Senior Defense Systems Researcher

About the Team 

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security.  At STR, Defense Systems Researchers study complex defense technologies and systems by developing representative, physics-based models, analyzing data, developing metrics of performance, and evaluating against mission requirements.  In addition, the researcher will often integrate the algorithms and control systems that are critical to operations of modern defense systems. 

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division studies and develops novel concepts for the next-generation ground-based, airborne, and space-based RF and EO/IR sensor systems and platforms. We perform systems and operational analysis using a combination of low, medium, and high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to inform systems designs and development. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. 

The Role: 

The SAAM Group is seeking a Defense Systems Researcher to work with high-performing multidisciplinary teams developing advanced concepts and algorithms while assessing the performance and survivability of operational systems in a variety of scenarios. Beginning with mission objectives, you will work with technologists with a wide range of expertise to define new concepts and characterize their performance and viability.  Many of our modeling efforts require complex simulation environments; therefore, you will also be responsible for maintaining and extending the software architecture required to evaluate these concepts in large-scale scenarios with multiple threat systems, including modern/mobile air defenses.  As a researcher your products will often be assessments and evaluations.  You will summarize your findings in technical reports and presentations to government customers. 

Interviews for this role will require an in-person or virtual presentation. 

What you will do: 

• Develop and implement sensor, platform, and threat models within simulation environments
• Leverage simulation tools (and when available real data) to study system performance
• Develop and validate large scale simulations
• Develop expertise in the capabilities of current and future US and threat weapon systems, sensors, and platforms
• Contribute to and support technical presentations and reports 

Who you are:  

This position requires the ability to obtain a Security Clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required 

• BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 0-5 years of related work experience depending on degree
• Ability to develop and leverage modeling and simulation tools
• Expertise in one or more scientific programming languages, such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
• Experience using source code management (Git, Subversion) 
• Experience with remote sensing & counter-sensing including airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing
• Experience with platform dynamics, including aerodynamics and orbital dynamics
• Experience with modeling and simulation, especially with industry standard tools such as AFSIM
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills 

Even Better: 

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level  

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it al