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Spectrum Sensing Engineer

Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Full Time On-site

Role Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior RF Signal Processing Software Engineer to contribute to the successful development of our electromagnetic warfare product line. This role is critical to transforming our radar systems into sensing systems that detect, classify, and geolocate all RF emissions in the environment using advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The Senior Engineer will contribute to the Spectrum Sensing Team in the development of algorithms, modeling, software integration, and the execution of field demonstrations of the technology. They will collaborate closely with Business Development (BD), Production, and other Engineering teams.

Responsibilities: 

As a key contributor to the Spectrum Sensing Team, the Senior Engineer will play an integral role in developing and redefining the passive radar system into a distributed spectrum sensing system, with a focus on software and algorithm development. The day-to-day will be diverse, engaging, and intellectually stimulating, with a direct impact on pushing the boundaries of sensing technology and application. Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop, implement, and refine advanced DSP algorithms to detect, identify, and track RF signals
  • Integrate and test signal processing software with underlying RF/SDR hardware and host processing platforms

Minimum Requirements:

  • B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field
  • 5+ years of relevant development experience
  • Experience working with RF sensing systems (active or passive) and advanced signal processing techniques
  • Experience working with recorded I/Q data and generating synthetic I/Q data
  • Strong theoretical understanding and practical application of signal processing techniques (e.g., FFT analyses, matched filtering, cyclostationary analysis)
  • Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB for algorithm development and integration into current code base
  • Experience with software defined radios (SDR) and associated signal processing toolkits
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document technical details and present findings
  • Must be able to work on-site 3-5 days per week in Hawthorne CA or Washington D.C.
  • This role will require periodic travel, up to 30%
  • U.S. citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Requirements:

  • M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Current U.S. security clearance
  • Expertise in cyclostationary signal processing
  • Demonstrated experience identifying commercial and non-commercial communication waveforms
  • Expertise with electromagnetic spectrum sensing and classification techniques (e.g., machine learning for signal classification)
  • Experience implementing signal processing algorithms for tactical applications
  • Experience implementing signal processing algorithms on RFSOC hardware
  • Experience with agile development tools like JIRA and Confluence
  • Experience in DoD, military, or other Government environment performing in a related subject area (e.g. engineering, computer science, etc.) in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 

Why CHAOS?

  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
  • Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
  • Our Perks: Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
  • Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
  • Team Growth: 350 employees and counting across 5 global offices
Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. 


Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.


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About Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries is one of the fastest-rising defense technology companies focused on solving modern national security challenges through advanced radar, sensing, and counter-drone systems. Founded in 2022, the company develops next-generation technologies designed to help military and national security operators detect airborne threats faster and operate more effectively in increasingly contested environments.

For job seekers, Chaos Industries offers the opportunity to work on mission-driven technology with direct real-world impact. Employees help build systems related to radar, autonomous sensing, communications, counter-UAS, and AI-enabled defense capabilities—making it an attractive destination for engineers, software developers, hardware specialists, program managers, and defense professionals who want to work at the forefront of national security innovation.

Unlike many traditional defense contractors, Chaos Industries operates with a startup-style culture focused on speed, innovation, and rapid problem-solving. The company is known for moving quickly, building advanced technology in-house, and tackling complex defense challenges with an engineering-first mindset. For professionals who want the mission focus of defense work with the pace of a high-growth technology company, Chaos offers a unique environment.

As defense spending increasingly prioritizes autonomous systems, drone defense, and advanced battlefield awareness, Chaos Industries continues to grow its team across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and mission support functions. For veterans, cleared professionals, and technology talent looking to help shape the future of defense, Chaos Industries is emerging as one of the more exciting companies to watch.

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