Entry-Level Radar Exploitation Engineer

About the role

Worker Type

Regular

Summary

AV's Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department is seeking an entry-level Radar Exploitation Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will help characterize foreign missile systems using line-of-sight radar-collected data and support the production of technical intelligence products for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community.

Position Responsibilities

• Help characterize foreign missile systems (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface) using line-of-sight radar data.
• Assist in extracting and interpreting radar-derived observables (e.g., RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior).
• Support analysis of time-series radar data to identify flight phases and unique signature features.
• Apply basic signal processing and tracking techniques, under guidance, to derive kinematic/dynamic parameters from radar returns.
• Draft clear written products (technical notes, reports, briefings) that meet IC standards.
• Present findings to teammates and support briefings to NASIC and other stakeholders as experience grows.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of methods and tools for radar-based missile exploitation.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 0-2 years of experience (internships, projects, or coursework) in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical disciplines.
• Foundational understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, basic waveforms).
• Familiarity with missile kinematics and flight phases (boost, midcourse, terminal).
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for data analysis, modeling, or signal processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate technical results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Relevant internships, research, or coursework focused on radar, missile systems, or technical intelligence.
• Exposure to modeling & simulation tools (e.g., STK, radar tracking simulations).
• Familiarity with multi-sensor data (radar, optical/IR) and basic fusion concepts.
• Active Top Secret//SCI clearance level.

Competencies & Work Environment

• Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn complex radar and missile phenomenology.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, classified environment.
• Work is performed on-site in secure facilities in or around Wright-Patterson AFB; occasional travel (<10-15%) may be required.

Salary Range: $60,500 - $86,100

Location: Dayton, Ohio (On-site at or near Wright-Patterson AFB)

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.

• A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee.
• See 22 CFR § 120.15.
• Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

ITAR