Head of SAR Systems (Ground-Penetrating Synthetic Aperture Radar) (Remote)
About The Position
We are looking for a pioneering Head of SAR Systems to own and lead the Synthetic Aperture Radar domain within a fast-scaling deep-tech startup developing drone-based Ground-Penetrating SAR (GPSAR) solutions. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role for a true SAR expert who can architect full processing pipelines from raw Level 0 radar returns to high-quality imagery. You will work directly with the founders and CTO to define the technical roadmap and build the SAR department from the ground up. The role combines advanced signal processing, airborne SAR systems, hardware integration, and production-grade software development. You will lead the development of UAV-based radar payloads designed for defense and humanitarian demining applications. This is a mission-driven opportunity to turn cutting-edge research into life-saving real-world systems.
Requirements
- 5+ years of hands-on SAR payload development experience for airborne platforms (UAV or aircraft)
- Proven expertise building Level 0 SAR processing frameworks
- Strong proficiency in Python and C++
- Experience with CUDA / GPU acceleration (strong advantage)
- Deep understanding of SAR imaging algorithms and signal processing techniques
- Ability to translate complex mathematical models into deployable systems
- Hands-on mindset: comfortable with hardware assembly and field testing
- Willingness to travel to Berlin monthly for on-site integration and testing
Nice To Haves
- Experience with ground-penetrating or material-penetrating SAR (soil, foliage)
- Background in defense-grade systems or institutions (e.g., aerospace/defense research organizations)
- Experience integrating SAR with AI-based object recognition pipelines
Responsibilities
- Build and lead the SAR department, including hiring RF and software engineers
- Architect and implement the complete SAR processing pipeline (Level 0 raw data to final image formation)
- Guide development of SAR imaging algorithms (Back-Projection, Range-Doppler, Omega-K)
- Oversee motion compensation, time-zero alignment, clutter suppression, and background subtraction
- Optimize compute performance (CPU/GPU, CUDA) for real-time or near-real-time image generation
- Lead integration, assembly, and field testing of UAV-based ground-penetrating SAR payloads
- Deliver high-quality SAR data outputs for downstream AI-based detection and classification systems
- Bridge mathematical research and production-ready engineering implementations
Benefits
- VSOP equity participation
- Flexible hybrid/remote model
- Relocation or travel support for strong candidates
- Access to extensive outdoor testing grounds at a former Berlin airport
- Opportunity to shape both technology and team culture from an early stage
- Mission-driven work with direct humanitarian and defense impact
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
No Education Listed
