Experienced Radar Signal Processing Engineer (SAR)

Ubiq Aerospace; Trondheim; On-site; NOK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ubiq Aerospace seeks an experienced Radar Signal Processing Engineer to advance their nano SAR for small UAVs. You will turn raw radar data into imagery and push algorithms from theory to flight-ready software on embedded hardware.

You will prototype in Python and collaborate with RF/hardware teams to meet real-time constraints, contributing to a cutting-edge defense/aerospace radar program from Trondheim HQ.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on radar or digital signal processing experience (PhD can count toward this).
• MSc or PhD in Signal Processing, Electronics, Physics, or related field.
• Solid grasp of radar signal processing fundamentals: matched filtering, pulse compression, Doppler processing, and detection.
• Proficiency in Python (MATLAB is welcome but daily work is in Python).
• Ability to own an algorithm from theory to a tested, working result on real data.

Responsibilities

• Develop SAR image formation algorithms (range-Doppler, backprojection, chirp scaling).
• Perform motion compensation and autofocus for a small airborne platform.
• Handle range/azimuth compression, pulse compression, and Doppler processing.
• Implement detection and estimation (CFAR, GMTI, or change detection).
• Calibrate processing chain radiometrically and geometrically.
• Collaborate with RF hardware team to align algorithms with hardware output.
• Prototype in Python, then work with embedded/software teams toward real-time onboard processing.
• Field test on aircraft and iterate processing using real data.

Skills

Radar signal processing

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

DSP fundamentals

Education

MSc or PhD in Signal Processing

Tools

Python

MATLAB

FPGA (VHDL/Verilog/HLS)

C/C++

GPU programming

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Radar Signal Processing Engineer to play a key technical role in the development of our nano synthetic aperture radar (nSAR) for small unmanned aircraft. You\'ll develop the algorithms that turn raw radar data into usable imagery and help bring a new airborne radar system from development to flight. If you enjoy taking a hard signal processing problem from theory to something that works on noisy, real-world data, this is a rare opportunity to make a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop SAR image formation algorithms (range-Doppler, backprojection, chirp scaling or similar)
• Motion compensation and autofocus for a small, agile airborne platform
• Range and azimuth compression, pulse compression, and Doppler processing
• Detection and estimation where relevant (CFAR, and moving-target or change-detection methods over time)
• Radiometric and geometric calibration of the processing chain
• Work closely with the RF hardware team to define the performance the algorithms need, and to make sense of what the hardware actually delivers
• Prototyping in Python, then working with the embedded and software teams to bring the chain toward real-time onboard processing
• Field testing on aircraft and iterating the processing based on real data

Our technical environment

• Radar architectures for synthetic aperture imaging
• Compact airborne payloads with weight- and power-constraints
• Wideband C-band radar
• Algorithm development and prototyping in Python
• Real-time and onboard processing on FPGA and embedded targets (STM32 microcontrollers and FPGA digital backends)
• Rapid in-house prototyping with electronics and mechanical workshops

We believe the right person is someone who

• Has strong radar signal processing fundamentals and the intuition to tell a real signal from an artefact
• Is both analytical and practical, as comfortable developing an algorithm as debugging why it falls apart on real data
• Can take technical responsibility of the processing chain end to end and drive it to a tested, working result
• Is open-minded and values discussions and feedback
• Enjoys collaborating across technical disciplines, especially with the hardware people whose data they depend on

Experience and qualifications

Required experience

• 5+ years of hands-on radar or digital signal processing experience (a strong PhD in the area can count toward this)
• MSc or PhD in Signal Processing, Electronics, Physics, or a related field
• Solid grasp of radar signal processing fundamentals: matched filtering, pulse compression, Doppler processing, and detection
• Proficiency in Python, the language our radar processing is built in (MATLAB is common in this field and welcome, but the day-to-day work is in Python)
• The ability to own an algorithm from theory to a tested, working result on real data

Additional experience we\'d value

• Direct SAR experience: image formation, motion compensation, autofocus
• Experience with wideband microwave radar (e.g. C-band)
• Real-time or embedded implementation: C/C++, FPGA (VHDL, Verilog or HLS), or GPU
• Experience with airborne or other SWaP-constrained radar systems
• Detection and estimation beyond the basics: CFAR, GMTI, interferometry, or change detection
• Experience working with raw radar data from real field campaigns

Why join Ubiq Aerospace?

At Ubiq, you\'ll work on advanced aerospace products in a small, highly capable team where engineers have a direct influence on both technology and product direction. You\'ll collaborate across disciplines, from electronics and software to signal processing and aerospace engineering, and see your work contribute to systems that operate in some of the world\'s most demanding environments.

As a growing company, you\'ll have the opportunity to take on meaningful technical responsibility, move quickly from idea to implementation, and help shape how we build products and grow our engineering capabilities.

Our HQ is in Trondheim which is where most of our team is based too. We do have some team members in Oslo and are open to discuss if building out the team there makes sense. Our culture rooted in Scandinavian values: trust, humility, autonomy, and meaningful impact and we believe great engineering comes from talented people who are given responsibility, support, and the freedom to do their best work.

If you think this could be an exciting next challenge for you we would love to hear from you, even if you don\'t feel you tick all the boxes. Click the apply button, tell us a bit about yourself and why you think this could be a match, and add your CV (or LinkedIn profile).

If you have questions about the position you can reach out to Victoria our Head of People via email [e-mail]

Please note: This role requires eligibility for security clearance and security suitability. Accordingly, relevant background checks and a security assessment can be conducted for relevant candidates. As part of the interview process, candidates must be prepared to answer security-related questions.

Ubiq Aerospace is a Trondheim-based deep tech startup on an ambitious growth journey. We develop next-generation ice protection systems, smart aerostructures, and sensing systems for aircraft operating in the world\u2019s harshest environments. Our products are built for the emerging European drone and defense market, where autonomous systems need to fly and sense in conditions and conflicts where GPS and conventional sensors fall short.