Description:
Signal Processing Architect (Consultant / Senior Consultant)
Radio Systems Division | NECTML (An NEC Company)
Leatherhead, Surrey (Hybrid/Remote within the UK)
Full Time | Permanent
Help Shape the Future of Wireless Communications
At NEC Telecom MODUS Limited (NECTML), we're the UK research and development centre behind many of NEC's next-generation mobile network technologies.
As part of NEC's global Network Solutions Business, our Radio Systems Division develops the advanced algorithms, software and hardware architectures that power 5G Advanced, Open RAN and the evolution towards 6G. Our engineers don't just build technology—they help define the international standards that shape the future of wireless communications through active participation in 3GPP RAN1 and RAN2.
We're looking for an experienced Signal Processing Architect to join our highly respected engineering team and play a leading role in designing the Layer 1 and Layer 2 signal processing technologies that underpin NEC's future radio products.
If you're passionate about digital signal processing, wireless communications and solving complex engineering challenges at the forefront of the industry, this is an opportunity to make a genuine global impact.
About NECTML
NECTML is NEC's specialist UK research and development centre for mobile communications.
Working closely with NEC engineering teams in Japan and across the globe, we develop the technologies behind NEC's next-generation mobile infrastructure.
Our work spans:
- Advanced Layer 1 and Layer 2 architecture
- Link-Level and System-Level simulation
- Real-time software development
- FPGA and hardware IP development
- Applied wireless communications research
- 3GPP standardisation
Our engineers combine cutting-edge research with real product development—taking ideas from concept, through simulation and architecture, into technologies deployed in commercial mobile networks worldwide.
The Opportunity
As a Signal Processing Architect, you'll define and architect key Layer 1 and Layer 2 signal processing functionality across multiple development platforms, including:
- High-fidelity Link-Level Simulators
- System-Level Simulators
- Virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) software
- Radio Unit (RU) hardware IP
Working alongside world-class engineers, you'll help drive innovation across NEC's product portfolio while contributing to the future direction of global wireless standards.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll play a key technical leadership role by:
- Architecting advanced Layer 1 and Layer 2 signal processing solutions
- Designing and implementing new capabilities within our in-house C++ Link-Level and System-Level simulators
- Developing and validating advanced receiver algorithms including synchronisation, channel estimation, equalisation, MIMO detection and channel decoding
- Supporting software, FPGA and ASIC development teams with high-quality reference implementations and bit-true models
- Investigating new 3GPP features and validating their performance through simulation
- Generating simulation results that support NEC's contributions to international 3GPP standardisation
- Applying AI and Agentic AI techniques to automate and accelerate engineering workflows
- Collaborating with engineering teams across the UK, Japan and the wider NEC Group
- Supporting the continuous evolution of NEC's next-generation radio technologies
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone with a passion for innovation and deep technical expertise in wireless communications.
You'll have experience in:
- Expert-level Digital Signal Processing
- Linear algebra, probability theory and statistics
- Communication algorithm development including:
- Synchronisation and tracking
- Channel estimation
- Equalisation
- MIMO detection
- Demapping and decoding
- Modern Object-Oriented software development using C++
- Link-Level and/or System-Level simulation
- 5G NR, 5G Advanced and emerging 6G technologies
- 3GPP standards and RAN1/RAN2 specifications
- MATLAB modelling and data analysis
- Software development lifecycle and engineering best practice
- Working within quality-focused development environments
You'll also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and enjoy collaborating across international engineering teams.
Desirable Experience
We'd love to hear from you if you also have experience with:
- O-RAN technologies
- Virtualised Distributed Units (vDU)
- Radio Unit (RU) or FPGA development
- Python scripting
- Intel SIMD optimisation
- Multi-threaded software development
- Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
- AI/ML and Agentic AI for engineering automation
- Version control and configuration management
Why Join NECTML?
This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of wireless innovation, where your work will directly influence technologies used by mobile operators around the world.
You'll enjoy:
- Working on technologies shaping 5G Advanced and 6G
- Contributing to global 3GPP standards
- Collaborating with internationally recognised experts in wireless communications
- Applying emerging AI technologies to accelerate engineering innovation
- Hybrid and flexible working within the UK
- Opportunities to collaborate with teams in Japan and across NEC's global R&D network
- A culture that values technical excellence, innovation and continuous learning
- The opportunity to see your research evolve into commercial products deployed worldwide
What We're Looking For
You'll be:
- A self-motivated and curious engineer
- An analytical problem solver with a passion for innovation
- Comfortable taking ownership of complex technical challenges
- Collaborative and able to build strong relationships across international teams
- Committed to delivering high-quality engineering solutions
- Open to new ideas, technologies and diverse perspectives
Qualifications
You'll hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in one of the following disciplines:
- Communications Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Or a closely related technical field
Location
This is a permanent, full-time position based at our Leatherhead, Surrey offices with hybrid and remote working available within the UK.
Occasional international travel, particularly to Japan, and attendance at technical forums may be required.
Join NECTML and Help Build the Networks of Tomorrow
If you're excited by the opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges, influence the future of wireless communications and work alongside some of the industry's leading experts, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the team shaping the future of global connectivity.
