Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

Zero Surplus; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled candidate to work at the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning. The role involves hands-on R&D, analyzing complex RF data, and developing advanced signal-processing pipelines. Candidates should have strong Python skills and experience with SDR frameworks. The position offers flexibility for onsite or hybrid working in a dynamic team that influences AI-driven technology development, based in Saffron Walden / Greater Cambridge.

Qualifications

• Strong Python proficiency for data analysis and prototyping.
• Solid understanding of digital signal processing (FFT, filtering).
• Familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio or SoapySDR.

Responsibilities

• Work hands-on on RF hardware and machine learning.
• Analyse complex RF data and develop signal-processing pipelines.
• Lead RF data collection and field experiments.

Skills

Python proficiency

Digital signal processing

SDR frameworks

RF hardware understanding

Debugging SDR setups

Communication skills

Tools

GNU Radio

spectrum analyzers

FPGA or GPU systems

Job description

Responsibilities

Work on the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning in a hands‑on R&D role. Analyse complex RF data from software‑defined radios (SDRs), develop advanced signal‑processing pipelines, and contribute directly to the design and testing of novel sensing systems. Extract and classify RF signal features from raw IQ data, build diagnostic tools to characterise RF signals, and design data‑processing pipelines that account for real‑world hardware constraints such as bandwidth limitations, ADC performance, and timing jitter. Model RF front‑end behaviour, improve signal integrity and inference accuracy, and apply machine learning and statistical models for classification, anomaly detection, and emitter identification. Prototype real‑time and batch‑processing systems using Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch) and integrate them with frameworks such as GNU Radio, ZMQ, or C++ backends. Lead RF data collection, field experiments, and over‑the‑air testing with drones, wireless devices, and custom transmitters. Collaborate across engineering and research teams, contributing to experimental design and iterative R&D development.

Qualifications & Experience

Strong Python proficiency for data analysis and prototyping; solid understanding of digital signal processing (FFT, filtering, modulation, correlation, resampling, noise modelling); familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio, SDRangel, osmoSDR, or SoapySDR. Practical understanding of RF hardware chains—antenna, filters, mixers, ADCs—and their impact on baseband data. Comfortable debugging SDR setups, performing field‑based RF data collection, and analysing wireless protocols such as Wi‑Fi, LTE, and LoRa. Strong communication skills and ability to work iteratively in a research‑focused environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with SDR hardware (bladeRF, HackRF, USRP, PlutoSDR)
• RF lab equipment (spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators)
• Embedded or real‑time systems, beamforming, passive radar, or antenna array design
• Knowledge of RF circuit fundamentals, FPGA or GPU acceleration
• Prior publications, patents, or open‑source RF/ML contributions

Location & Team

Full‑time role based in Saffron Walden / Greater Cambridge, with flexibility for onsite or hybrid working depending on project needs. Join a dynamic Research & Prototyping team, directly influencing early‑stage hardware‑software product development and shaping the next generation of AI‑driven sensing technologies.