Systems Engineer III

About the role

This role joins the ISR team to develop cutting-edge signals intelligence systems. The work supports national security objectives and technical innovation. You will operate at the intersection of software, hardware, and signals to solve complex problems in a collaborative environment. The position demands a high level of ownership and the ability to translate abstract requirements into concrete solutions. Communication is treated as a first-class engineering deliverable alongside code and design documents. You will work alongside experienced engineers who value mentorship, precision, and execution. Success in this role is defined by your ability to deliver robust, high-performance systems that meet stringent operational needs.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop, architect, design, integrate, and test technical requirements for ISR systems from initial concept through deployment.

Perform detailed technical trade studies to evaluate options and inform critical design decisions for ISR platforms.

Develop and refine systems and hardware requirements, followed by detailed hardware design and implementation to meet strict specifications.

Carry out detailed software design and implementation for SIGINT functions, ensuring correctness, performance, and maintainability.

Execute systems integration and test activities to validate performance, reliability, and interoperability across complex environments.

Model and simulate signal processing algorithms to evaluate behavior under diverse and realistic operational conditions.

Apply deep expertise in electromagnetic fundamentals to antenna and receiving system design for signal collection applications.

Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team, demonstrating the ability to work independently while contributing to shared objectives.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Computer Science is required from an accredited university.

Four or more years of engineering experience is required, including at least two years focused on signal collection and signal processing systems.

Experience with software-defined radios and their application in SIGINT systems is required.

Experience with wireless communications systems and protocols such as AM, FM, BPSK, QPSK, QAM is required.

Experience with modeling and simulation of signal processing algorithms is required.

Experience with MBSE is required.

A strong understanding of electromagnetic fundamentals related to antennas and receiving systems is required.

Proven ability to work independently within a collaborative team environment is required.

U.S. person status is required due to export regulations.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance is required.

Nice to have

Only items explicitly stated as preferred in the source are included; no additional preferences are added.

Practical notes

Government clearance must be obtained and maintained.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.