Research Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

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Research Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

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Discover top Research Engineer jobs in Cambridge with Haystack. Whether you're an experienced research engineer or just starting your career, explore the latest opportunities in one of the UK’s leading tech hubs. Find your next role in Cambridge’s dynamic research and innovation scene today!

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Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

+3

Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer Near Cambridge My client, a fast-growing AI company based near Cambridge, is seeking a Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer to work at the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning. This hands-on R&D role involves analysing complex RF datasets, developing advanced signal-processing pipelines, and contributing to cutting-edge UAV/drone detection technologies.You will play a key role in prototyping new sensing capabilities, working with SDRs, designing real-world RF experiments, and integrating machine-learning models into early-stage hardwaresoftware systems. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, iterative prototyping environments.Key Responsibilities Analysing raw IQ data from SDR platforms (e.g., bladeRF, USRP) to extract, classify, and interpret RF signal featuresBuilding diagnostic RF analysis tools (timefrequency plots, cyclic spectra, EVM, autocorrelation, constellation tracking, etc.)Designing RF data-processing pipelines built around practical hardware constraints (bandwidth, ADC limits, gain stages, timing jitter)Modelling RF front-end behaviour (filters, mixers, LOs, AGC, noise figure) to improve signal integrity and inference accuracyDeveloping ML and statistical models for RF classification, anomaly detection, and emitter identificationPrototyping real-time or batch-processing systems in Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch) with potential integration via ZMQ, GNU Radio, or C++ backendsLeading RF data collection, field experiments, and over-the-air testing using drones, wireless devices, and custom transmittersRequirements Strong Python proficiency for RF data analysis and prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, scikit-learn, PyTorch)Solid understanding of DSP fundamentals (FFT, filtering, modulation, correlation, noise modelling, resampling)Familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio, SDRangel, osmoSDR, or SoapySDRPractical understanding of RF hardware chains (antenna ? filters ? mixers ? ADC) and their impact on baseband dataExperience analysing wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, LTE, LoRa, etc.) and physical-layer structuresComfortable debugging SDR setups and performing field-based RF data collectionStrong communication skills and ability to work effectively within an iterative R&D teamDesirable Hands-on experience with SDRs (bladeRF, HackRF, USRP, PlutoSDR) and RF lab equipment (spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators)Experience in passive radar, beamforming, TDoA, Doppler, or direction findingFamiliarity with embedded or real-time systems (FPGA pipelines, GPU acceleration, etc.)Programming experience in MATLAB, C++, Rust, or similar languagesKnowledge of RF circuit principles (impedance matching, filter design, gain budgeting)Experience designing or testing antenna arrays for sensing/detectionPublications, patents, or open-source RF/ML contributionsRole Details Location: Cambridge area (onsite or hybrid depending on project needs)Department: Research & Prototyping TeamImpact: Direct involvement in early-stage hardwaresoftware product developmentInterested? Please Click Apply Now!Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer Near CambridgeTPBN1_UKTJ

Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer

We are working with a high-growth AI technology company in the Greater Cambridge area who are seeking a Senior RF Data Scientist / Research Engineer to work at the intersection of RF hardware, digital signal processing, and machine learning. This is a hands-on R&D role ideally suited to engineers and scientists who enjoy fast-paced prototyping, complex problem-solving, and developing cutting-edge UAV/drone detection technologies.In this role, you will 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. You will be responsible for extracting and classifying RF signal features from raw IQ data, building diagnostic tools to characterise RF signals, and designing data-processing pipelines that account for real-world hardware constraints such as bandwidth limitations, ADC performance, and timing jitter. You will also model RF front-end behaviour, improving signal integrity and inference accuracy, and apply machine learning and statistical models for classification, anomaly detection, and emitter identification.You will 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. The role involves leading RF data collection, field experiments, and over-the-air testing with drones, wireless devices, and custom transmitters. Collaboration across engineering and research teams is central, and you will contribute to both experimental design and iterative R&D development.The ideal candidate will have strong Python proficiency for data analysis and prototyping, a solid understanding of digital signal processing (FFT, filtering, modulation, correlation, resampling, and noise modelling), and familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio, SDRangel, osmoSDR, or SoapySDR. A practical understanding of RF hardware chains - from antenna through filters, mixers, and ADCs - and their impact on baseband data is essential. You should also be 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 the ability to work iteratively in a research-focused environment are essential.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 is highly desirable. Knowledge of RF circuit fundamentals, FPGA or GPU acceleration, and prior publications, patents, or open-source RF/ML contributions are also beneficial but not essential.This is a full-time role based in Saffron Walden / Greater Cambridge, with flexibility for onsite or hybrid working depending on project needs. You will join a dynamic Research & Prototyping team, directly influencing early-stage hardware-software product development and shaping the next generation of AI-driven sensing technologies.If you are an experienced RF data scientist or research engineer looking for a hands-on role at the cutting edge of RF, signal processing, and machine learning, we would love to hear from you.Zero Surplus is one of the UK’s premier recruitment agencies, based just outside Cambridge our recruiters source staff for small and international businesses across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Northants, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, and the rest of the UK.For registration purposes, please let us know where you are currently based or which locations you are considering as well as your required salary and notice period.Please upload a Microsoft Word version of your CV where possible, excluding text boxes or images. Any data we collect from you will be stored and processed in accordance with Zero Surplus’ Privacy Policy.

Graduate Software Engineer X 4

+3

Graduate Software Engineer High-Growth Research & Technology Company (Near Cambridge)My client is a fast-growing research and technology company near Cambridge, seeking a Graduate R&D Software Engineer to support a broad range of research and development activities. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.Key Responsibilities

Design and develop innovative software solutions in collaboration with the engineering team

Build tools and methods for data gathering, preprocessing, and optimisation for machine learning and algorithm development

Oversee and maintain operational company systems (Linux-based)

Contribute across a broad mix of R&D, software, data science, and technical problem-solving tasks

RequirementsEssential

Highly motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn across varied technical domains

Recent 2:1 (or above) graduate in a STEM discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics)

Strong experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++)

Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Desirable

Experience with Python and familiarity with data science or machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Interest or experience in signals, RF, or SDRs

Knowledge of version control (Git), containerisation (Docker), or cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud)

Academic or project experience in ML, data science, or digital signal processing

Enthusiasm for working in a startup environment and taking ownership of initiatives

What s on Offer

Entry-level role with exposure to the full product development lifecycle

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative, dynamic R&D environment

Hands-on experience in software, data, and algorithm development within a scaling technology company

Work onsite near Cambridge with close collaboration across engineering, research, and product teams

Chance to contribute to impactful projects and take ownership of initiatives

Interested? Please Click Apply Now! Graduate Software Engineer High-Growth Research & Technology Company (Near Cambridge)

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