Signal Processing and AI Researcher

Requisition Id 15983

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will focus on developing and applying advanced signal processing, wireless communications, and AI techniques to RF sensing, drone detection, and power grid waveform analytics.

You will apply methods traditionally used in wireless communications and signal intelligence - including time-frequency analysis, interference modeling, multi-sensor fusion, and propagation modeling - to develop AI-enabled detection, classification, and triangulation algorithms for critical energy infrastructure applications.

This position resides within the Grid Communications and Security (GCS) Group in the Energy Sensing, Analytics, and Communications (ESAC) Section, Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division (EEID) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advanced time-frequency and spectral analysis techniques for high-frequency voltage/current waveform data
• Apply wireless PHY-layer concepts (synchronization, channel estimation, interference mitigation, multi-user detection) to grid disturbance detection
• Develop RF-based drone detection and classification pipelines using IQ data and SDR platforms
• Implement localization and triangulation algorithms using multi-sensor fusion (e.g., TDOA, AOA, RSSI-based methods)
• Develop RF propagation and digital twin models for infrastructure environments (urban, substation, corridor scenarios)
• Integrate physics-informed machine learning models with signal processing feature extraction
• Develop prototype software tools for automated waveform analytics and real-time disturbance detection
• Prepare proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed publications
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, wireless communications, signal processing, or closely related discipline
• 1-4 years relevant post-Ph.D. experience
• Demonstrated expertise in digital signal processing (time, frequency, and delay-Doppler domains)
• Experience with RF signal analysis and wireless communication systems
• Experience with SDR platforms (e.g., USRP) and IQ data processing
• Experience with MATLAB and Python
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying wireless signal processing techniques to non-traditional domains (e.g., infrastructure sensing, anomaly detection)
• Experience with AI/ML for time-series and spectral data
• Experience with RF propagation modeling or spectrum coexistence
• Experience with interference modeling and mitigation
• Knowledge of power grid disturbance signals or high-frequency waveform analytics

Special Requirements:

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.