InterDigital Communications

Research Engineer / Scientist (Wireless + AI/ML)

InterDigital Communications$80K — $120K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in wireless communications, signal processing, networking, AI/ML for communication systems, and distributed or edge intelligence.
  • Knowledge of AI/ML techniques and their applications to communication systems, including GenAI and Agentic AI.
  • Proficiency in Python and MATLAB, with working knowledge of C/C++ and Linux-based environments.
  • Experience with simulation and programming tools like MATLAB, Python, and machine learning frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct advanced research in wireless communication systems focusing on PHY/MAC layers, radio architectures, and protocols.
  • Design and evaluate AI/ML-driven wireless algorithms, including semantic communications and resource optimization.
  • Develop and implement link-level and system-level simulations using tools like MATLAB and Python.
  • Build proof-of-concept prototypes and validate concepts on practical platforms.
  • Prototype Agentic AI and GenAI workflows for autonomous network functions.
  • Explore Physical AI concepts connecting wireless control with robotics and low-latency networks.
  • Assess networking protocol behavior across various environments, including edge/cloud.
  • Contribute to technical reports, publications, and patent filings.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and publication support.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional research teams.
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in a dynamic research environment.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct advanced research in wireless communication systems, including PHY/MAC layers, radio architectures, networking protocols, and end-to-end system design
  • Design and evaluate AI/ML-driven wireless algorithms (e.g., semantic communications, intent based and agentic AI communications, GenAI-assisted network optimization, resource allocation, edge intelligence)
  • Develop and implement link-level and system-level simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Python, Sionna, or equivalent frameworks
  • Build proof-of-concept prototypes (e.g., OAI, SDR, digital twins, edge AI testbeds) and validate concepts on practical platforms or testbeds
  • Prototype Agentic AI and GenAI workflows for autonomous network planning, troubleshooting, orchestration, and standards-oriented research acceleration
  • Explore Physical AI concepts that connect perception, sensing, wireless control, robotics/automation, and embodied AI systems over reliable low-latency networks
  • Evaluate networking protocol behavior across IP, transport, application, RAN/core, edge/cloud, and distributed AI deployment environments
  • Analyze and optimize system performance using theoretical and data-driven approaches
  • Contribute to technical reports, publications, and patent filings
  • Collaborate with cross-functional research teams across wireless, AI, standards, and prototyping groups


Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. recently completed in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
  • Strong foundation in one or more of the following areas:
    • Wireless communications
    • Signal processing
    • Networking
    • AI/ML for communication systems
    • Distributed or edge intelligence
  • Solid knowledge of AI/ML techniques and their application to communication systems including GenAI, Agentic AI, foundation models, and edge learning
    • Understanding of networking protocols and architectures such as TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC, HTTP/2/3, gRPC, MQTT, routing, SDN/NFV, and edge/cloud networking
    • Programming proficiency in Python and MATLAB, with working knowledge of C/C++ and Linux-based development environments
  • Experience with simulation and programming tools, such as:
    • MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar scientific and systems programming languages
    • Machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
  • Demonstrated ability to translate theory into working simulations or prototypes


Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • System-level or link-level simulators (e.g., Sionna or equivalent)
    • Wireless prototyping platforms (e.g., SDRs, OAI testbeds, or real-time systems)
    • Generative AI and agent toolchains, including LLM APIs, RAG pipelines, vector databases, prompt/evaluation frameworks, and autonomous agent orchestration
    • Physical AI, robotics, sensing, perception, control, embodied AI, or cyber-physical systems integrated with wireless connectivity
    • MLOps and reproducible AI workflows using Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow, CI/CD, and GPU acceleration (CUDA where applicable)
  • Research track record including publications, patents, or technical contributions
  • Familiarity with cellular standards (4G/5G/6G evolution)
  • Experience in AI-native wireless systems, edge intelligence, or semantic communications
  • Strong software engineering practices (e.g., Git, reproducible research workflows)
  • Additional AI technologies: RAG, multimodal/foundation models, edge AI, federated/split learning, digital twins, Physical AI, robotics/automation, sensing, perception, and control


Locations: Conshohocken, PA; Melville, NY; Montréal, QC, Canada

What You Bring
  • Curiosity and passion for pushing the boundaries of wireless and AI convergence
  • Ability to balance theoretical rigor with practical implementation
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • A collaborative mindset aligned with a global research environment


A reasonable estimate of the current salary range specific to NY/CA/DE/DC is $80,000 - $120,000 /annually + discretionary incentive bonus, benefits and may include other forms of compensation components such as long-term incentives. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

About InterDigital Communications

InterDigital develops mobile and video technologies that are at the core of devices, networks, and services worldwide. We solve many of the industry's most critical and complex technical challenges, inventing solutions for more efficient broadband networks, better video delivery, and richer multimedia experiences years ahead of market deployment. InterDigital has licenses and strategic relationships with many of the world's leading technology companies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on NASDAQ and is included in the S&P MidCap 400® index.
Learn more about InterDigital Communications
Size
510 employees
Market Cap
$1.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$44.8 million
Founded
1981
5 Year Trend
-8.6%
Revenue
$358.9 million
NASDAQ

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