Principal Anti-Drone Engineer

Description

• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and cross-functional security teams
• Lead the integration of passive 3D detection, RF spectrum analysis, radar systems, and optical tracking technologies for 360° coverage
• Develop incident response protocols for drone detection events and coordinate with security response forces
• Assess radio frequency interference (RFI) impacts on nuclear facility wireless networks and IoT systems
• Design and implement comprehensive counter-drone detection, tracking, and mitigation systems for nuclear construction sites and operational facilities
• Develop testing and validation protocols for anti-drone system performance and reliability
• Protect safety, security, and emergency preparedness (SSEP) functions from drone-based threats
• Coordinate with NRC and regulatory bodies on emerging drone threat assessments and security measures
• Architect sensor fusion systems that combine multiple detection modalities to identify and classify drone threats with high confidence
• Develop multi-layered defense strategies employing diverse and mutually-supporting tools, technologies, and processes for timely detection, protection, and response to drone threats
• Document countermeasure strategies and maintain compliance with 10 CFR 73.55 physical protection requirements
• Implement real-time detection and alerting systems to provide early warning of drone incursions
• Develop electronic countermeasure (ECM) capabilities including GPS jamming, RF signal disruption, and protocol-specific interference systems
• Assess AI-enabled flight technologies and autonomous drone capabilities that may evade traditional countermeasures
• Lead complex engineering projects involving multi-site anti-drone system deployments
• Conduct electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing to verify that counter-drone systems do not disrupt critical station equipment
• Evaluate wireless transmissions to avoid interference with station components and safety systems
• Evaluate proprietary protocol-controlled drones and anti-drone transmissions to ensure safe operation near sensitive nuclear equipment
• Evaluate adversary capabilities including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and potential attack scenarios against nuclear facilities
• Evaluate and mitigate radio jamming threats and develop alternate communication methods for security operations
• Integrate anti-drone systems with existing physical security plans and intrusion detection systems
• Manage vendor relationships for counter-drone technology procurement and integration
• Drive innovation in counter-UAS technologies and stay current with emerging drone threats and mitigation techniques
• Design and deploy RF detection systems capable of identifying drone control signals across multiple frequency bands (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, ISM bands)
• Ensure compliance with NRC physical security requirements and nuclear facility protection standards
• Conduct threat assessments for commercial and military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including NATO Class 1-3 drones and drone swarms
• Collaborate with physical security, cybersecurity, and operations teams to ensure integrated defense-in-depth strategies
• Design tamper detection mechanisms and surveillance systems for perimeter security enhancement

Requirements

• Understanding of NRC regulations and nuclear facility security standards
• Understanding of wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, proprietary RF)
• Familiarity with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and critical infrastructure protection standards
• Background in AI/ML for autonomous threat detection and classification
• Programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages for system integration and data analysis
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 5+ years in a senior or lead engineering role with demonstrated technical leadership
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Military or defense industry experience with counter-UAS systems
• Advanced certifications in security systems, electronic warfare, or RF engineering
• Strong understanding of drone technologies including flight controllers, communication protocols, and autonomous navigation systems
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with ability to guide technical teams
• Project management experience delivering large-scale security system deployments
• Deep expertise in RF detection and analysis including spectrum analyzers, software-defined radios (SDR), and signal processing
• Security clearance eligibility for nuclear facility access Leadership Competencies
• Experience with radar systems, optical tracking, acoustic detection, and multi-sensor fusion
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with layered security architectures and defense-in-depth strategies
• Excellent communication skills for interfacing with security teams, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership
• 10+ years of professional engineering experience in counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, RF engineering, or related security technologies
• Experience in nuclear industry or other highly regulated critical infrastructure sectors
• Proficiency in electronic countermeasures including jamming techniques, GPS spoofing, and protocol disruption
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives across multiple projects
• Knowledge of physical security systems and defense-in-depth principles for critical infrastructure
• Knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency interference mitigation

Benefits

• 401k with company match
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, dental, vision plans

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance