**About Parley Labs**
Parley Labs specializes in the development of innovative technologies designed
for the most challenging environments. Drawing upon decades of experience in
complex systems for the Department of Defense, including unmanned systems and
subsea networks, we develop secure and reliable connectivity solutions.
Our work bridges the critical intersection of defense technology and emerging
commercial innovations, such as decentralized networks and artificial
intelligence. This strategic alignment allows Parley Labs to research,
develop, and deploy solutions that not only meet critical defense requirements
but also empower broader societal needs.
At the core of Parley Labs' philosophy is the promotion of self-sovereignty
through technology. We focus on developing decentralized networks to provide
secure, redundant, and rapidly deployable solutions. These capabilities are
essential for warfighters, disaster relief efforts, and the creation of
resilient communities. By enabling individuals and organizations with greater
control over their data and connectivity, Parley Labs enhances security and
resilience in the most demanding and remote operational environments.
**Job Description**
Join our team to develop advanced low bandwidth communications systems for our
Navy customer. We need your expertise in network programming for low bandwidth
applications, including MAC and Network layers, and software modeling. If
you're eager to contribute to a dynamic team focused on innovation, enjoy
working on or near the water with views of the San Diego Bay, we want to hear
from you. You'll leverage your proficiency in developing efficient, optimized
C++ code, designing complex protocols, and implementing sophisticated
algorithms for sea systems. Your experience in developing robust, ruggedized
hardware solutions and integrating software and hardware will be invaluable.
Digital signal processing knowledge is a plus. Thrive in collaborative,
interdisciplinary environments, communicate effectively with hardware
engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and translate innovative concepts
into real-world solutions. Focus on contributing to groundbreaking projects at
the forefront of technological advancement. Additionally, this role provides
the opportunity to pioneer emerging technologies, conduct research and
development, and enhance distributed communication systems.
**Key Responsibilities**
Your foremost responsibility will be to support our work in developing
advanced acoustic communication systems. Additionally, you will contribute to
other projects as outlined below:
* Implement, test, debug, and enhance communication modem functional blocks in C/C++, including digital filtering, modulation/demodulation schemes, and error correction coding/decoding techniques.
* Design, develop, and maintain C/C++ software for Medium Access Control (MAC) and Network layer functionalities, encompassing addressing schemes, node self-discovery mechanisms, routing algorithms, data retransmission strategies, precise slot timing, and collision avoidance protocols.
* Implement and optimize automated parameter adjustment mechanisms within the communication system, including dynamic waveform parameter adjustment and automatic gain control, using C/C++.
* Contribute to the research, architectural design, and robust implementation of encryption functions and security protocols within the communication system to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
* Conduct research, design, and develop machine learning models for acoustic channel modeling, utilizing Sound Velocity Profile (SVP) and related environmental datasets.
* Support the seamless integration of developed acoustic ML models into broader simulation frameworks and system environments.
* Assist in developing and refining software for network management, system monitoring, and ensuring cybersecurity best practices across different communication platforms.
* Collaborate on research and development efforts for emerging communication technologies and protocols.
* Collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams to define system requirements, integrate software components, and troubleshoot complex system-level issues.
* Thoroughly document research findings, architectural designs, software implementation details, and test results to support project milestones, facilitate knowledge sharing, and ensure maintainability.
**Required Qualifications**
* Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
* Experience:
* Minimum of 3-5+ years of professional software development experience, with a significant demonstrable focus on C/C++ programming and system development.
* Demonstrable experience or a strong foundational knowledge in machine learning, including practical application in model development, training, validation, and evaluation.
* Excited by a fast-moving environment with a highly motivated group.
* Dedicated and dependable team member, consistently striving for excellence, maintaining high expectations for self and colleagues, and fostering a supportive and respectful environment.
* Demonstrates adaptability by navigating uncertain situations to identify and leverage opportunities for technical leadership and impactful contributions.
* Technical Skills:
* Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, including C++17 and beyond, and experience with low-level system development, performance optimization, or embedded systems.
* Proficiency in Python.
* Experience with communication theory, digital communication systems, and network protocols (e.g., MAC layer protocols, network routing algorithms, modulation/demodulation techniques, TCP/IP, UDP).
* Experience with the Linux development environment, including shell scripting and command-line tools.
* Familiarity with a range of wireless communication principles and technologies beyond acoustics (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, cellular, or satellite communications).
* Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control systems (e.g., Git), comprehensive code review processes, and robust testing methodologies (unit, integration, system).
* Excellent analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to approach and resolve complex technical challenges methodically.
* Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) for network server deployment.
**Desired Qualifications**
**Domain-Specific Experience:**
* Experience with aerospace/defense industries, particularly command and control, and communications systems.
* Prior experience in acoustic signal processing, underwater acoustics, sonar systems, or related fields.
* In-depth knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, such as digital filter design, Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs), spectral analysis, and adaptive filtering.
* Active or eligible for security clearance.
* Enjoys getting out of the office, testing designs in the field and engaging with users.
* Comfortable on and around boats.
**Technical Skills:**
* Solid understanding of machine learning principles, common algorithms (e.g., for regression, classification, clustering), and familiarity with the lifecycle of ML model development.
* Experience with machine learning applications with Python (e.g., using libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, scikit-learn), data analysis and scripting.
* Knowledge of networking protocols and network security concepts (VPNs, firewalls, encryption, authentication protocols like WPA3, RadSec).
* Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded software development practices, and hardware-software integration.
* Experience with developing or utilizing simulation environments for modeling physical systems.
* Knowledge of common encryption algorithms, cryptographic principles, and secure coding practices.
**Why Join Parley Labs?**
* Impactful Work: Be part of a team building resilient solutions that address critical needs in both defense and non-defense sectors, including disaster relief and first responder scenarios.
* Innovation: Contribute to adapting new technologies for demanding applications, working at the forefront of communication solutions for contested and austere environments.
* Growth Opportunity: Develop solutions for the Navy while driving innovation by developing and launching cutting-edge solutions, researching opportunities, designing new products/services, and executing effective go-to-market strategies for successful customer adoption.
* Experienced Team: Collaborate with a team that has extensive experience in both DoD projects and scaling commercial ventures.
* Dual-Use Technology: Develop solutions that are inherently dual-use, providing tangible benefits to a wide range of users and aligning with strategic initiatives focused on commercial innovation and resilience.
* Collaborative Culture: Join a dynamic and innovative environment where your contributions are valued, and you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on projects of strategic importance.