NRL Resources
Code 5730 has research and support work in the areas below. All positions will not be needed at same time due to shifting work requirements and the status of recruitment. All positions require:
Signal Processing Analysis: Develop novel algorithms for processing signals and data for applications in wireless communications, signals intelligence, and radar and EO/IR imaging. A strong mathematical background in analysis, particularly functional and time-frequency analysis, is required. Matlab proficiency is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate would not only have extensive analytic and computation skills, but would also have experience in developing efficient algorithms for applications with constrained computing resources and/or requirements for results in tactically relevant time frames. Experience with the basic signal processing technologies like filtering, multiplexing, waveform design, sampling including sparse sampling, and adaptive array processing is highly desirable. An advanced degree in applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or applied physics is required with a PhD desired.
Wireless Network Analysis: Work with a multidisciplinary team to conduct research and development in wireless network evaluation including finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in adversary communication systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: network information theory, graph spectra, wireless and terrestrial networking and emerging MANET protocols, and distributed optimization as well as firm understanding of modern digital communications. An advanced degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering is required with a PhD desired.
Mathematical Analysis: Work in a multi-disciplinary environment to develop algorithms for signal and image processing, real-world graph analysis, and information extraction. The focus is on applying advanced mathematical approaches and tools to analyze and exploit a signal space that is growing in complexity, diversity and size. Because of our diverse applications, it is highly desirable that the candidate have knowledge and experience in a range of areas including machine learning, mathematical optimization including discrete, non-linear and stochastic programming; computational learning theory; and computational complexity. Applications include pattern recognition/classification and learning and prediction of adaptive signal behavior. A Ph.D. in applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science is highly desired.
Digital Design: Design, implement, and verify complex, high clock rate digital circuits, including high speed mixed signal circuits, for EW applications. Our current focus is on programming the Xilinx Virtex family of FPGAs using VHDL, although Verlog experience is applicable. The position is expected to use circuit verification and debugging tools such as Active HDL or Chipscope. Skill in floorplanning is desired. As FPGAs move to SoCs, knowledge of IP modules such as peripheral controllers and memory controllers is increasingly important. The position will work with analog and software engineers to define interface documents and work with system engineers to ID and specify appropriate processing structures (PLDs, GPUs, microprocessors, etc.) for a given application. MSEE in electrical engineering or computer engineering with a concentration on digital design is highly desired.
Communications Engineering: The Branch has need of electrical or computer engineers with education or experience in modern mobile communications. Primary emphasis is on experimenting with mobile communications networks. This includes setting up and operating base stations for emulating small networks in the laboratory; developing custom testbeds from commercially available devices such as software programmable radios, analyzing 4G, radio, and other communications protocols; performing signal analysis, and using optimization tools to search multivariate parameter spaces. Matlab proficiency is expected and programming ability in C++, Python or other object oriented languages is highly desired. Experience with link analysis is desirable as is understanding basic communication processing blocks such as encoding, multiplexing, modulating, spreading and their inverses. MSEE in electrical engineering or computer engineering is highly desired.
RF & Microwave Engineering: Design and/or integrate RF/microwave circuits, subassemblies and systems for electronic countermeasures. The position works with software, digital and test engineers to deliver advance prototype hardware for Navy needs. The candidate should have strong background in RF/microwave systems analysis and the demonstrated ability to perform RF/microwave system design. The desired applicant would have technical skills in one or several of the following areas: board level RF analog and mixed signal design; analysis or integration of active or passive microwave circuits; broadband antenna and antenna array design; RFI/EMI mitigation; passive and active impedance matching; Matlab proficiency is required. MSEE in electrical engineering is desired.
RF & Microwave Analog Circuit Design: Design and instantiate RF/microwave circuits for high performance applications. Although we are not an IC design or chip fabrication house, we do have needs for microwave analog circuit designers to work with DSP specialists in a co-design process to reduce non-linear distortions in both receivers and transmitters. The position requires skill in IC design in one or more of the major analog and mixed signal function blocks of EW and Radar systems: up/down frequency conversion, ADC/DAC, filtering, and/or amplification. The position requires experience with industry standard EDA tools like Cadence or ADS. Since we are a research organization, the skill to create innovative analog design solutions is highly desired, however tempered by the need for reproducible and robust performance. Experience and skill with top-down design is desired.
