Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) Research Intern
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) Systems Research Intern
BlueFusion Inc. is a Massachusetts-based deep-tech startup focused on advanced microelectronics, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and multimodal sensor fusion for next-generation wireless networks and autonomous systems. BlueFusion is developing a model-based, compute-accelerated ISAC platform that combines 5G/6G communications, MIMO radar sensing, and AI-enabled data processing within a unified framework. BlueFusion specializes in end-to-end system design spanning RF front ends, high-speed data converters, FPGA/SoC architectures, and real-time signal processing pipelines, with strong emphasis on hardware-in-the-loop validation and scalable system integration.
Position Overview
Three different roles are considered. Candidates are encouraged to apply if their experience, expertise, and interests align with one or more of the following roles. Please mention the role you are applying for during the application process.
- Role 1: RF Systems & Analog Front-End Modeling
This role focuses on modeling, simulation, and performance quantification of RF and analog front-end subsystems for 5G/6G cellular and ISAC systems. The intern will work closely with senior engineers to develop high-fidelity models of antennas, RF chains, and beamforming architectures, enabling system-level optimization through model-based systems engineering (MBSE) workflows.
Key Responsibilities Under Role 1
- Develop and validate models for RF front-end components including antennas, power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and filters
- Design and simulate digital pre-distortion (DPD) and linearization algorithms for PA efficiency improvement
- Model and analyze ADC/DAC behavior including quantization noise, sampling effects, and bandwidth limitations
- Integrate RF models into MATLAB/Simulink-based MBSE frameworks
- Design, simulate, and evaluate the performance of physical antenna arrangements to maximize virtual antennas for radar beamforming applications
- Role 2: Digital Signal Processing & Acceleration
This role focuses on the development and acceleration of cellular baseband signal processing algorithms for 5G/6G systems. The intern will work on waveform generation, MIMO processing, and real-time algorithm implementation across CPU, GPU, DSP, and FPGA platforms.
Key Responsibilities Under Role 2
- Implement and optimize PHY-layer algorithms including modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, equalization, and synchronization
- Develop MIMO processing pipelines including spatial multiplexing and beamforming
- Implement encoding/decoding schemes (LDPC, Polar, Turbo codes)
- Work with real-world cellular stacks including eNB/gNB and UE architectures
- Accelerate algorithms using C/C++, CUDA, and hardware-in-the-loop based workflows
- Interface with open-source platforms such as OpenAirInterface (OAI) and OCUDU
- Role 3: MIMO Radar Signal Processing and Multimodal Sensor Fusion
This role focuses on ISAC with an emphasis on MIMO radar signal processing and multimodal sensor fusion. The intern will develop algorithms for detection, classification, and tracking using radar and complementary sensing modalities.
Key Responsibilities Under Role 3
- Develop and simulate MIMO radar signal processing algorithms including range-Doppler-azimuth-elevation processing and angle-of-arrival estimation
- Implement detection and tracking algorithms (CFAR, Kalman filtering, data association)
- Work on micro-Doppler analysis and target classification
- Integrate radar data with optical, infrared, thermal, event-based, and acoustic sensor inputs
- Develop sensor fusion pipelines for improved perception accuracy
- Validate algorithms using simulated and real-world datasets
Required Qualifications
- Graduate student (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related field
- Strong fundamentals in RF/microwave engineering, communication theory and systems, wireless communications, and signal processing
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Python
- Experience with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, or similar
- Experience with SDR hardware such as ETTUS and Lime SDR
- Experience with ZCU102/Versal or ZCU208/ZUC216 FPGA development boards for real-time communication/radar signal processing workflows
- Self-motivated with good work ethic to excel in a fast-paced startup work culture with minimal supervision.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated capability to conceptually architect wireless front ends
- Experience with phased arrays or massive MIMO systems
- Exposure to mmWave or sub-THz systems
- Knowledge of RF measurement concepts (S-parameters, noise figure, linearity)
- Prior experience with radar evaluation boards such as AWR2243Boost, IWR6843Boost, and MMWCAS-RF-EVM and radar data capture boards such as DCA1000EVM and MMWCAS-DSP-EVM is favorably viewed
Work Environment
Interns and co-ops will work in a collaborative, research-driven engineering environment alongside senior engineers developing next-generation 5G/6G, ISAC, and multimodal sensing technologies using an MBSE workflow. Depending on their assigned role, students will develop RF models, cellular baseband algorithms, or MIMO radar and sensor fusion pipelines using MATLAB/Simulink, HFSS/ADS, Python, C/C++, CUDA, and FPGA toolchains, while validating their work on Nvidia Jetson AGX Orin/Thor, ZCU208/ZCU216 RFSoCs, and ZCU102/Versal AI/ML FPGA platforms. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, rapid prototyping, hardware-in-the-loop validation, collaborative design reviews, and end-to-end system integration to prepare graduate students for careers in advanced microelectronics, wireless communications, autonomous systems, and embedded intelligent systems.
Workplace Location:
This is an in-person position based at BlueFusion Inc.'s office in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Start Date and Application Deadline:
- Positions are available for immediate hire.
- Email your resumes at: careers@bluefusion.tech
- Please mention the role you are applying for during the application process.