Senior Numerical Algorithm Software Engineer
SciTec · Boulder · $156,000–$193,000 (stated in the posting)
SciTec, a Firefly Aerospace Company, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.
Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. SciTec cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of employee work visas of any type. Further, U.S. citizenship is a requirement to obtain and keep a security clearance. Applicants that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
SciTec has immediate opportunities for talented software and algorithm developers to support our radar modernization programs, which focus on ultra‑low‑latency signal processing, data fusion, and advanced tracking algorithms for upgraded ground‑based radar systems. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working across multiple programming languages in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment composed of scientists, engineers, and developers. You will rapidly prototype advanced radar algorithms and help transition them into optimized C++ implementations running on Linux within government frameworks. Your work will directly contribute to modernizing legacy radar systems with digital architectures, scalable processing pipelines, and mission‑ready performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the research, development, and maturation of advanced numerical algorithms for radar signal and data exploitation, including detection, tracking, estimation, clutter suppression, and processing for modernized radar architectures.
- Design, implement, and optimize high‑performance radar tracking algorithms in Python and C++, with emphasis on scalability, latency reduction, and robustness for operational radar missions.
- Develop and tune Kalman filtering, tracking, and data exploitation algorithms in Python and C++
- Develop and optimize Resource Management algorithms based on mission requirements
- Architect and develop end‑to‑end radar processing pipelines, from raw I/Q ingest through DSP chains, feature extraction, tracking, and production deployment in mission environments.
- Advance radar modeling, simulation, and algorithm‑evaluation toolchains, including reusable frameworks that support rapid prototyping, validation, and integration of new radar capabilities.
- Define and execute quantitative radar‑performance assessments including detection metrics, tracking accuracy, false‑alarm characterization, sensitivity studies, and validation using real radar data.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with software engineers, system architects, RF engineers, and mission stakeholders to integrate algorithms into operational radar systems and ensure mission alignment.
- Provide technical leadership within Agile development teams, mentor junior engineers, drive radar‑focused best practices, and contribute to shared DSP and algorithm codebases.
- Support proposal efforts, technical roadmaps, and customer engagements by clearly articulating radar algorithmic approaches, performance advantages, and modernization benefits.
- Ensure compliance with mission assurance, cybersecurity, and software‑quality standards relevant to DoD radar programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
- 8+ years of experience developing numerical algorithms for radar signal processing or related sensor‑processing applications
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing algorithms in Python and C++
- Strong foundation in numerical methods, linear algebra, probability/statistics, and optimization techniques
- Experience working with real radar data (e.g., I/Q samples, pulse‑compressed data, tracking data, or radar simulations)
- Proven ability to evaluate algorithm performance, including error analysis, validation, and benchmarking
- Experience working in Linux-based development environments and modern software development practices (version control, testing, CI/CD)
- Ability to work effectively in Agile or iterative development environments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (active clearance preferred)
Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred
- PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- Experience with advanced radar DSP techniques (e.g., CFAR, MTI/MTD, beamforming, calibration, Doppler processing, tracking filters, estimation algorithms, inverse problems)
- Familiarity with machine‑learning methods applied to radar data (e.g., classification, anomaly detection, deep learning‑based radar feature extraction)
- Experience optimizing radar algorithms for performance (parallel computing, GPU acceleration, vectorization, memory optimization)
- Knowledge of DoD radar mission systems, radar phenomenology, or ground‑/air‑based radar architectures
- Experience transitioning radar algorithms from prototype to production in operational radar environments
- Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Experience with radar modeling and simulation environments supporting system development
- Prior experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers
- Active DoD security clearance
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Benefits
SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
- 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options
- 80% company paid Dental insurance
- 100% company paid Vision insurance
- 100% company paid Life insurance
- 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance
- 100% company paid Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness insurance
- Short-term Disability insurance
- Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
- Discretionary Performance Bonus
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay
- Flexible Work Hours
The pay range for this position is $156,000 - $193,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.
SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. VETS/Disabled.