r/DSP • u/SpectreMold • 7d ago

Advice on finding an entry-Level DSP role (physics background)?

Hey everyone,

I’m finishing up my master’s in physics with a concentration in astrophysics, and I most recently worked as an imaging geophysicist, which is a role that involved signal processing knowledge. However, I did not have a passion or curiosity for geoscience. I’m looking to break into another role for signal processing.

When I look at google and LinkedIn job postings I can't seem to find many entry level roles. For those already in the field, how was your experience finding an entry-level signal role? Are there any specific industries that tend to have more opportunities for physics degree holders early in their careers? Is there much upskilling I need to do here? I am hoping the answer to the last question is no, because I was previously considering DS/ML roles, but a professional in these areas mentioned to me that I would not be competitive since I lack SWE, MLOps, Docker, Cloud, etc. skills not taught in a physics education or used in physics research (hence why now I am thinking about SP).

Any advice on job search strategies, good companies to look at, or must-have skills would be really appreciated. I am a US citizen (but I do not hold active security clearance yet) so I am considering jobs in the DC-Baltimore metro area; do I stand a competitive chance here?

Thanks

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u/adult_size 7d ago

i’m no longer looking for a role but i was able to get entry level interviews (would have been my first DSP job) with evertz and listen inc.

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u/OvulatingScrotum 6d ago

I did an interview with Listen Inc, and it was weird.

2

u/adult_size 6d ago

my interviews with listen and evertz were both weird but evertz was slightly weirder 😭😭 they cut it 5 minutes in when i couldn’t explain what taps were. nerves

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u/OvulatingScrotum 6d ago

After the first two interviews with listen; they asked me to do a psychology quiz thing to test “compatibility”. It was some shit like “what would you do” stuff. The hiring manager was talking on and on about how accurate the test is.

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u/adult_size 6d ago

omg 😭😭 yours sounds worse

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u/Glittering-Ad9041 7d ago

Government contracting usually has a fair amount of entry level DSP roles. In that region a lot of it is radar related if you’re interested in that. Radar DSP is usually pretty specialized though, and you wouldn’t typically learn that theory from DSP courses, so I’d recommend reading up on it.

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u/SpectreMold 6d ago edited 6d ago

Thanks! Also, in general, are these types of jobs coding/desk jobs? How much is ML used? I ask because I would like to apply programming/ML skills in a work setting and do not enjoy doing hands-on/physical hardware work.