Signal Processing Architect

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.