skills: • Experience with air & missile defense radar systems, radar system design, development, and testing • Significant experience in any of the following fields: RF systems, statistical signal processing, and moving target detection and tracking. • Experience with statistical signal processing of radar phased array data, including adaptive beamforming, channel equalization, and radar waveform design • Algorithm development experience in any programming language (i.e., proficiency with MATLAB, Python or C++) • Good organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments working independently and in a team environment, and effectively present results.