Branch Head - Communications Engineer - ICL - On Site - (Open Rank)

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

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The Information and Communications Laboratory (ICL) Communications Systems and Spectrum Division (CSSD) is looking for a Branch Head for the Intelligent Adaptive Networking Branch (IANB) / senior Communications Engineer who is eager and capable to support the development of platforms supporting innovative adaptive communications and spectrum sensing / learning systems across a broad range of spectrum and is looking for a dynamic and challenging work environment. The main focus of IANB is developing adaptive networking and communications sensor technologies including the sensors that are essential for environmental mapping as well as the decision processes, based both on conventional and artificial intelligence schemes. Sensors include RF Geospatial Localization sensors, AI/ML signal identification sensors, RF propagation and clutter sensors, etc.

The Division's projects fuse advanced signal processing, adaptive communications technologies, advanced algorithms, machine learning, and sophisticated modeling and simulation to develop solutions for systems that include cognitive communications, intelligent wideband spectrum sensing, electronic warfare systems, and next-generation cellular network technologies, including 5G / 6G. The Division supports work across many branches of the Department of Defense (DoD), including the Army, Navy, and Office of the Secretary of Defense. Key products include deployed prototype systems, communication and spectrum sensing systems, machine learning algorithms, physics-based modeling and simulation tools, and system analyses.

The responsibilities of the Branch Head are divided between leadership and independent research. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced Communications Engineer with a diversified background and exposure to related domains such as radar, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and/or secure communications. Additionally, the ideal candidate has held leadership positions and has experience with supporting individuals in professional development and career planning. Candidates should have a strong desire to work with other team members while designing, implementing, testing and fielding innovative communications platforms with integrated signal processing algorithms after performing tradeoff analysis to provide solutions for communications and spectrum sensing problems of interest to the DoD.

Lead multiple sponsored research projects. Manage Branch (7-15 FTE) administrative activities including hiring, appraisals and sponsored project success.

Research, design, development and prototyping of communications equipment and systems. Utilizing experience and knowledge of end-to-end communications systems to architect novel and robust communications systems including emerging software-defined radio platforms and other emerging commercial communication systems and advanced tactical networks. Establish key performance requirements for various target radios across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications. Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through secure communications

Key Responsibilities

• Design, test, and develop simulation and communication platform software in order to meet requirements
• Develop and maintain kernel and user-level software and scripts
• Contribute to research reports, white papers, and competitive proposals
• Present and communicate research to customers
• Apply expertise in communication systems, performance requirements, and development
• Base communications structure and Design on the recognized capabilities of targeted platform
• Create and analyze network protocols

• Lead agile team of 7-15 researchers in the intelligent adaptive networking and communications sensors area
• Identify new opportunities to expand our intelligent adaptive networking and communications sensors sponsor base
• Research activities supporting sponsored projects
• Program management of specific research projects
• Develop and execute internal research and development programs supporting the division strategic vision
• Develop proposals for new research efforts

• Demonstrated recent performance in successful development of external customers, proposal development, and sponsor awards,
• Demonstrated recent experience in leading research projects and managing researchers
• Demonstrated technical achievements in the research related to IANB technical areas
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• Experience with electronic warfare threat systems
• Expertise in signal processing, electromagnetics, modeling & simulation, machine learning, image, or control theory

10% - 25% travel

Levels 3, 4, 5

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 3 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related field of study
• 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related field of study

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

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