STR
Maritime Domain Awareness
PrincipalScientist-OpticsSignalProcessing
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Principal Scientist - Optics Signal Processing at STR. Skills: Optics Signal Processing, AI/ML algorithm development, Signal processing, physics-based modeling and simulation, end-to-end processing chains. Lead the development of next-generation signal processing capabilities for airborne passive optical sensing systems. Guide teams of scientists and engineers in designing advanced algorithms and processing architectures”
What You'll Achieve.
deliver advanced signal processing algorithms and techniques; enable the detection, characterization, and exploitation of targets; develop robust solutions that transition from research prototypes into operational systems; address future operational needs; transition of research algorithms into operational software and deployed capabilities; make the world safer
Industry & Context.
advanced signal processing algorithms; detection and exploitation of signals in high clutter and noise environments; AI/ML techniques; designing advanced algorithms and processing architectures; detection, characterization, and exploitation of targets; understanding complex operational environments; develop robust solutions; address future operational needs; detecting and exploiting low-SNR signals in complex environments
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, U. S. citizenship is needed by U. S. Government, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, U. S. citizenship is needed by U. S. Government, BA, or MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline, 10-12+ years of relevant work experience, Expertise in two or more of the following areas: Signal processing, Fourier analysis, linear estimation, optimization, adaptive signal processing, AI/ML algorithm development, algorithm development, modeling next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics
What You'll Do.
Lead the development of next-generation signal processing capabilities for airborne passive optical sensing systems
Guide teams of scientists and engineers in designing advanced algorithms and processing architectures
Apply first-principles physics
statistical signal processing
and advanced modeling and simulation
Develop end-to-end processing solutions—from raw sensor phenomenology and calibration through detection
Integrate knowledge across optics
sensing phenomenology
Shape the technical vision and strategy for passive optical sensing
Identify emerging mission challenges
Define research directions
Guide the development of technologies that address future operational needs
Lead multidisciplinary teams in the design
and maturation of advanced signal processing algorithms for airborne passive optical sensing systems
Apply physics-based modeling and simulation to understand sensing phenomenology
and environmental effects impacting sensor performance
Architect and develop end-to-end processing chains
including sensor modeling
and target classification algorithms
Identify and pursue novel algorithmic approaches for detecting and exploiting low-SNR signals in complex environments
Collaborate closely with program leadership
and external partners to shape technical direction and align research with mission needs
Mentor and guide scientists and engineers
helping develop the next generation of technical leaders within the organization
Drive the transition of research algorithms into operational software and deployed capabilities
Communicate technical vision and results through briefings
technical publications
and presentations to senior stakeholders and subject matter experts
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Lead multidisciplinary teams; Collaborate closely with program leadership, government sponsors, and external partners; Mentor and guide scientists and engineers
Communication Scope
Communicate technical vision and results through briefings, technical publications, and presentations to senior stakeholders and subject matter experts
Full Job Description
About the Team The Maritime Domain Awareness Group (MDA) develops and delivers advanced signal processing algorithms and techniques for airborne radar and passive optical systems. MDA fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution. We develop and analyze cutting edge algorithms for detection and exploitation of signals in high clutter and noise environments using both classical, physics-based approaches, and big data-driven artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques. If you are seeking an opportunity to apply your deep technical knowledge and creativity in a fast-paced, challenging environment to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. The Role We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development of next-generation signal processing capabilities for airborne passive optical sensing systems supporting critical national security missions. In this role, you will guide teams of scientists and engineers in designing advanced algorithms and processing architectures that enable the detection, characterization, and exploitation of targets operating in low signal-to-noise and highly cluttered environments. You will apply first-principles physics, statistical signal processing, and advanced modeling and simulation to understand complex operational environments and drive the development of end-to-end processing solutions—from raw sensor phenomenology and calibration through detection, tracking, and classification. This role requires the ability to integrate knowledge across optics, sensing phenomenology, atmospheric effects, signal processing, and machine learning to develop robust solutions that transition from research prototypes into operational systems. As a senior technical leader, you will help shape the technical vision and strategy for passive optical sensing within the organization, identifying emerging mission challenges, defining research directions, and guiding the development of technologies that address future
Applying for this Principal Scientist - Optics Signal Processing role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Greenhouse
- Create a Greenhouse profile before applying — it saves time across multiple applications.
- Upload your resume as a PDF; the parser handles it better than Word.
- Answer all knockout questions carefully — wrong answers auto-reject before a human sees you.
- Enable email notifications to track application status in real time.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about STR?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.