At a Glance
- Tasks: Architect and define key signal processing blocks for cutting-edge 5G and 6G technologies.
- Company: Join NEC Corporation, a leader in mobile network infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential for international collaboration and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of communication technology with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: PhD-level education in relevant fields and strong C++ programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
NECTML's Radio Systems Division in Leatherhead, Surrey is recruiting a Signal Processing Architect (Consultant/Senior Consultant level) to define and architect key L1/L2 signal processing blocks across its in-house C++ Link-Level and System-Level simulators, virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software, and Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP, supporting 5G NR/5G Advanced/6G development and 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 standardisation activities.
Candidates should bring expert-level digital signal processing, linear algebra/statistics and algorithm development experience (synchronisation, channel estimation, equalisation/MIMO detection, decoding), strong C++/OO programming, link/system-level simulation experience, familiarity with 3GPP standards and AI/ML (particularly agentic AI) applied to development workflows, and MATLAB-based data analysis, and should be educated to PhD level or equivalent in communications, software engineering, physics or mathematics; experience with O-RAN, vDU/RU/FPGA development, Python, SIMD optimisation, NTN signal processing and multi-threading is desirable.
The main activity areas of the Radio Systems Division of NECTML are the architecture, simulation, design and development of the baseband data processing aspects of the base station, as described in 3GPP Specification Groups’ description of Radio Layers 1 and 2.
This position involves defining and architecting key L1/L2 signal processing blocks across NECTML’s development activities: in the Link Level and System Level simulators, in the virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software, and in the Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP. It also involves helping to develop and maintain the simulation tools which are essential for many of the activities carried out by NECTML, and more widely in NEC.
Key responsibilities include:
- Defining and architecting key L1/L2 signal processing blocks for Link-level and system-level simulators, Virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software, Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP.
- Liaising with software and hardware development groups providing them with technical support and assistance when necessary.
- Undertaking system specification, high-level design, detailed design, implementation and testing of new features in the simulator.
- Verifying the correctness of implementation by calibration against published results when available.
- Tracking the development of the 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 specifications relating to the 5G NR/6G implementation in the simulators and products.
- Identifying new/missing 3GPP features (or changes to existing features) that need to be implemented in the simulator in order to keep it up to date.
- Communicating relevant updates to the specifications to the rest of the team.
- Developing and deploying agentic AI tools and workflows to automate and accelerate software development.
- Creating and maintaining all necessary documentation for the projects assigned.
- Following the company’s life cycle and QA procedures.
Essential Experience and Knowledge:
- Linear algebra, probability theory and statistics.
- Experience of algorithm development (synchronization and tracking, channel estimation, equalization and MIMO detection, de-mapping and decoding, etc).
- Strong Object Oriented and C++ programming skills.
- Experience of link and/or system level simulation.
- Understanding of 5G NR, 5G Advanced and 6G.
- Familiarity with 3GPP standards process.
- Strong understanding of the 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 technical specifications.
- Understanding of AI/ML, particularly agentic AI development to automate and accelerate software development.
- Experience of data analysis using MATLAB.
- Understanding and experience of the software development life cycle.
- Methodical and thorough programming approach and ability to work according to Quality Assurance procedures.
- Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.
Desirable Experience and Knowledge:
- Familiarity with O-RAN Standards.
- Experience of L1/L2 software development on virtualised platforms (e.g. vDU) and/or L1 hardware development (e.g. RU/FPGA).
- Ability to produce technical documentation to good standards.
- Experience of scripting languages such as Python.
- Experience of using Intel’s SIMD functions for code optimisation.
- Signal processing for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including large Doppler shift/rate compensation, timing advance estimation, and beamforming for LEO service links, ideally with familiarity with 3GPP NTN specifications.
- Understanding of multi-threading to achieve code parallelism.
- Experience of version control and configuration management tools.
- Self-motivated and self-starter.
- Logical thinker with effective, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Integrity and a commitment to quality.
- Able to build co-operative working relationships internally with NECTML and externally with other NEC groups.
- Openness to cultural diversity.
Work can take place at our offices in Leatherhead or remotely (but based in the UK). Occasional overseas travel, particularly to Japan, may be required. Occasional technical forum attendance may be required.
Education: Educated to PhD or higher degree level, preferably in the area of communications, software engineering, physics or mathematics.
Signal Processing Architect in Leatherhead employer: NEC Corporation
NEC Telecom MODUS Ltd. is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive work culture in Leatherhead, Surrey. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy flexibility while engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts compliance and quality standards in the telecoms sector. The company fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to innovate and excel, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking to make a difference.
