Senior Standards researcher, 6G Physical Layer

Nokia; Espoo; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schemes

Life insurance

Well-being programs

Growth & learning support

Coaches & mentors

Job summary

Nokia is seeking an ambitious Physical Layer Radio Research Specialist to advance 6G research and standardization. You will drive AI-native PHY design, MIMO concepts, and L1 signaling while collaborating with RAN, RF and regulatory teams to shape future wireless technologies.

As a senior contributor, you will participate in 3GPP activities, develop innovative IP, and help align research roadmaps with business priorities. This role offers a hybrid/onsite work environment in Espoo, Finland.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing or related field.
• Proven capability in developing, enhancing, and using link-level and system-level simulators for wireless research and standardization.
• Strong understanding of 3GPP standardization processes, including CR handling and cross-working-group collaboration.
• Experience with MIMO receiver and CSI feedback design, baseband processing and channel estimation.
• Fluent in English with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end 6G radio research and standardization efforts.
• Validate radio access concepts via link- and system-level simulations.
• Develop 6G IP focusing on MIMO, AI-native PHY techniques and L1 control signaling.
• Embed AI principles into PHY validation while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Represent Nokia in 3GPP and external research forums.
• Contribute to long-term research roadmaps across MIMO, initial access, RF performance and AI radio.
• Collaborate with RAN Protocols, RF, regulatory and system teams to move concepts toward product relevance.

Skills

6G radio research

link-level simulations

system-level simulations

MIMO receiver design

3GPP standardization

AI methodologies

Education

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

Research & Innovation is seeking ambitious and highly engaged physical layer Radio Research Specialists to join our Physical Layer Standardization & Research team. In this role, you will drive 6G research and standardization, lead innovation for 6G radio interface and access technologies, and help shape the future of mobile communications—ensuring Nokia’s continued leadership in wireless research.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Lead end-to-end 6G radio research, integrating MIMO, initial access, RF performance, AI native PHY design, advanced Layer 1 control, and coexistence considerations to enable scalable, intelligent, and regulation compliant 6G systems.
• Validate novel radio access concepts and algorithms through link-level and system-level simulations, including performance evaluation, benchmarking, and design optimization.
• Develop pioneering 6G intellectual property, including MIMO, initial access, RF performance, AI native PHY techniques, and advanced L1 control signaling
• Embed AI first principles into 6G standards research, defining robust evaluation methodologies for AI enabled PHY validation aligned with regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Represent and champion Nokia’s technical leadership in 3GPP and external research forums, advocating next generation PHY/L1 architectures.
• Shape Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy, contributing to long term research roadmaps across MIMO, initial access, RF performance, AI radio, coexistence frameworks, and PHY/L1 control, aligned with business and ecosystem priorities.
• Collaborate closely with RAN Protocols, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure coherent evolution from research concepts to product relevant technologies.

Key Skills And Experience

• Strong system level expertise in 5G and/or emerging 6G systems.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing, or a related field.
• Proven capability in developing, enhancing, and using link-level and system-level simulators for wireless research and standardization activities.
• Strong understanding of 3GPP standardization processes, including contribution preparation and review, specification analysis, change request (CR) handling, and cross-working-group collaboration.
• Strong expertise in MIMO receiver and CSI feedback design, implementation, and performance optimization, including baseband signal processing, channel estimation, impairment handling, architecture, simulation setup and evaluation, ...
• Deep understanding of radio access systems and associated technology challenges.
• Solid grasp of radio product portfolios and wireless business strategy.
• Familiarity with AI driven research methodologies, including data driven and agentic workflows.
• Prior 3GPP standardization experience is preferred.

It would be nice if you also had:

Ideal Background

• 5+ years of research experience in 6G relevant radio topics.
• Proven track record in concept development, performance evaluation, and technical leadership in complex research programs and/or Standards Development Organization such as e.g. 3GPP, ATIS.
• Experience working in multinational and cross cultural environments.
• Strong ability to operate in highly complex, innovation driven organizations.
• Proactive in scouting, assessing, and applying state of the art research results.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Personal Attributes

• Strong technical depth combined with influencing and communication skills.
• Excellent networking and collaboration abilities across organizational boundaries.
• Open minded, adaptable, and resilient in fast evolving research and standardization environments.
• Analytical and structured, with the ability to cut through complexity and prioritize effectively.
• Passion for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Strong results orientation and willingness to take on new challenges.

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Learn more about life at Nokia.

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.

About The Team

Some of our benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
• Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
• Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
• Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
• Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
• A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond