Signal Processing Architect

Role Summary:

NECTML's Radio Systems Division in Leatherhead, Surrey is recruiting a Signal Processing Architect (Consultant/Senior Consultant level) to define and architect key L1/L2 signal processing blocks across its in-house C++ Link-Level and System-Level simulators, virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software, and Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP, supporting 5G NR/5G Advanced/6G development and 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 standardisation activities. Candidates should bring expert-level digital signal processing, linear algebra/statistics and algorithm development experience (synchronisation, channel estimation, equalisation/MIMO detection, decoding), strong C++/OO programming, link/system-level simulation experience, familiarity with 3GPP standards and AI/ML (particularly agentic AI) applied to development workflows, and MATLAB-based data analysis, and should be educated to PhD level or equivalent in communications, software engineering, physics or mathematics; experience with O-RAN, vDU/RU/FPGA development, Python, SIMD optimisation, NTN signal processing and multi-threading is desirable.

Position:              Signal Processing Architect

Grade:                  Consultant/Senior Consultant, depending on skills and experience, Radio Systems Division

Location:             NEC Telecom MODUS ltd, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK. Remote working possible.

Role Type:           Permanent, Full Time

Company:

NEC Corporation (“NEC”) has a worldwide network of subsidiary companies, which includes operations in Europe where NEC performs various sales, manufacturing, and R&D functions. NEC includes the Network Solutions Business Division (“NSBD”), based in Kawasaki, Japan which is responsible for the development of NEC’s mobile network infrastructure solutions.

NEC Telecom MODUS Limited (“NECTML”) provides R&D services to the NSBD to enable NEC to manufacture and deliver 5G Advanced and 6G mobile radio-communication base stations and associated switching and control systems based on international standards. Typically, almost half of the activities are development; one third applied research; one sixth standard setting and the rest other technical activities. The research and development functions include Link-Level and System-Level simulator development as well as hardware and software development.

The main activity areas of the Radio Systems Division of NECTML are the architecture, simulation, design and development of the baseband data processing aspects of the base station, as described in 3GPP Specification Groups’ description of Radio Layers 1 and 2.

Purpose:

NTML has developed inhouse Link Level and System Level simulators using C++.  The Link Level simulator accurately models the entire transmission/reception chain between a base station (BS) and User Equipment (UE), in some cases to bit-true level.  The System Level simulator uses a higher level of abstraction to model a loaded network including UE mobility, detailed environment/channel models and antenna configurations.  

This position involves defining and architecting key L1/L2 signal processing blocks across NECTML’s development activities: in the Link Level and System Level simulators, in the virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software, and in the Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP.   It also involves helping to develop and maintain the simulation tools which are essential for many of the activities carried out by NECTML, and more widely in NEC.   The role involves the identification (from the 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 specifications), design and implementation of new features within the simulators (particularly relating to New Radio (NR)) and contributing to the various activities for which the simulation tools are used.  For example:

• Investigation and analysis of new features in the 3GPP specification from implementation in the simulator through to performance verification.
• Development of physical layer receiver algorithms and verification of their performance.
• Architecting L1/L2 signal processing solutions for the virtualised DU software and the RU hardware IP, ensuring consistency between the simulation models and the product implementation.
• Supporting BS hardware and software development teams (in the UK and Japan) by providing reference models (including bit-true models where necessary) for real-time software and FPGA/ASIC testing and verification.
• Researching emerging technologies to support NEC’s product planning and sales activities.   
• Applying AI/ML techniques, particularly agentic AI, to automate and accelerate software and hardware development.
• Supporting NEC’s 3GPP standardisation delegates by generating simulation results for inclusion in contributions to 3GPP meetings (Tdocs).

Key responsibilities

• Defining and architecting key L1/L2 signal processing blocks for
  • Link-level and system-level simulators,
  • Virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) L1/L2 software,
  • Radio Unit (RU) L1 hardware IP.
• Liaising with software and hardware development groups providing them with technical support and assistance when necessary.
• Undertaking system specification, high-level design, detailed design, implementation and testing of new features in the simulator. Verifying the correctness of implementation by calibration against published results when available.
• Tracking the development of the 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 specifications relating to the 5G NR/6G implementation in the simulators and products.
• Identifying new/missing 3GPP features (or changes to existing features) that need to be implemented in the simulator in order to keep it up to date.
• Communicating relevant updates to the specifications to the rest of the team.
• Developing and deploying agentic AI tools and workflows to automate and accelerate software development.
• Learning the inner workings of the simulator kernel for extending the platform functionality
• Liaising with other NEC groups worldwide who also use the simulator and providing (informal) technical support and assistance when necessary.
• Creating and maintaining all necessary documentation for the projects assigned.
• Following the company’s life cycle and QA procedures.

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• Expert-level digital signal processing skills.
• Linear algebra, probability theory and statistics.
• Experience of algorithm development (synchronization and tracking, channel estimation, equalization and MIMO detection, de-mapping and decoding, etc).
• Strong Object Oriented and C++ programming skills.
• Experience of link and/or system level simulation.
• Understanding of 5G NR, 5G Advanced and 6G.
• Familiarity with 3GPP standards process.
• Strong understanding of the 3GPP RAN1/RAN2 technical specifications.
• Understanding of AI/ML, particularly agentic AI development to automate and accelerate software development.
• Experience of data analysis using MATLAB.
• Understanding and experience of the software development life cycle.
• Methodical and thorough programming approach and ability to work according to Quality Assurance procedures.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Familiarity with O-RAN Standards.
• Experience of L1/L2 software development on virtualised platforms (e.g. vDU) and/or L1 hardware development (e.g. RU/FPGA).
• Ability to produce technical documentation to good standards.
• Experience of scripting languages such as Python.
• Experience of using Intel’s SIMD functions for code optimisation.
• Signal processing for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including large Doppler shift/rate compensation, timing advance estimation, and beamforming for LEO service links, ideally with familiarity with 3GPP NTN specifications.
• Understanding of multi-threading to achieve code parallelism.
• Experience of version control and configuration management tools.

Soft skills:

• Self-motivated and self-starter.
• Logical thinker with effective, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Integrity and a commitment to quality.
• Able to build co-operative working relationships internally with NECTML and externally with other NEC groups.
• Openness to cultural diversity.

Other Requirements / features of the role:

• Work can take place at our offices in Leatherhead or remotely (but based in the UK). 
• Occasional overseas travel, particularly to Japan, may be required.
• Occasional technical forum attendance may be required.

Education:

Educated to PhD or higher degree level, preferably in the area of communications, software engineering, physics or mathematics.