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Master Thesis, 30 HP: Spectrum sensing for illuminators of opportunity

Solna or Stockholm - Järfälla,
Sweden
Closing date: 29 November 2025

Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation thrives on new ideas, and your master thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.

Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background

Passive Coherent Location (PCL) is a method of detecting and localizing targets similar to radar, but without transmitting. The technology exploits the microwave signals transmitted by commercial transmitters such as digital TV broadcasters and listens for the reflections of these signals. This has many advantages over traditional radar. Since the PCL system doesn't transmit it's virtually undetectable, it's harder to jam, it requires less power, and it doesn't require cooperation with the government and other transmitters for use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

One downside with utilizing external sources of illumination is that the operator has no control over the transmitter. It is therefore of interest to detect and obtain information about the external transmitters in order to gain awareness of where in the electromagnetic spectrum illuminators are available and which type of signals they broadcast.

Description of the master thesis

By sensing the spectrum and identifying available illuminators, a passive radar system can opportunistically exploit these sources and adapt its signal processing to the characteristics of each signal type.

The aim of this project is to investigate methods for:

  • Detecting the presence of signals across the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Classifying the type of signals observed

The methods can also be tested on recorded data using a software-defined radio (SDR).

The focus of the thesis can be tailored to the applicant’s interests and background. For example, the work may emphasize signal processing for spectrum sensing, or practical implementation and testing using an SDR.

Your profile

This Master Thesis is suitable for a motivated engineering student with:

  • Experience in MATLAB or Python
  • Interest in signal processing, wireless communications, and radar technology

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements!

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

What you will be a part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 25,500 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here

Last application day

30-11-2025

Contact information

Neda Tooloutalaie, Head of Future Technologies

neda.tooloutalaie@saabgroup.com

+46 73-446 0055

David Mårsäter, Master Thesis Supervisor

david.marsater@saabgroup.com

+46 73-437-9417