Computer Scientist, Computer Engineer, Electronics Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory seeks entry- to mid-level computer scientists and engineers for its Resilient Networking branch in Rome, New York. The role conducts research and technology development in resilient tactical communications and networking, including protocol and system design, SDR development, laboratory testing, and collaboration on technical reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, design, implementation, and benchmarking of robust, fault-tolerant networking protocols, distributed systems algorithms, and routing architectures
• Develop, test, and integrate Software-Defined Radio (SDR) waveforms, protocol stacks, and network controllers utilizing C, C++, Python, and Linux-based platforms
• Design, build, and execute automated network emulation, Software-In-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) laboratory experiments to evaluate throughput, latency, and resiliency metrics under dynamic topologies and interference
• Participate in multidisciplinary project teams, collaborate with internal and external research partners across DoW, academia, and industry, and contribute technical findings to DoW technical reports, conference presentations, and journal papers
• Maintain laboratory hardware and software testbeds, participate in field testing events, and perform other duties as assigned

Preferred

• MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with a focus on communications and networking
• Hands-on experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platforms (e.g., USRP/Ettus Research, HackRF, bladeRF) and frameworks (e.g., GNU Radio, RFNoC, REDHAWK)
• Working knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) concepts, physical layer modulation schemes, and wireless communications fundamentals
• Experience utilizing MATLAB / Simulink for communications system modeling, protocol simulation, or signal analysis
• Experience applying Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) to networking, cognitive radio, traffic classification, or spectrum monitoring
• Familiarity with network modeling, discrete-event simulation, and emulation platforms such as ns-3, CORE, EMANE
• Experience with Linux kernel networking, eBPF, network namespaces, containerization (Docker, Podman), and distributed version control (Git)
• Understanding of military communications systems, tactical data links, or mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively in written reports and technical briefings
• Willingness to collaborate in cross-functional teams involving government scientists, military operators, and contractor personnel
• Development and debugging of software in C, C++, and/or Python within a native Linux development environment
• Practical understanding of fundamental networking concepts, the OSI/TCP-IP reference models, routing algorithms, socket programming, and protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)
• Implementation of algorithms, data structures, and multi-threaded or event-driven software architectures
• Ability to operate effectively within an iterative research, development, and laboratory demonstration environment
• Software-Defined Radio
• USRP/Ettus Research
• HackRF
• bladeRF
• GNU Radio
• RFNoC
• REDHAWK
• Digital Signal Processing
• Physical Layer Modulation
• Wireless Communications
• MATLAB
• Simulink
• Communications System Modeling
• Protocol Simulation
• Signal Analysis
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• PyTorch
• TensorFlow
• Scikit-learn
• Networking Applications
• Cognitive Radio
• Traffic Classification
• Spectrum Monitoring
• Network Modeling
• Discrete-Event Simulation
• Network Emulation
• ns-3
• EMANE
• Linux Kernel Networking
• eBPF
• Network Namespaces
• Containerization
• Docker
• Podman
• Git
• Military Communications Systems
• Tactical Data Links
• Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
• Technical Reports
• Technical Briefings
• C
• C++
• Python
• Linux Development
• Networking Fundamentals
• OSI Model
• TCP/IP Model
• Routing Algorithms
• Socket Programming
• Protocol Analysis
• Wireshark
• tcpdump
• Algorithm Implementation
• Data Structures
• Multithreaded Software
• Event-Driven Architectures
• Laboratory Demonstrations
• Technical Communication
• Collaborative Teamwork
• Adaptability

Benefits

• Eligible for situational telework, as determined by agency policy.
• Federal Employee Health Benefits
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Federal Holidays
• Pension
• Thrift Savings Plan
• The DR pay band system provides performance-based salary increases, flexible pay-setting, and faster professional growth compared to the standard GS schedule.

Company

• Developing warfighting technologies for air, space and cyberspace forces.
• Ohio, Illinois, USA
• https://afresearchlab.com/
• Founded in 1997
• 10001+ employees

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled
• S&E candidates must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an ABET accredited academic institution
• If selected at the DR-02 level, you must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-01 or GS-11 level (or equivalent pay system). Specialized Experience is experience directly related to the position that was performed at a level equivalent to the grade directly below the position
• This is an APDP position requiring completion of Level/Tier 1 (Foundational) or Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification within Engineering &Technology Management (ETM). Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position
• MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with a focus on communications and networking
• Hands-on experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platforms (e.g., USRP/Ettus Research, HackRF, bladeRF) and frameworks (e.g., GNU Radio, RFNoC, REDHAWK)
• Working knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) concepts, physical layer modulation schemes, and wireless communications fundamentals
• Experience utilizing MATLAB / Simulink for communications system modeling, protocol simulation, or signal analysis
• Experience applying Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) to networking, cognitive radio, traffic classification, or spectrum monitoring
• Familiarity with network modeling, discrete-event simulation, and emulation platforms such as ns-3, CORE, EMANE
• Experience with Linux kernel networking, eBPF, network namespaces, containerization (Docker, Podman), and distributed version control (Git)
• Understanding of military communications systems, tactical data links, or mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively in written reports and technical briefings
• Willingness to collaborate in cross-functional teams involving government scientists, military operators, and contractor personnel
• Development and debugging of software in C, C++, and/or Python within a native Linux development environment
• Practical understanding of fundamental networking concepts, the OSI/TCP-IP reference models, routing algorithms, socket programming, and protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)
• Implementation of algorithms, data structures, and multi-threaded or event-driven software architectures
• Ability to operate effectively within an iterative research, development, and laboratory demonstration environment
• This is an APDP position requiring completion of Level/Tier 1 (Foundational) or Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification within Engineering &Technology Management (ETM). Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Required skills

• C, C++, Python, Linux Networking, Software-Defined Radio (SDR), Digital Signal Processing and Wireless Communications, MATLAB/Simulink, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn, Network Modeling and Simulation ns-3, Network Modeling and Simulation CORE, Network Modeling and Simulation EMANE, eBPF, Network Namespaces, Docker, and Podman, Git, Tactical Communications and Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs)

Experience

• 1+ years