Principal, Applied Technologist

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With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.Job Title: Principal Applied Technologist (Radar, CUxS, and Autonomous Systems)Job Number: 30920Job Location: Nashville, TN (On Site)Schedule: 9/80Clearance: Must Have the Ability to Obtain and Maintain a DoD Security Clearance Which Requires U.S. CitizenshipSummaryThe Principal Applied Technologist (Radar, CUxS, and Autonomous Systems) serves as a senior technical leader within the Advanced Technology Group (ATG), driving research and development in advanced radar sensing, counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUxS), and autonomous mission technologies.This role blends deep expertise in radar phenomenology, AI/ML-enabled sensing, and multi-domain autonomy to deliver breakthrough capabilities that enhance detection, decision-making, and survivability in complex operational environments. The ideal candidate combines scientific depth with hands-on systems experience, translating innovative concepts into field-ready solutions that strengthen U.S. and allied mission advantage.Key Responsibilities:Radar & Sensor Systems ResearchLead applied research and experimentation in radar signal processing, micro-Doppler, and sensor fusion for target detection, recognition, and classification.Develop algorithms and architectures for advanced radar applications including cognitive radar, multi-static sensing, and distributed radar networks.Conduct system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis of radar and EO/IR sensor integration.Investigate and prototype new radar modes and waveform techniques for CUxS and ISR applications.Advance radar-based perception pipelines for use in autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.Counter-UAS (CUxS) Innovation & DevelopmentServe as a subject matter expert on detection, tracking, and defeat of small UAS threats using multi-sensor fusion and AI/ML.Design and evaluate techniques for UAS discrimination, radar-video fusion, and micro-Doppler exploitation.Lead experimentation involving radar, RF, and EO/IR sensors for CUxS mission scenarios.Collaborate with systems and electronic warfare engineers to integrate CUxS solutions into operational architectures.Support technology transition to fielded platforms through prototype demonstrations, TRL maturation, and customer engagement.Autonomy & Multi-Domain IntegrationDevelop autonomy and decision-support algorithms leveraging radar and sensor inputs for real-time threat response.Contribute to the development of intelligent sensor networks, cognitive distributed sensing, and collaborative autonomous systems.Evaluate autonomy frameworks for mission execution, target prioritization, and adaptive response under contested conditions.Collaborate with autonomy, C2, and networking teams to create integrated, resilient systems for air, land, and maritime operations.Research Leadership & CollaborationAct as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on advanced R&D projects and proposals to DoD and allied agencies.Mentor scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and publication.Partner with external research organizations, universities, and labs to expand ATG’s research footprint.Author white papers, patents, and journal publications that establish ATG as a thought leader in radar and autonomy domains.Qualifications Required:PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.10+ years of experience in radar systems, sensor fusion, or autonomous systems R&D.Proven leadership as PI or senior technical lead on DoD or government-funded programs.Expertise in radar signal processing, micro-Doppler analysis, or counter-UAS sensing.Hands-on experience with RF hardware, radar data collection, and AI/ML-based classification.Strong programming background (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, C#) and proficiency with ML and DSP toolchains.Active or eligible for a DoD Secret clearance.PreferredExperience with cognitive radar networks, multi-static or distributed sensing architectures.Background in EW, RF interference mitigation, or spectrum operations.Experience transitioning R&D prototypes into operational or fielded systems.Knowledge of autonomy frameworks (ROS2, Autoware, Simulink) and embedded AI.CompetenciesRadar Mastery: Deep understanding of radar physics, signal processing, and system design.CUxS Expertise: Proven experience addressing evolving small-UAS threats through multi-sensor integration.Applied Autonomy: Ability to design intelligent, adaptive, and resilient autonomous systems.Innovation Leadership: Strong record of advancing ideas from concept through prototype to transition.Mission Orientation: Passion for developing technologies that ensure operational superiority and safety of forces.Mentorship: Commitment to developing the next generation of radar and autonomy scientists.TravelTravel up to 30% for experimentation, field testing, and collaboration with partners and customers.Security Clearance RequirementActive or eligible for U.S. DoD Secret clearance.#LI-KM1L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. 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