Communications Engineer

Schedule: 9-day fortnight, 40 hours a week

Requisition Id 17421

The Resilient Communications Group, within the National Security Sciences Directorate, at ORNL, is looking for new team members to be a part of our challenging and exciting projects in the area of secure/robust communications research. Our work focuses on developing advanced solutions that leverages digital signal processing techniques to learn from signals and the complex RF environment in near–real time. Ongoing projects span protocol development, embedded systems technologies, and software-defined radio platforms integrated with high‑performance computer systems, offering a wide range of research opportunities and supporting a diverse set of sponsors.

We welcome applicants with a strong interest in contributing to these efforts. While experience in all areas listed below is ideal, candidates with relevant foundational skills and a desire to grow their capabilities are encouraged to apply. Our team regularly partners with subject-matter experts across the laboratory to solve complex, multidisciplinary challenges through innovative hardware and software solutions.

ORNL is the home to the fastest supercomputer in the world, which allows our group the opportunity to create complex simulations, such as of 5G RF environments, on HPC supercomputers giving us an edge over many other research institutions.

• Analyzes existing wireless communication protocols.
• Provides specific input to software and hardware components of system design, including hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, and the use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) in place of new development.
• Supports real-world test operations and developing bench test procedures.
• Uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI/ML) to develop PHY layer solutions.
• Works in both classified and unclassified settings and in a wide variety of applied areas.

We are primarily seeking a candidate who is driven and wants to work on solving hard problems that utilize communications systems. A few of the essential qualifications are listed below followed by a list of desired but not required qualifications.

• A BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Aerospace, or a closely related discipline and 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Competent/familiar with embedded Linux and Python.
• Experience with Git or similar source‑code management systems.
• Familiarity with RF scanners/receivers, spectrum analyzers, or network analyzers.
• Knowledge of modulation/demodulation, signal separation techniques, and digital signal processing.
• Demonstrated ability to write proposals and develop technical work plans.

• Ability to travel a few times a year if required.

• Experience with NVIDIA software ecosystems.
• Experience with communication protocol development, signal analysis, and machine learning.
• Experience with open-source GNU Radio software and Software Defined Radio systems.
• Digital signal processing.
• Linux kernel and driver development experience.
• Experience with developing technical work plans.
• Excellent communications skills for visualization and presentation of methodology, results, and demonstrations.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting methodologies, results, and demonstrations.

• Must possess a strong commitment to ethical and professional values as well as maintain a compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality standards.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.