Signal Processing Engineer

Role Summary 

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Signal Processing Engineer to develop and implement detection, tracking, and signal-processing algorithms for high-speed flight vehicles. This role will focus on processing data from optical, infrared, and other sensor systems, integrating algorithms into simulation and hardware environments, and evaluating system performance through laboratory and flight testing. 

A successful candidate will have experience developing signal- or image-processing algorithms, implementing algorithms in real-time systems, and analyzing data from physical sensors. 

About Specter Aerospace 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. Specter is headquartered just north of Boston in Peabody, MA where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.  

Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company. 

Role Responsibilities 

• Develop sensor and signal-processing requirements for high-speed flight vehicles. 

• Develop and implement detection, tracking, filtering, and image-processing algorithms. 

• Integrate scene generation and sensor models into Specter’s Integrated Flight Simulation (IFS). 

• Implement and validate algorithms in real-time simulation and hardware environments. 

• Support laboratory and field characterization of optical, infrared, and other sensor systems. 

• Develop testing protocols for algorithm shakedown, debugging, characterization, and validation. 

• Support flight testing and analyze sensor and system data following tests. 

• Document algorithm designs, performance results, interfaces, and verification methods. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field. 

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience. 

• Experience developing digital signal processing, image processing, detection, or tracking algorithms. 

• Experience implementing algorithms in real-time software or hardware environments. 

• Familiarity with C and a scripting language such as Python or MATLAB. 

• Experience analyzing sensor data and evaluating algorithm performance. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a drive to produce high-quality work. 

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience developing sensor requirements for tactical missile, aerospace, or defense systems. 

• Familiarity with integrating scene generation or sensor models into six-degree-of-freedom simulation environments. 

• Experience integrating and characterizing optical or infrared sensor hardware. 

• Familiarity with hardware in the loop or processor in the loop testing. 

• Experience processing and analyzing large sensor or flight-test datasets. 

• Experience leading technical projects, coordinating schedules, or mentoring engineers. 

EEO Statement:  

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.