Signal Processing Engineer

CoVar is hiring a Signal Processing Engineer in Durham, United States. Level rates it ; you can apply on CoVar.

Level's read on this job

Builds AI ●●●● is how Level rates this role: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include computer vision and NLP.
Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
Level lists 5 other open roles at CoVar.

AI in this role

computer-visionnlp

Signal Processing Engineer

About CoVar

CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company in Durham, NC, that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems that matter. We develop AI/ML tools to help the DoD detect enemies and threats, help biomedical researchers find new cures for diseases, and help monitor machinery to prevent injuries and environmental catastrophes. We are passionate engineers, dedicated to pushing the bounds of what AI/ML can do in the real world.

About this position

You will help CoVar develop signal processing algorithms and software to solve real-world customer problems. You will develop novel and advanced algorithms for sense making and sensor decision making for applications in the RF domain to include detection, localization, classification, tracking and EW. You will design and implement simulations for these RF applications as well as evaluate results on real world data. You will have the opportunity to present your work to high-level customers in the DoD and in the industry. The position includes opportunities to publish novel work in both classified and unclassified settings.

Key Responsibilities

Algorithm Development: Design, implement, and optimize signal and array processing algorithms for RF applications, detection, localization, tracking, channel estimation, beamforming, and spectral analysis.
Data Analysis: Process and interpret RF datasets for signal detection, classification, tracking, parameter estimation, and pattern recognition.
Prototyping & Testing: Develop simulation models (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and implement algorithms on real-time platforms such as FPGAs, GPUs, or SDRs (Software-Defined Radios).
RF System Integration: Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms into RF systems and ensure optimal end-to-end performance.
Performance Evaluation: Conduct laboratory and field testing to validate system performance under various operational conditions.
Research & Innovation: Stay up to date with emerging RF technologies, advanced signal processing techniques, and industry best practices.
Documentation: Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum qualifications

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in RF signal processing or a related discipline.
Strong proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB.
Experience in the following areas:
- RF signal processing, electronic warfare, optimization, array processing, machine learning, adaptive signal processing, AI/ML algorithm development, radar modeling, RF propagation
Ability to work with cross-functional engineering teams and clearly communicate complex technical concepts.
Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available)
Eligibility for US security clearance

Preferred qualifications

Experience with:
- Radar signal processing in Department of Defense (DoD) specific applications including electronic warfare (EW) techniques such as electronic support measures, attack, protection, and cognitive EW.
- AI/ML algorithm design in the areas of computer vision, reinforcement learning (RL), and natural language processing.
- Spectrum monitoring and signal classification using machine learning techniques.
- Translating the mission needs of DoD customers into an end-to-end technical solution.
- Proposal development and proposal writing.
Familiarity with FPGA or GPU acceleration for high-performance DSP.
Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded or real-time applications.
Active U.S. security clearance.

Benefits

Competitive salary, cash bonus, equity structure, and 401k with employer contributions
Excellent health care coverage, including dental and vision plans
Parental leave
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Flexible work schedule
Tuition support
PTO and paid holidays

Visit us: www.covar.com

How we rate this

Signal Processing Engineer at CoVar rates 87 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Signal Processing Engineer is an open job at CoVar.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The role is based in Durham, NC.
The job was posted on September 8, 2025.
Seniority: mid.
Applications are handled by CoVar. Apply on CoVar

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Computer visionNLP

Questions you could be asked

Walk me through a computer vision problem you solved, from raw data to a deployed model.
What NLP problem have you worked on, and how did you measure whether it actually worked?
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
Tell me about a time a model underperformed in production. How did you find out, and what did you change?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Computer vision and NLP. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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