Research Scientists, RF Sensing (from Associate to Senior)

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT in Espoo is seeking Research Scientists (Associate to Senior) to advance RF sensor technology for smart infrastructure, border control and defence. You will help develop millimetre-wave imaging RADARs, SAR, radiometers and broadband receivers, turning research ideas into working prototypes with practical impact.

The role offers variety across RF sensing technologies and close collaboration with industry and institutes.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in radio technology or related discipline.
• Experience and interest in designing RF systems.
• Knowledge of antenna and/or RF systems at micro- and millimeter-wave frequencies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute or lead design of RF sensor solutions together with our experts.
• Plan and implement characterization and test campaigns of the systems, and analyze the results, together with your colleagues.
• Communicate work plans and research results in project meetings and by written reports.
• Publish research through scientific papers, conference presentations, and other technology events or publications.
• Participate preparations of new research and customer projects, and depending on your interests you may also lead small and even bigger R&D projects

Skills

RF systems design

Antenna design

Millimeter-wave knowledge

English communication

NATO/Defence sector collaboration

Education

Master’s or Doctoral degree in radio technology or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

PCB design basics

Job description

Are you interested in RF systems and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of academy and industry? VTT might be just the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for Research Scientists (from Associate to Senior) to join our RF Sensing team.

As a Research Scientist, your main objectives are to advance RF sensor technology for various applications, including smart infrastructure, border control, and defence. Examples of activities include the development of advanced millimetre-wave imaging RADARs, synthetic aperture RADARs, radiometers, and broadband radio receivers for health, environmental monitoring, and situational awareness. In this position, you will play a key role in developing state‑of‑the‑art RF sensor solutions alongside top experts, companies, and institutes.

What makes this role special is the variety: instead of working on a single product, you will contribute to a wide range of RF sensing technologies, devices, and applications in close collaboration with industry, from defence and security to commercial use cases. We offer flexibility to shape your role, support doctoral studies alongside work, and encourage scientific publishing, giving you the opportunity to turn research ideas into working prototypes and demonstrations with clear practical impact.

We are looking for several candidates across different seniority levels, from Associate Scientist to Research Scientist and Senior Scientist. We're also interested in hearing from you if you're looking for a paid thesis work opportunity. The exact role and responsibilities will be tailored based on your experience, expertise, and career stage.

Espoo is the preferred location for this role, as it offers an opportunity to work in the Micronova research environment alongside leading RF and antenna experts. The position can also be based in Tampere, with occasional travel to Espoo required.

Read more about our research:

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/06/Drone_test_of_planetary_landing_radar

https://www.vttresearch.com/en/news-and-ideas/new-imaging-technologies-open-new-perspectives-world

As a Research Scientist, you will:

• Contribute or lead design of RF sensor solutions together with our experts
• Plan and implement characterization and test campaigns of the systems, and analyze the results, together with your colleagues
• Communicate work plans and research results in project meetings and by written reports
• Publish research through scientific papers, conference presentations, and other technology events or publications
• Participate preparations of new research and customer projects, and depending on your interests you may also lead small and even bigger R&D projects

Who we are looking for:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in radio technology or other relevant discipline, or currently pursuing such a degree and looking for a paid thesis work opportunity.
• A person with experience and interest in designing and developing RF systems.
• Design expertise in antenna and/or RF systems at micro- and millimeter-wave frequencies is necessary.
• Communicate fluently in English.
• Interested and eligible to participate in defence sector research and collaborate with NATO and Finnish Defence Forces.
• In addition, experience with RADARs, SAR signal processing, programming, broadband antenna arrays, and electronics in general is considered an advantage. Experience in multilayer PCB design would also be a plus.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Acting as a team member in a project environment requires flexibility, willingness to communicate and co-operate with customers and research partners. You contribute to a positive team spirit
• A fast learner who can work in target-oriented and independent manner while collaborating with colleagues with complementary expertise.
• Eager to work with new topics with an open-minded and curious attitude, even looking for beyond-the-obvious solutions.
• Having a mindset oriented towards applications and commercial exploitation of research results, and customer satisfaction.

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT Location: Tietotie 3