Research Engineer/Fellow (Communication System Software Solution) - PY

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Singapore Institute of Technology’s Future Communications Translation Lab (FCTLab) seeks a Software Solution Engineer to design, develop and integrate software for translating advanced 5G/6G research into practical, industry-ready solutions.

You will work with researchers and industry partners to build proof-of-concept applications, integrate AI models and video processing, and validate prototypes on private 5G testbeds and lab hardware.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software development and system design experience.
• Degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science or related field.
• Strong Python and C++ programming skills; translate use-case requirements into maintainable software.
• Strong understanding of wireless tech (5G/LTE, Wi‑Fi) and applicability to practical prototypes.
• Experience with hardware–software integration via sensors, actuators, cameras or modems; REST APIs, messaging, Websocket.
• Familiarity with TCP/UDP/IP, VPN, NAT, tunneling; exposure to ROS/ROS 2, embedded systems or edge computing.

Responsibilities

• Design architectures and software for translating research into practical 5G-enabled use cases.
• Develop proof-of-concept applications and working prototypes.
• Integrate software with devices, sensors, cameras and communication interfaces.
• Design, execute functional and performance tests, troubleshoot integrations and refine prototypes.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners; coordinate with vendors when development is outsourced.
• Prepare documentation, reports, and demonstration materials; contribute to feasibility studies and publications.
• Provide guidance to students and researchers on software development and testing.

Skills

Python

C++

5G/LTE

Wi-Fi

REST APIs

ROS/ROS 2

AI/ML integration

Video processing

Edge computing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD in related field

Tools

REST APIs

Websocket

Linux tooling

Wireshark

ROS/ROS 2

iproute2

tcpdump

Job description

Job Purpose

The Future Communications Translation Lab (FCTLab) at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is seeking a motivated candidate who is keen on both rigorous research and the practical application of 5G and future communication technologies. As part of the research team, you will collaborate with faculty and industry partners to drive innovation in 5G/6G technologies and their real-world use cases. Equipped with private 5G testbeds and advanced test and measurement instruments, FCTLab provides an ideal environment to develop, validate, and refine next-generation communication technologies while accelerating their translation into impactful and industry-ready solutions. As a Software Solution Engineer, you will design, develop and integrate software solutions and working prototypes that translate FCTLab’s research into practical applications, supporting the demonstration and validation of 5G-enabled use cases with industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with researchers and industry partners to understand use-case requirements, assess technical feasibility, and propose system architectures, software designs and suitable hardware components.
• Develop proof-of-concept applications and working prototypes through hands-on software development, translating research outcomes into practical solutions.
• Integrate software with devices, cameras, sensors, actuators and communication interfaces. Incorporate AI models, video processing and streaming capabilities where relevant to project needs.
• Design and conduct functional and performance tests, troubleshoot integration issues, and refine prototypes to support laboratory experiments, field trials and demonstrations.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator, Co-PI and research team to plan development activities and deliver project milestones. Where development is outsourced, define technical requirements, coordinate with vendors and verify deliverable quality.
• Prepare software documentation, technical reports and demonstration materials. Contribute to feasibility studies, collaboration proposals and publications where relevant.
• Maintain prototype software and development environments, and provide technical guidance to students and researchers on software development, integration and testing.

Job Requirements

• At least 6 years of relevant experience in software development and system design, with hands-on experience in developing working prototypes or integrated applications.
• At least Bachelor’s, master's or Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• Strong software design and programming skills in Python and C++, with the ability to translate use-case requirements into maintainable software.
• Good understanding of wireless communications and networking, particularly 5G/LTE and Wi-Fi, with the ability to relate their capabilities and limitations to application requirements and translate the lab’s research into practical prototypes that demonstrate the value of these technologies.
• Hands-on experience in hardware–software integration, including interfacing with sensors, actuators, modems or cameras and software components through REST APIs, messaging systems, Websocket etc.
• Good understanding of computer networking fundamentals such as TCP/UDP/IP, sockets, VPN, NAT and tunneling as well as connectivity technologies such as MPTCP, Wireguard or MPQUIC.
• Hands-on experience with Linux networking utilities tools like iperf, iproute2, nmcli, tcpdump and wireshark etc.
• Knowledge or experience in video processing and streaming is highly preferred, including video capture, encoding/decoding, real-time processing or low-latency transmission.
• Knowledge or experience in AI, machine learning and computer vision is highly preferred, particularly in integrating AI models into practical applications.
• Experience with ROS/ROS 2, embedded systems, real-time operating systems or deployment on edge computing platforms is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Key Competencies

• Able to build and maintain strong working relationships with people within and external to the university.
• Self-directed learner who believes in continuous learning and development
• Proficient in technical writing and presentation
• Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Show strong initiative and take ownership of work