National Security Solutions (NSS) Internship - Automatic Gain Control for Software Defined Radio

Title:
National Security Solutions (NSS) Internship - Automatic Gain Control for Software Defined Radio

Project Overview

A C++ driver for a software defined radio is experiencing saturation problems and DC offsets preventing it from recording signals of interest. The intern will modify this driver to support automatic gain control by tasking the SDR's API with custom gain settings during collection. The selected candidate will record gain settings in data files and provide support for re-scaling magnitudes in post-processing according to the gain level set at the time of collection.

Key Responsibilities

1) Compile and test the existing data collector - plot signals of interest.

2) Define approach for calculating gain settings - summarize plan in 1-2 slides.

3) Implement automatic gain control selection in C++ code.

4) Test AGC on live RF-data tapped off rooftop antenna.

5) Summarize results in one or more briefings for local technical staff.

Learning Outcomes & Impact

The intern will address challenging technical problems with guidance from technical mentors and staff. They will learn how to analyze complex RF data, apply signal processing techniques, and implement filtering algorithms in c++. They will learn how to troubleshoot hardware and the difference between theory and practice.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the following disciplines:

• Majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

OR

• Majoring in physics, computer science, engineering, or math with a minor in CS, CE or EE.

COURSEWORK/EXPERIENCE/HARD SKILLS

• Intermediate computer science class (sophomore level or higher).
• C++ - proficient
• MATLAB or Python - reading/writing files, plotting data
• Binary encoding and file formats
• Complex numbers - IQ and phasors

FAMILIARITY/KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIFIC SOFTWARE/TOOLS/FRAMEWORKS

• Cmake
• Git
• Command line interfaces
• Bash

SOFT SKILLS

• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Organization and presentation of results in a semi-public briefing.
• Familiarity with standard office tool suites (documents, spreadsheets, presentations).

Preferred Qualifications

COURSEWORK/EXPERIENCE/HARD SKILLS

• Digital Signal Processing
• Multithreaded programming
• CS = algorithms and optimization
• Near real time processing
• Experience processing complex data
• RF-Hardware

FAMILIARITY/KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIFIC SOFTWARE/TOOLS/FRAMEWORKS

• Software defined radios
• Linux environments
• Port access through c++

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.