RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

An exciting opportunity for an RF-focused Data Scientist / Research Engineer to join a stealth-mode start-up developing novel UAV/detection systems. This role offers the chance to work at the cutting edge of RF hardware, software-defined radio, and intelligent signal processing — helping shape the next generation of real-world RF sensing systems.

This company is tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, founded by a team of exceptional Engineers who have already realised success with other ventures. The environment is one of deep tech innovation and collaborative problem solving.

Location: Saffron Walden, UK – primarily on-site due to the hands-on nature of the work (some hybrid flexibility may be considered depending on the individual and stage of development)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum (may be more for an exceptional candidate)

Requirements for RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

• Strong Python skills for data analysis and prototyping (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Excellent understanding of digital signal processing techniques — including FFTs, resampling, modulation, and filtering
• Hands-on experience working with SDR platforms such as bladeRF, USRP, HackRF, or similar
• Practical knowledge of RF hardware chains (e.g. antennas, ADCs, filters, mixers, gain stages, LO, AGC) and how these impact signal data
• Experience building RF signal characterisation and diagnostics tools — e.g. constellation tracking, time-frequency plots, autocorrelation analysis
• Familiarity with tools such as GNU Radio, SDRangel, SoapySDR, ZMQ
• Understanding of wireless protocols and physical-layer signal structures (e.g. Wi-Fi, LTE, LoRa)
• Ability to design machine learning or statistical models for signal classification, anomaly detection or emitter identification
• MUST be eligible for SC Clearance due to the nature of the work

Responsibilities for RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

• Analyse complex IQ data from SDR hardware in real-world RF environments
• Build signal processing pipelines that work within hardware and software constraints
• Develop tools to visualise and diagnose signal behaviour and system performance
• Prototype real-time and batch-processing architectures using Python and signal processing libraries
• Lead field-based data collection and over-the-air experiments using drones and wireless devices
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop SDR-based detection and intelligence solutions
• Model and mitigate hardware-induced effects to improve signal fidelity and inference outcomes

What this offers:

• An opportunity to shape an innovative product at the interface of RF and ML
• Work with an exceptional technical team in an early-stage R&D environment
• Deep technical variety across software-defined radio, machine learning, and signal intelligence
• Competitive package and future leadership potential

Applications:

If you would like to enquire about this unique RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Please send an up-to-date CV including details of any online repositories via the relevant link.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments for your application or during the review process, please highlight this by separately emailing (if this email address has been removed by the job-board, full contact details are readily available on our website).

RedTech Recruitment Ltd focuses on finding roles for Engineers and Scientists leaving academia and entering industry. Even if the above role isn’t of interest, please visit our website to see our other opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at RedTech. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Keywords –

RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer / RF Signal Processing / SDR Engineer / IQ Data Analysis / Software Defined Radio / bladeRF / USRP / HackRF / GNU Radio / RF DSP / Wireless Signal Intelligence / Digital Signal Processing Engineer / RF Python Developer / Python Signal Processing / RF Classification / Electromagnetic Signal Analysis / Wireless Spectrum Monitoring / Signal Intelligence / Drone Detection Systems / RF Machine Learning / RF System Modelling / RF Detection Engineer