Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

Saffron Walden

1 month ago

Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Senior electronics design engineer

Systems Architect

System Design Authority

Senior RF Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Saffron Walden
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9.00-17.30
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

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Feb 12, 2026

Careers

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

Feb 3, 2026

Jobs

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

Jan 24, 2026

Education

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.