Chief Field Systems Engineer

CHAOS Industries • Hawthorne, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the roll out of our paradigm shifting multi-static sensor products, roll out new technology to the field, build a field system engineering team from the ground up, and see the products through successful field testing to maximize performance.
The Chief Field Systems Engineer is the technical and operational owner of CHAOS’ expeditionary radar and sensor systems once they leave the factory and meet the real world. This role exists to close the gap between design intent and field reality - ensuring our systems are rugged, usable, performant, and mission-ready in the most demanding environments.
You’ll sit at the intersection of product engineering, systems engineering, mission operations, and customers. You’ll collaborate closely with design engineers, system architects, product leaders, mission teams, and Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) to translate cutting-edge technology into reliable fielded capability. Just as importantly, you’ll build and lead a high-performing Field Systems Engineering organization from the ground up.
Team mandate & collaboration: This team exists to make sure our systems work - not just in theory, but in the dirt, on-site, under time pressure. You’ll partner daily with Systems Engineering, Hardware, Software, Product, Mission Operations, and customers. Expect a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up environment where clear thinking, strong judgment, and technical credibility matter.
What you’ll own: You will have complete ownership of the transition from “factory complete” to “field ready,” including acceptance criteria, ruggedization, field procedures, and continuous performance improvement based on real-world use.

Requirements

• Proven ownership of complex hardware–software systems deployed outside of a lab environment
• Hands-on experience taking systems from prototype through field testing and operational deployment
• Deep understanding of radar, RF sensing, or analogous complex sensor systems
• Demonstrated experience mitigating false alarms, clutter, or noise in real-world sensing environments
• Experience with array calibration and maintaining system performance over time
• Strong systems-level thinking - able to diagnose issues spanning hardware, software, networking, and operations
• Experience writing and enforcing technical procedures, acceptance criteria, and field documentation
• Ability to lead technical teams through ambiguous, high-pressure situations

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Prior experience leading or building a field engineering, systems engineering, or forward deployed engineering team
• Background in defense, aerospace, or national security programs
• Experience working directly with customers in operational environments
• Familiarity with expeditionary or ruggedized system design
• Active or eligible U.S. security clearance

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead engineer accountable for performance of expeditionary radar and sensor systems in the field
• Own and continuously refine system acceptance criteria for transitioning products from factory to field deployment
• Identify, prioritize, and drive updates required to improve field usability, reliability, and performance
• Lead ruggedization initiatives (mechanical, electrical, software, procedural) required to achieve true field readiness
• Partner with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to update designs for sustained field operation
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for successful field deployments, including:
• Concept of operations (CONOPS), mission planning, and sensor emplacement for maximum effect
• System bring-up, out-of-the-box checks, and startup testing
• Field debugging and fault isolation
• Mode parameter updates to maximize performance, reduce clutter, and mitigate false alarms
• Field calibration procedures for array and system performance
• Work closely with system engineers to refine mode parameters, beam scanning techniques, and radar processing approaches based on field results
• Build, lead, and mentor a team of Field Systems Engineers and Forward Deployed Engineers
• Set technical standards, operating rhythms, and escalation paths for field engineering work
• Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex field issues
• Develop best practices for knowledge sharing between field teams and core engineering
• Support critical customer engagements and deployments as needed
• Translate customer feedback and mission outcomes into actionable engineering priorities
• Ensure lessons learned in the field are systematically captured and fed back into product development

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
• 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
• Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
• Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level