Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
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
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Help characterize foreign missile systems (ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, air-to-air, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface) using line-of-sight radar data.
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Assist in extracting and interpreting radar-derived observables (e.g., RCS, kinematics, staging events, propulsion phases, guidance behavior).
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Support analysis of time-series radar data to identify flight phases and unique signature features.
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Apply basic signal processing and tracking techniques, under guidance, to derive kinematic/dynamic parameters from radar returns.
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Draft clear written products (technical notes, reports, briefings) that meet IC standards.
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Present findings to teammates and support briefings to NASIC and other stakeholders as experience grows.
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Contribute to the development and refinement of methods and tools for radar-based missile exploitation.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
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0–2 years of experience (internships, projects, or coursework) in radar analysis, missile systems analysis, RF signal processing, MASINT, EW, or related technical disciplines.
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Foundational understanding of radar fundamentals (radar equation, SNR, detection/tracking, antennas, beam patterns, line-of-sight propagation, basic waveforms).
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Familiarity with missile kinematics and flight phases (boost, midcourse, terminal).
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Experience with MATLAB and/or Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) for data analysis, modeling, or signal processing.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate technical results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
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U.S. Citizenship required.
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Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
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Relevant internships, research, or coursework focused on radar, missile systems, or technical intelligence.
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Exposure to modeling & simulation tools (e.g., STK, radar tracking simulations).
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Familiarity with multi-sensor data (radar, optical/IR) and basic fusion concepts.
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Active Top Secret//SCI clearance level.
Competencies & Work Environment
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Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn complex radar and missile phenomenology.
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Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, classified environment.
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Work is performed on-site in secure facilities in or around Wright-Patterson AFB; occasional travel (<10–15%) may be required.
Location: Dayton, Ohio (On-site at or near Wright-Patterson AFB)
Organization: AV Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$60,500 - $92,500
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.
