DSP Engineer

Job Title: DSP Engineer

Job Description

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer will support the development of advanced wireless communications systems, custom waveforms, and software-defined radio (SDR) technologies that enable critical national security missions. In this hands-on role, you design, implement, test, and optimize DSP algorithms and communications systems, transforming concepts and designs into robust, deployable software capabilities. You will contribute to satellite communications programs, waveform development initiatives, emerging 5G technology investigations, and next-generation communications modem development, with significant influence over the design of new prototype systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms using C/C++, Python, GNU Radio, X-MIDAS, and CUDA.
• Prototype and refine communication waveforms, including modulation and demodulation techniques for advanced wireless and satellite systems.
• Build, integrate, and test signal processing solutions on Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms.
• Support the architecture, development, and enhancement of wireless and satellite communication systems, including SATCOM and tactical radio applications.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize DSP algorithms and software performance to ensure reliable, real-time operation.
• Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and systems engineers to integrate DSP solutions into larger system architectures.
• Develop and maintain containerized applications using Docker and, when applicable, Kubernetes and other cloud-native deployment technologies.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipeline development and software deployment activities to streamline delivery and updates.
• Participate in design reviews, testing events, and technical discussions with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Document designs, algorithms, test procedures, and results, and contribute to continuous process and tool improvements.
• Play a key role in designing a new prototype for a push-to-talk communications portfolio, helping shape the system architecture from initial concept through deployment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing DSP software and communications systems.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python for high-performance and real-time signal processing implementations.
• Hands-on experience with GNU Radio and X-MIDAS for waveform development and prototyping.
• Experience using CUDA for GPU-accelerated signal processing and algorithm optimization.
• Proficiency working in Linux development environments for building and deploying DSP applications.
• Deep understanding of digital communications theory and wireless communications principles.
• Experience developing and implementing DSP algorithms for communications systems, including signal detection and estimation.
• Expertise in modulation and demodulation techniques and communications waveform design and development.
• Proven experience prototyping and validating solutions using Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, with preference for an active clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Docker and containerized software environments for packaging and deploying DSP applications.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and cloud-native deployment environments for scalable communications solutions.
• Experience supporting SATCOM, tactical radio, or other wireless communications programs.
• Experience with software-defined radio frameworks and RF test environments for system integration and validation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to performance optimization and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Ability to work across disciplines and communicate effectively with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams.
• Interest in working projects from initial concept through deployment, including iterative prototyping and field validation.

Work Environment

The role begins with an initial period of working 100% on site in Warrenton, VA during the first month to support onboarding, collaboration, and hands-on system work. After this period, the position transitions to a hybrid schedule with two days per week on site in Warrenton, VA and the remaining time working remotely. The environment is highly collaborative, with engineers frequently sharing ideas, reviewing designs, and solving complex technical challenges together. You will work on cutting-edge communications technologies, including software-defined radios, advanced waveforms, and modern containerized and cloud-native software stacks. This setting is ideal for someone who wants to own projects from early concept through deployment, participate in design reviews and lab testing, and see their work directly translated into operational capabilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85.00 - $105.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Warrenton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.