Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

We are a high-growth AI company in the Greater Cambridge area seeking an RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer to work at the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning. You will analyse complex RF data from software-defined radios (SDRs), develop advanced signal-processing pipelines, and contribute to cutting-edge UAV/drone detection technologies. This is a hands-on R&D role suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced prototyping environments. It is a full-time role within the Research & Prototyping team.<

Key Responsibilities

• Analysing raw IQ data from SDR platforms (e.g., bladeRF, USRP) to identify, classify, and extract RF signal features

• Building diagnostic tools for RF signal characterisation (e.g., time–frequency plots, cyclic spectra, EVM, autocorrelation, constellation tracking)

• Designing RF data-processing pipelines that account for real-world hardware constraints (bandwidth, gain stages, ADC limits, timing jitter)

• Modelling RF front-end behaviour (filters, mixers, LOs, AGC, noise figure) to improve signal integrity and inference accuracy

• Developing machine learning and statistical models for RF classification, anomaly detection, and emitter identification

• Prototyping real-time and batch-processing systems in Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch) and integrating with ZMQ, GNU Radio, or C++ backends

• Leading RF data collection, field experiments, and over-the-air testing with drones, wireless devices, and custom transmitters

Requirements

• Strong Python proficiency for data analysis and prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, scikit-learn, PyTorch)

• Solid understanding of digital signal processing (FFT, filtering, modulation, correlation, noise modelling, resampling)

• Familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio, SDRangel, osmoSDR, or SoapySDR

• Practical understanding of RF hardware chains (antenna → filters → mixers → ADC) and their impact on baseband data

• Experience analysing wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, LTE, LoRa, etc.) and physical-layer structures

• Comfortable debugging SDR setups and carrying out field-based RF data collection

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an iterative R&D environment

Desirable

• Hands-on experience with SDRs (bladeRF, HackRF, USRP, PlutoSDR) and RF lab equipment (spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators)

• Experience with passive radar, beamforming, TDoA, Doppler, or direction finding

• Familiarity with embedded or real-time systems (e.g., FPGA pipelines, GPU acceleration)

• Programming experience in MATLAB, C++, Rust, or similar

• Knowledge of RF circuit fundamentals (impedance matching, filter design, gain budgeting)

• Experience designing or testing antenna arrays for sensing/detection

• Publications, patents, or open-source RF/ML contributions

Details

• Location: Based in North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, onsite

• Five days a week

• You must be fully eligible to work in the UK without time limit or sponsorship.

To Apply Please send your CV and a short covering note including salary expectations and availability.

Please apply with your CV and a short covering note, including your salary expectations and availability.