Digital Signal Processing Engineer Intern
Posted on 10/26/2025

Research Innovations
No salary listed
Alexandria, VA, USA
In Person
Position Title: Digital Signal Processing Engineer Intern
Clearance Requirement: Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance (an active clearance is not required)
Minimum Experience: Rising Juniors or Above
Employment Type: Paid Summer Internship
Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow, status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally changes and improves the world. We develop cutting-edge software for all levels of the government and military. Using agile development practices and user-centered design, we create innovative software solutions for complex real-world problems.
As a DSP Engineering intern, you will contribute to the development of advanced multi-channel Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems that support cutting-edge applications in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). You will be involved in every stage of the product lifecycle—from initial concept and system design to testing and real-world deployment—gaining hands-on experience in both software and hardware integration. Your work will focus on developing and optimizing digital signal processing (DSP) software using languages such as C/C++, Rust, or CUDA, and supporting RF analysis by drawing insights from live signal data. You’ll collaborate with engineers to test systems in the lab using instrumentation like spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes, and apply your knowledge of RF signals, modulation techniques, and system performance metrics to improve system functionality. This internship offers the opportunity to work across the full technology stack, gaining exposure to exciter, transmitter, receiver, and antenna subsystems, while honing your technical, communication, and time management skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
This position builds on the technical foundation and professional behaviors needed for future full-time roles.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
- Collaborate on the development of multi-channel SDR systems for novel EW and SIGINT solutions.
- Develop and optimize DSP software using C/C++, Rust, or CUDA.
- Participate in all phases of the product lifecycle—from concept and design through testing and deployment.
- Support RF analysis, testing events, and draw insights from real-world data.
- Work across the technology stack, contributing to both hardware and software integration.
WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
- Working knowledge of RF signals and wireless communication principles.
- Experience using lab instrumentation (e.g., spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes).
- Understanding of common modulation techniques (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, QAM).
- Familiarity with exciter, transmitter, receiver, and antenna subsystems.
- Experience using C/C++ or Python for DSP tasks like signal detection, filtering, resampling, and synchronization.
- Understanding of RF system performance metrics (e.g., Gain, Noise Figure, Intercept Point).
- Strong communication and time management skills.
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
#LI-TC1
At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It’s one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.
We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.
It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.
Research Innovations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability status, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.
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