Top Secret Signal Engineer with Security Clearance

Job Description:
Insight Global is looking for an RF Systems Engineer (Signals Engineer) to join a team supporting a mission-driven R&D environment. This individual will play a key role in capturing, analyzing, and characterizing radio frequency (RF) signals using software defined radio (SDR) platforms. The role is heavily focused on lab-based work, with a mix of hands-on signal analysis and software development (approximately 50/50). This engineer will be responsible for both developing new SDR applications and enhancing existing tools, while working with primarily digital communication signals. The ideal candidate will have experience with Python and/or C++, SDR platforms (such as USRP or HackRF), GNU Radio, and RF test equipment, along with a strong understanding of RF fundamentals and digital signal processing. This role requires an active Top Secret clearance (eligible for SCI) and offers the opportunity to work on prototyping and characterization efforts with real-world impact The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys a balance of hands-on technical work and coding, acting as a “radio signal detective” — capturing signals from the environment, building tools to analyze them, and helping the team better understand how communication systems operate. The work is primarily conducted in a lab/desk environment with occasional (10%) CONUS travel, and involves close collaboration with a small, highly technical team tackling complex RF challenges. Key Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and modify custom SDR applications for signal capture, processing, and analysis
• Perform hands-on RF signal collection and analysis using SDR platforms and RF test equipment
• Implement and optimize digital signal processing (DSP) techniques in Python/C++
• Analyze and characterize digital RF communication signals and protocols
• Support prototyping and system characterization efforts in lab environments
• Interface with FPGA-based systems (no direct FPGA development required)
• Use tools such as GNU Radio and RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers)
• Develop custom tools and scripts for specialized signal analysis needs
• Document findings and create technical reports and engineering documentation
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to solve complex RF challenges
Must Haves :
• Active Top Secret Clearance (must be eligible for SCI)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 3–5 years of relevant experience (LCAT T3, flexible depending on candidate)
• Strong experience with Software Defined Radios (e.g., HackRF, Ettus USRP)
• Proficiency in Python and/or C/C++ for SDR and signal processing development
• Experience with GNU Radio or similar DSP frameworks
• Solid understanding of: o RF fundamentals
o Modulation techniques
o Wireless communication protocols
• Experience with digital signal processing concepts and implementation
• Familiarity with RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers)
• Ability to develop custom signal processing and analysis tools Preferred Qualifications
• Experience analyzing signals from unmanned systems (UAS, UGV, USV)
• Knowledge of tactical communications systems (DMR, MANET)
• Familiarity with Linux environments for SDR development
• Understanding of secure communications systems
• Exposure to real-time signal processing and optimization techniques
• Knowledge of electronic warfare (EW) concepts
• Experience with or exposure to FPGA-based RF systems
• Strong experience in technical documentation and reporting