Communications Jobs in McLean, VA

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MITRE's Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department delivers communications engineering, wireless networking, SATCOM, and technical analysis expertise for national security missions. The team researches and evaluates emerging wireless capabilities through modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, and engineering assessments to help sponsors make informed technical decisions.

Job Responsibilities

• Support research on 5G/6G radio propagation and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), including reflections and scattering from moving objects such as unmanned aircraft.
• Configure and run repeatable wireless simulation scenarios using Python and tools such as ns-3, with guidance from research staff.
• Analyze and visualize modeled propagation paths, channel behavior, received signal characteristics, and performance across scenarios.
• Help troubleshoot simulation setups, document models and assumptions, and improve repeatability of analysis workflows.
• Summarize results in clear plots, short reports, and briefings, and participate in technical discussions and peer review.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• Completed introductory technical coursework in signals and systems, signal processing, wireless communications, electromagnetics, or similar quantitative subjects.
• Foundational experience reading, writing, or modifying simple code in Python or another programming language through coursework, projects, or research.
• Ability to run engineering software tools and interpret basic numerical results, plots, or simulation outputs.
• Availability to work full-time, on-site at the assigned MITRE office 5 days a week during the summer internship

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, independent projects, or research involving RF propagation, wireless channels, signal processing, or sensing.
• Exposure to ns-3, MATLAB, or comparable modeling and simulation tools; prior expertise is not required.
• Familiarity with Linux, Python data-analysis libraries, or basic version-control and software-development practices.
• Basic understanding of computer networking and wireless protocols, with an interest in learning how network and physical-layer effects interact.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, willingness to learn, and ability to explain technical work clearly to others.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

None

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$46,500 - $58,000 - $69,500 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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