Help Build a First-of-its-Kind RF Measurement Platform for Cybersecurity Research
Research Engineer – Software Defined Radio (SDR) / RF Measurements
Part-Time Independent Contractor (2–3 Weeks | 40–80 Hours)
About SixthSense Partners
SixthSense Partners is an early-stage technology company conducting research at the intersection of radio-frequency sensing, statistical signal analysis, and cybersecurity.
We are developing a novel automated RF measurement platform to support research into new approaches for physical sensing, authentication, and cybersecurity. We are seeking a motivated graduate student or early-career engineer to help build and validate this experimental research system.
This is an opportunity to work on a unique applied research project involving Software Defined Radio (SDR), RF measurements, Python programming, signal processing, and experimental data analysis.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will assemble, configure, and validate a portable Software Defined Radio (SDR)-based measurement system capable of automatically collecting ambient FM spectrum measurements and associated metadata.
The project emphasizes practical experimental engineering rather than commercial product development. The objective is to build a reliable research instrument that will support an ongoing experimental research program investigating the statistical structure of ambient radio environments.
Responsibilities
Assemble and configure a Software Defined Radio (SDR)-based measurement platform.
Select and integrate appropriate SDR hardware, antenna, and supporting components.
Develop Python software to automate ambient FM spectrum acquisition.
Design a repeatable measurement workflow that records spectra together with timestamps and experiment metadata.
Test and validate measurement repeatability across multiple locations.
Assist with integration of collected data into an existing Python-based analysis pipeline.
Prepare clear technical documentation describing hardware, software, and operating procedures.
Required Qualifications
Graduate student or recent graduate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
Experience with Software Defined Radio platforms such as Airspy, SDRplay, RTL-SDR, GNU Radio, SDR#, or similar.
Strong Python programming skills.
Familiarity with RF measurements, antennas, and signal acquisition.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and communicate technical results clearly.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following is desirable:
Raspberry Pi or embedded Linux
Digital Signal Processing
Scientific data acquisition
NumPy, SciPy, or MATLAB
Experimental measurement systems
Git or other version control tools
Project Deliverables
At the completion of the engagement, the successful candidate will provide:
A fully operational SDR-based ambient RF measurement platform.
Automated data acquisition software.
Documentation sufficient for non-specialists to operate the system.
A pilot dataset collected from multiple measurement locations.
Recommendations for future enhancements.
Compensation
This is a part-time independent contractor position.
Compensation: $50 per hour
Estimated commitment: 40–80 hours over approximately 2–3 weeks, with flexible scheduling.
Additional paid research opportunities may be available if the initial project is successful.
Research Opportunity
This project is part of a broader research effort investigating new approaches to physical sensing and cybersecurity.
Candidates who make significant technical and intellectual contributions may be invited to participate in future research collaborations and may be considered for co-authorship on scientific publications, consistent with standard academic authorship practices.
This role offers an opportunity to help shape an emerging research platform from the ground up while working directly with the project's founder on experimental system design, data acquisition, and statistical analysis.
Location
Cleveland, Ohio (preferred)
Hybrid work may be possible depending on the candidate's experience and availability.
To Apply
Please submit:
Resume or CV
A brief description of your experience with Software Defined Radio (SDR), RF measurement systems, or related experimental work
Links to GitHub repositories or technical projects (if available)
Your availability during the next month
If you have worked with SDRs, RF instrumentation, GNU Radio, Python-based scientific software, or experimental measurement systems, please briefly describe the technical project you found most interesting and the role you played.
Pay: $1,000.00 - $1,500.00 per week
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cleveland Hts, OH 44106
