About the position
As an RF Systems Reverse Engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to exploring and understanding the intricacies of wireless communication systems. This role is ideal for an RF communications engineer who is not only passionate about discovering how wireless systems operate but also eager to tackle the challenges of reverse engineering these systems. You will collaborate with a team of world-class experts to address complex wireless exploitation problems, contributing to national defense against emerging technological threats. In this position, you will leverage your RF domain expertise while learning from seasoned hardware and software reverse engineers. Your primary responsibilities will include reverse engineering communication systems and developing innovative mitigations to enhance security. You will work closely with government sponsors and operators to create mission-aligned capabilities, exploring techniques for collecting, identifying, and manipulating both standard and non-standard communications. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities, articulating your knowledge through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision-makers. The APL environment fosters innovation and collaboration, providing custom facilities tailored for analyzing complex RF and communications systems, as well as general reverse engineering labs. This role not only allows you to apply your existing skills but also encourages continuous learning and professional growth in a supportive atmosphere.
Responsibilities
- Reverse engineer communication systems and develop innovative mitigations.
- Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities.
- Explore techniques for collecting, identifying, and manipulating standard and non-standard communications.
- Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities.
- Articulate knowledge through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers.
Requirements
- Earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience relevant to the duties outlined, with a deep understanding of RF and wireless communications protocols across the OSI stack.
- Knowledge in the design and analysis of wireless communications systems or signal processing, including antenna design, link budgets, modulation schemes, signal detection, error correction codes, multiplexing, and interleaving.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity challenges related to wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, SATCOM, DMR, and telecommunications.
- Proficiency in low-level embedded system programming such as C and assembly.
- Understanding of software defined radio (SDR) frameworks and concepts.
- Proficiency with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, power meters, noise generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and oscilloscopes.
- Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.
Nice-to-haves
- Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and demonstrated mentoring experience.
- Knowledge of identifying, analyzing, and manipulating unknown waveforms, bit streams, and protocols.
- Prior experience in hardware or software reverse engineering.
- Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts and embedded systems development toolchains.
- Possession of an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
Benefits
- Generous benefits including a robust education assistance program.
- Unparalleled retirement contributions.
- Healthy work/life balance.
