Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

My client, a fast-growing AI company based near Cambridge, is seeking a Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer to work at the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning. This hands-on R&D role involves analysing complex RF datasets, developing advanced signal-processing pipelines, and contributing to cutting-edge UAV/drone detection technologies.

You will play a key role in prototyping new sensing capabilities, working with SDRs, designing real-world RF experiments, and integrating machine-learning models into early-stage hardware–software systems. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, iterative prototyping environments.

• Analysing raw IQ data from SDR platforms (e.g., bladeRF, USRP) to extract, classify, and interpret RF signal features
• Building diagnostic RF analysis tools (time–frequency plots, cyclic spectra, EVM, autocorrelation, constellation tracking, etc.)
• Designing RF data-processing pipelines built around practical hardware constraints (bandwidth, ADC limits, gain stages, timing jitter)
• Modelling RF front-end behaviour (filters, mixers, LOs, AGC, noise figure) to improve signal integrity and inference accuracy
• Developing ML and statistical models for RF classification, anomaly detection, and emitter identification
• Prototyping real-time or batch-processing systems in Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch) with potential integration via ZMQ, GNU Radio, or C++ backends
• Leading RF data collection, field experiments, and over-the-air testing using drones, wireless devices, and custom transmitters

• Strong Python proficiency for RF data analysis and prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, scikit-learn, PyTorch)
• Solid understanding of DSP fundamentals (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 performing field-based RF data collection
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within an iterative R&D team

• Hands-on experience with SDRs (bladeRF, HackRF, USRP, PlutoSDR) and RF lab equipment (spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators)
• Experience in passive radar, beamforming, TDoA, Doppler, or direction finding
• Familiarity with embedded or real-time systems (FPGA pipelines, GPU acceleration, etc.)
• Programming experience in MATLAB, C++, Rust, or similar languages
• Knowledge of RF circuit principles (impedance matching, filter design, gain budgeting)
• Experience designing or testing antenna arrays for sensing/detection
• Publications, patents, or open-source RF/ML contributions

• Location: Cambridge area (onsite or hybrid depending on project needs)
• Department: Research & Prototyping Team
• Impact: Direct involvement in early-stage hardware–software product development