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Senior Principal Scientist

Arete Associates
Tucson, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 10/22/2025 CLOSED ON 10/25/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Principal Scientist position at Arete Associates?

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

Arete is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist with a strong background in Physical Sciences, Electro-Optics and/or Applied Mathematics. In this role, you will conduct research and development activities focused on the exploitation of passive and active RF sensor technologies to address complex mission requirements and emerging needs of our Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) customers. This includes work supporting both existing systems and systems under development. You will be responsible for developing algorithms and conceptual designs for ground-based, shipboard, airborne, and space-based RF systems.

Primary duties include:

  • Developing innovative solutions, enhancements, and efficient implementations of signal processing algorithms-initially focused on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.
  • Researching, designing, and implementing advanced signal processing and RF system concepts that deliver new capabilities to meet urgent customer needs.
  • Implementing prototype solutions in software using state-of-the-art data exploitation techniques, including machine learning.
  • Building simulations and performance models to support trade studies for radar systems.
  • Providing technical support for radar initiatives across multiple business areas within Arete.
  • Presenting and briefing technical solutions to customers and technical peer groups.
  • Traveling as required to support customer and program needs.

This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position based in our Tucson, AZ office.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

  • Flextime Scheduling
  • Bereavement and Medical Leave
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

  • 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Cafeteria 125 Plan
  • Continuing Education Funds

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement

Qualities We Look For

  • Creativity
  • Integrity
  • Passion
  • Responsiveness
  • Collaboration

Experiences and Background We Look For:

  • Qualified candidate will have completed an advanced degree in physics, mathematics, or a related field, or will have several years of relevant experience
  • Radar systems development experience including signal and image processing, detection/estimation theory, algorithm development, software development, data analysis and modeling and simulation.
  • Experience programming in Python, C, C , or similar language
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate on small teams
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Nice to have:

  • Experience with EO image formation, algorithms and exploitation concepts
  • Experience developing novel waveforms and associated signal processing algorithms
  • Intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
  • Technical direction and/or program management
  • Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $235,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.


Areté Associates is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Corporate Human Resources at 818.885.2200. Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

 

Salary : $200,000 - $235,000

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