Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

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

Interested? Please Click Apply Now!

Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer – Near Cambridge