Senior Engineer

DescriptionOn-site in Carlsbad, CAOur client seeks a Senior Engineer who will operate as a Principal Investigator for a digital signal processing, sensing-centric development program. The role requires system-level expertise in mixed-fidelity simulation development and analysis for sensing systems, spanning signal acquisition, embedded processing, software, hardware, integration, and test. The engineer will serve as the technical authority for end-to-end simulation architecture, from sensing elements through data processing and system performance, while interfacing with customers and developing advanced simulation frameworks.Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen with an active Secret clearance. Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.Rate: $100.00 to $120.00/hr. w2ResponsibilitiesLead design, development, and validation of mixed-fidelity simulation frameworks across sensor phenomenology, signal acquisition, processing pipelines, and system performance.Define simulation architecture strategies for next-generation sensing systems, including sensor element selection, processing chain topology, and hardware/software partitioning.Develop physics-based models of sensing elements, noise sources, and interference conditions.Author validation plans and correlate simulation outputs with HIL, bench, and field test results.Maintain modular, version-controlled simulation repositories with expanding model coverage and fidelity.Develop and apply detection, estimation, filtering, spectral analysis, and statistical characterization algorithms.Model signal chains end to end, including noise, interference, and environmental effects.Define and evaluate processing performance metrics and translate findings for hardware and embedded software teams.Validate models against measured data and close fidelity gaps through iterative refinement.Serve as principal investigator and technical lead, aligning algorithm, embedded software, hardware, and systems teams.Lead technical reviews including PDR and CDR, deliver simulation products, and provide peer review.Identify capability gaps and drive roadmap improvements.Mentor junior engineers in simulation methodology, signal processing, and analysis practices.Interface with customers on methodology, assumptions, uncertainty quantification, and performance predictions.Translate complex results into concise findings and technical reports for leadership and customers.Support proposals by defining simulation scope, articulating discriminators, and contributing to SOW and BOE.Experience RequirementsB.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.10+ years in modeling and simulation of sensing or signal processing systems with ownership of simulation frameworks.Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Python ecosystems such as NumPy, SciPy, and PyTorch.Experience structuring large, maintainable simulation codebases.Prior experience as a principal investigator or technical lead on a U.S. government or defense program with direct customer interaction.Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.Willingness to travel up to 10%.Ability to work on-site in Carlsbad, CA preferred or Tempe, CA.Helpful: experience with RF, EO/IR, acoustic, or lidar sensors and phenomenological modeling; AFSIM; embedded or real-time DSP on FPGA or embedded CPUs; HIL integrated with bench or field test; MBSE and system performance budgeting; track record of publications or patents.Education Requirements B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.Active Secret Clearance or higher.