Database Programming: The primary focus of the position is to program and implement custom databases as web-served applications. Currently the Branch is using MySQL on an Apache Server with PHP server side scripting. For “standard� database applications, like record/asset management, the position will also determine if commercially available packages will satisfy, or can be modified to satisfy, Branch requirements. The candidate will also learn the Branch’s current web-served accounting database, written in MySQL, with the expectation of making future enhancements. The position will provide helpdesk support to Branch personnel using the databases. The position will document all software development. Experience in database programming with MySQL is required. Experience with development of web-served applications is required.
Software Development: This is a broad category ranging from identifying and designing a software solution to coding. The emphasis is on writing apps for command, control, data acquisition, system monitoring, troubleshooting and training on Windows and Linux based operating systems, e.g. Android. The candidate should be conversant will all aspects of software lifecycle from requirements collection to maintenance. The candidate should have a strong background in the OOAD software engineering approach and object oriented programming. Working knowledge of GUI design principles, including event-driven GUI programming techniques is required. The practice of software code revision control is expected. Experience with Windows programming in C++ using WinAPI and STL, MFC, or Boost libraries is required. Experience with mobile app development is highly desired.
Embedded Software Development: Develop and maintain software applications on Windows and Linux platforms which feature data communications and real-time data acquisition. In-depth working knowledge of multi-threading, asynchronous I/O, network/socket programming is needed. Embedded work includes integrating software with firmware and/or hardware interfaces such as serial, USB, UDP/IP, I2C, SPI; low-level programming of microprocessors and microcontrollers (PIC) in C/ASM. The position requires skill in C/C++ and Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD), and experience with debugging software /hardware interfaces. Knowledge of microprocessor/microcontroller architectures and programming is desired as is familiarity with FPGAs and a hardware descriptor language like VHDL.
Communications Technician Support: Typical duties include setting up and executing communication experiments including data collection and documentation; maintaining communication and test equipment; doing logistics for shipping or receiving equipment, and providing inventory control. The candidate should be familiar with basic electrical circuits and troubleshooting with multimeters and oscilloscopes. Experience with Navy or other service radio, communications, or jamming equipment is highly desired.
RF Technician Support: The focus is on supporting RF systems engineers in the development and delivery of EW prototypes. Typical duties include packaging discrete components into specified form factors; cabling/wiring components; soldering; heatsinking; and designing and fabricating mounting brackets. The position does logistics for shipping or receiving equipment and provides inventory control. Knowledge of techniques to reduce shock and vibration is highly desirable as is knowledge of cooling and thermal management. The position maintains and calibrates test equipment. Technician experience with the Navy or other services is desirable.
IT Technician Support: Provide computer and network IT support in a Windows environment. This includes installation of patches; performing vulnerability assessments including IT scanning, reporting, and remediation using supplied software tools; specifying and pricing new computers based on customer computing requirements; prepping new computers for installation; upgrading user hardware and software; troubleshooting computers and peripherals; following prescribed procedures for surplusing IT inventory; processing IT accreditation paperwork. The position will also support, on an as needed basis, the network administrator in the maintenance and upgrade of the Branch IT infrastructure including servers, routers and firewalls; performing backup services; performing vulnerability assessments; and creating and tracking IT documentation.
Entry Level Positions: Although the hiring emphasis is on those with advanced degrees, the Branch will review BSEEs/BSCEs/BS Physics for entry level research. Depending on academic emphasis and aptitudes, duties range from experimentation to software development. For the more hands on type, lab work includes experiment design, setup, data collection and analysis. Field demonstrations may require identifying discrete microwave components and assembling subsystems such as antennas or transmitters. For those with programming skill, software development efforts include instrument and test automation, remote command and control of RF hardware, GUI development, and/or microprocessor/GPU/PLD programming. The candidate should have knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following: digital design, electromagnetics, RF analog circuits, digital communications, and/or software development. Matlab proficiency is required.
Contact: Code5730@nrl.navy.mil