Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer in Saffron Walden

Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer – Near Cambridge

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Desirable

• 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

Role Details

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