Principal, Applied Technologist

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Job Title: Principal Applied Technologist (Radar, CUxS, and Autonomous Systems)

Job Number: 30920

Job Location: Nashville, TN (On Site)

Schedule: 9/80

Clearance: Must Have the Ability to Obtain and Maintain a DoD Security Clearance Which Requires U.S. Citizenship

Summary

The Principal Applied Technologist (Radar, CUxS, and Autonomous Systems) serves as a senior technical leader within the Advanced Technology Group (ATG), driving research and development in advanced radar sensing, counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUxS), and autonomous mission technologies.

This role blends deep expertise in radar phenomenology, AI/ML-enabled sensing, and multi-domain autonomy to deliver breakthrough capabilities that enhance detection, decision-making, and survivability in complex operational environments. The ideal candidate combines scientific depth with hands-on systems experience, translating innovative concepts into field-ready solutions that strengthen U.S. and allied mission advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

Radar & Sensor Systems Research

• Lead applied research and experimentation in radar signal processing, micro-Doppler, and sensor fusion for target detection, recognition, and classification.
• Develop algorithms and architectures for advanced radar applications including cognitive radar, multi-static sensing, and distributed radar networks.
• Conduct system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis of radar and EO/IR sensor integration.
• Investigate and prototype new radar modes and waveform techniques for CUxS and ISR applications.
• Advance radar-based perception pipelines for use in autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.

Counter-UAS (CUxS) Innovation & Development

• Serve as a subject matter expert on detection, tracking, and defeat of small UAS threats using multi-sensor fusion and AI/ML.
• Design and evaluate techniques for UAS discrimination, radar-video fusion, and micro-Doppler exploitation.
• Lead experimentation involving radar, RF, and EO/IR sensors for CUxS mission scenarios.
• Collaborate with systems and electronic warfare engineers to integrate CUxS solutions into operational architectures.
• Support technology transition to fielded platforms through prototype demonstrations, TRL maturation, and customer engagement.

Autonomy & Multi-Domain Integration

• Develop autonomy and decision-support algorithms leveraging radar and sensor inputs for real-time threat response.
• Contribute to the development of intelligent sensor networks, cognitive distributed sensing, and collaborative autonomous systems.
• Evaluate autonomy frameworks for mission execution, target prioritization, and adaptive response under contested conditions.
• Collaborate with autonomy, C2, and networking teams to create integrated, resilient systems for air, land, and maritime operations.

Research Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on advanced R&D projects and proposals to DoD and allied agencies.
• Mentor scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and publication.
• Partner with external research organizations, universities, and labs to expand ATG's research footprint.
• Author white papers, patents, and journal publications that establish ATG as a thought leader in radar and autonomy domains.

Qualifications Required:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in radar systems, sensor fusion, or autonomous systems R&D.
• Proven leadership as PI or senior technical lead on DoD or government-funded programs.
• Expertise in radar signal processing, micro-Doppler analysis, or counter-UAS sensing.
• Hands-on experience with RF hardware, radar data collection, and AI/ML-based classification.
• Strong programming background (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, C#) and proficiency with ML and DSP toolchains.
• Active or eligible for a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred

• Experience with cognitive radar networks, multi-static or distributed sensing architectures.
• Background in EW, RF interference mitigation, or spectrum operations.
• Experience transitioning R&D prototypes into operational or fielded systems.
• Knowledge of autonomy frameworks (ROS2, Autoware, Simulink) and embedded AI.

Competencies

• Radar Mastery: Deep understanding of radar physics, signal processing, and system design.
• CUxS Expertise: Proven experience addressing evolving small-UAS threats through multi-sensor integration.
• Applied Autonomy: Ability to design intelligent, adaptive, and resilient autonomous systems.
• Innovation Leadership: Strong record of advancing ideas from concept through prototype to transition.
• Mission Orientation: Passion for developing technologies that ensure operational superiority and safety of forces.
• Mentorship: Commitment to developing the next generation of radar and autonomy scientists.

Travel

• Travel up to 30% for experimentation, field testing, and collaboration with partners and customers.

Security Clearance Requirement

• Active or eligible for U.S. DoD Secret clearance.

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