Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

Polytec Personnel Ltd; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Senior RF Data Scientist or Research Engineer to develop signal-processing and machine learning solutions using RF data from software-defined radios. The role involves analysing IQ data, building RF signal analysis tools, designing data-processing pipelines, and developing ML models. Ideal candidates should have solid Python skills, an understanding of digital signal processing, and experience with SDR frameworks. This hands-on role is based in Saffron Walden and requires a background in RF hardware and iterative R&D environments.

Qualifications

• Strong Python skills for data analysis and prototyping.
• Solid understanding of digital signal processing fundamentals.
• Experience with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio or similar.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and characterise IQ data from SDR platforms.
• Build RF signal analysis and visualisation tools.
• Design RF data-processing pipelines accounting for real-world hardware effects.
• Develop ML and statistical models for RF classification and detection.
• Prototype batch and real-time processing systems in Python.

Skills

Strong Python skills for data analysis and prototyping

Solid understanding of digital signal processing fundamentals

Experience with SDR frameworks

Understanding of RF hardware chains

Experience analyzing wireless protocols

Comfortable working in iterative, experimental R&D environments

Tools

GNU Radio

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Job Reference: 35947

Polytec are seeking a Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer to develop signal‑processing and machine learning solutions using RF data from software‑defined radios for our Saffron Walden based client. This hands‑on role sits at the intersection of RF hardware, DSP and applied ML in a fast‑paced RandD environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and characterise IQ data from SDR platforms
• Build RF signal analysis and visualisation tools
• Design RF data‑processing pipelines accounting for real‑world hardware effects
• Develop ML and statistical models for RF classification and detection
• Prototype batch and real‑time processing systems in Python and integrate with GNU Radio or C++ backends
• Support RF data collection and over‑the‑air testing

Requirements

• Strong Python skills for data analysis and prototyping
• Solid understanding of digital signal processing fundamentals
• Experience with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio or similar
• Understanding of RF hardware chains and their impact on baseband data
• Experience analysing wireless protocols or physical‑layer behaviour
• Comfortable working in iterative, experimental RandD environments

Desirable

• Hands‑on SDR and RF lab experience
• Exposure to techniques such as direction finding, Doppler, or beamforming
• Experience beyond Python (e.g. C++, MATLAB)
• Knowledge of RF circuits or antenna systems
• Publications, patents, or open‑source contributions

Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below