Software Research Engineer - RF Machine Learning (RFML)

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Software Research Engineer to join our team conducting advanced research at a customer site in Maryland. This role blends hands-on software development with applied research, supporting rapid prototyping, integration into complex environments, and performance-driven algorithm implementation. The ideal candidate is technically strong, curious, and comfortable working across research, engineering, and customer-facing deliverables. Work within this position spans research, prototyping, integration, test/evaluation, and delivery of technical artifacts.

This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key responsibilities may include:

Design, develop, and modify software systems
• Integrate existing software into new or modified systems and operating environments
• Conduct RFML research and/or develop signal processing algorithms for wireless systems
• Support SDR-based experimentation and prototyping efforts as needed
• Design/implement complex database or data-repository interfaces and develop data queries for existing or proposed repositories
• Contribute to data workflows supporting experimentation, evaluation, and repeatable analysis
• Assist with developing and executing test procedures for prototype components and software releases
• Communicate technical results via customer presentations, technical documentation, and publications
• Produce design documents, simulation reports, and system documentation
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to refine requirements and translate research goals into working prototypes
• Serve as a research team lead at the level appropriate for the project phase

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*

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Minimum qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience and a Bachelors, 1+ years and a Masters, or a PhD in Computer Science or related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, 4 additional years of experience is required for a total of 7 years of experience.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in Python and at least one of C/C++, Java, or Go (exposure to all is a plus)
• Experience or strong interest in one or more of the following domains:
  • RF Machine Learning (RFML), machine learning, algorithm development
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) / RF software engineering
• Experience with modern ML frameworks/platforms (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras) and applying them in practical workflows
• Strong ability to write/maintain technical documentation and communicate results (written and verbal)
• US Citizenship with an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph is required

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience delivering results in a customer-facing R&D environment (briefings, demos, technical exchanges, publications)
• Familiarity with secure development practices in restricted environments (e.g., hardened enclaves, controlled repos, offline build patterns)
• Familiarity with SDR platforms and tooling, such as Ettus USRP devices, GNU Radio, and SDR-based test setups
• Experienced with advanced signal processing concepts (e.g., Multiple-antenna (MIMO) methods, distributed signal processing, array processing, channel estimation, interference mitigation
• Experience with design, development, test, verification, and certification of operational software (including evidence-driven testing and documentation)
• Experience designing or implementing database/repository interfaces, including performance-oriented querying (SQL and/or NoSQL), schema design, and data pipeline awareness
• Experience supporting engineering best practices and research-to-prototype workflows:
  • Linux, Git-based development, CI/CD (e.g., Jenkins), Agile development practices, containerization (Docker), reproducible experimentation

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.