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Senior Digital Signal Processing Systems Engineer


Job Location:

Cambridge, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 82300 - 220000
Posted: 21 September 2026 (8 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 19 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview:

Draper is an independent nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge MA. The 2000 employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper visit .

Job Description Summary:

As a Senior Digital Signal Processing System Engineer you will support programs to create innovative multidisciplinary technical solutions for a broad range of highly-complicated mission needs. You will participate in hands-on engagement with concept and prototype development which may include software or firmware coding test equipment operation support of system integration field tests and customer demonstrations.

Due to the nature of our customers missions this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently-renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories. Typical candidates have 1-5 years of relevant DSP experience and a DSP-focused Masters thesis.

Aligned with our goal of developing long-term relationships with Draper staff we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry.

Duties/Responsibilities
Design waveforms and algorithms suited for high performance applications
Support signal processing areas of complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment
Develop and maintain expertise in telecommunications technology and network architectures
Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting
Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems and algorithms
Provide DSP insight and suggest associated algorithms based on analysis outcomes
Demonstrates strong organization planning and time management skills to achieve program goals
Supports business development activities including development of proposals and engaging with sponsors
Skills/Abilities
DSP algorithm design and implementation (e.g. FIR filter design adaptive filtering channel equalization application of LMS Maximum Likelihood and MMSE estimators multirate signal processing)
Statistical channel detection/estimation
Neyman-Pearson detectors and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
Experience with wireless communications (4G/5G MIMO OFDM)
Knowledge of RF systems and architecture
Experience with signal link budget hand calculations
Experience with embedded software for FPGAs and GPUs
Hands-on experience with test equipment for RF measurements
FPGA GPU or C implementation of signal processing algorithms
Experience programming and utilization of software defined radios
Very experienced using Matlab and/or python for DSP signal analysis
Strong problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willingness to work in highly collaborative team environment
Excellent self-management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines task prioritization and attention to details

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.

  • Manages complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.

  • Drives solutions to complex problems with limited directioncontributes to requirements development proposes ways forward and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.

  • Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency or communications systems.

  • Contributes to customer presentations.

  • Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.

  • Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.

  • Actively mentors less experienced teammates and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.

  • Ability to lead a cross functional team.

  • Involved in business development and proposal activities.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


Skills/Abilities

  • Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.

  • Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.

  • Skills with RF and Communications software tools.

  • Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement.

  • Strong problem solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.

  • Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines task prioritization and attention to details.


Education

Requires bachelors degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.


Experience

Requires 510 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you dont find the right posting in our Career Opportunities you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$82300.00 - $220000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role level and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreements approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga health and finance workshops off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you apply now is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex disability age sexual orientation national origin veteran status or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment its services programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodation please contact .


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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As a nonprofit engineering innovation company, Draper solves demanding customer problems with innovative technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, program managers and administrative professionals drive the innovative solutions we deliver. Whether working at a ... View more

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