RF & Signal Intelligence Engineer (m/w/d)

ZeroPhase GmbH; München; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ZeroPhase GmbH in Munich seeks a skilled RF environment analyst to capture, classify and interpret real‑world signal traffic, translating findings into concrete inputs for waveform and FPGA teams. You will work with data from operational environments and shape how our systems are designed to survive them.

This role is deep technical analysis and intelligence: you will use SDR platforms and spectrum analysis tools, develop Python-based detection pipelines, and collaborate with field testers and

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, physics, or related field.
• Strong grounding in RF signal analysis: modulation recognition, spectral analysis, detection and estimation.
• Hands-on experience with SDR platforms and spectrum analysis tools (USRP/HackRF/Pluto).
• Proficient in Python for signal processing (NumPy/SciPy).
• Comfortable operating test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Analytical mindset; ability to turn raw RF captures into structured findings.
• Genuine passion for radio and the electromagnetic domain.

Responsibilities

• Capture, process and analyse RF signal data from operational and test environments using SDR platforms and spectrum analysis tools.
• Identify, classify and characterise signals of interest: emitter identification, modulation recognition, jamming pattern analysis, interference profiling.
• Build and maintain a structured picture of the RF threat environment relevant to UAV datalink operations.
• Translate signal intelligence findings into actionable inputs for waveform and FPGA engineering teams.
• Develop automated detection and classification pipelines using Python and signal processing libraries.
• Evaluate system behaviour under real and simulated jamming conditions; identify vulnerabilities and mitigations.
• Monitor SIGINT and EW literature to keep threat picture current.
• Support field testing and deployment activities where RF environment data needs to be collected and analysed on site.

Skills

RF analysis

Python (NumPy/SciPy)

Signal processing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related

Physics or communications engineering

Tools

USRP

HackRF

Pluto SDR

Job description

You will own RF environment analysis at ZeroPhase. That means capturing and characterising real-world signal traffic, identifying threats and interference sources, and translating those findings into concrete inputs for our waveform and hardware teams. You will work with data from active operational environments and your analysis will directly shape how our systems are designed to survive them.

This is an analysis and intelligence role with deep technical roots. You are not building the waveform. You are telling us what it needs to survive.

What you'll do

• Capture, process and analyse RF signal data from operational and test environments using SDR platforms and spectrum analysis tools.
• Identify, classify and characterise signals of interest: emitter identification, modulation recognition, jamming pattern analysis, interference profiling.
• Build and maintain a structured picture of the RF threat environment relevant to UAV datalink operations in contested theatres.
• Translate signal intelligence findings into actionable technical inputs for the waveform and FPGA engineering teams.
• Develop automated detection and classification pipelines using Python and signal processing libraries.
• Evaluate ZeroPhase system behaviour under real and simulated jamming conditions. Identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigations.
• Monitor open-source SIGINT and EW literature, field reports, and technical publications to keep ZeroPhase's threat picture current.
• Support field testing and deployment activities where RF environment data needs to be collected and analysed on site.

What we're looking for

• Degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical grounding in RF signal analysis: modulation recognition, spectral analysis, signal detection and estimation.
• Hands‑on experience with SDR platforms and spectrum analysis tools: USRP, HackRF, Pluto, or similar. You have used them to capture and analyse real signals, not just run tutorials.
• Proficient in Python for signal processing: NumPy, SciPy, and ideally experience with ML‑based signal classification.
• Comfortable operating test equipment: spectrum analysers, signal generators, oscilloscopes.
• Analytical mindset. You are rigorous, methodical, and know how to turn raw RF captures into structured findings that engineers can act on.
• Genuine passion for radio and the electromagnetic domain. The kind of person who listens to signal recordings for fun, follows EW developments, or has experimented with SIGINT tools in their own time.

Bonus: not required

• Direct experience in EW, SIGINT, or electronic protection.
• Familiarity with jamming techniques and counter-jamming approaches relevant to UAV datalinks.
• Experience with GNU Radio or custom SDR pipelines.
• Background in military or defence RF environments.
• German language, written and spoken.

How the hiring process works

• Intro call. 30 minutes with our recruiting team. We'll learn about your background, and you'll learn about the mission.
• Deep dive. A working session with one of our RF engineers on a real signal analysis problem.
• Case study, in Munich. A visit to the lab to walk through a signal intelligence scenario with the team, in person if you can make it or over Teams if you can't.
• The offer. By now you've likely already met our CEO. This round is where we make it official: fast, transparent, and built around the mission.