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.