SAR Processing Engineer – AI (Raw SAR / Level 0)

We are looking for a SAR Processing Engineer – AI with hands-on experience combining raw SAR signal processing and AI models for object and structure recognition. This role sits at the intersection of radar physics, signal processing, and machine learning. You will design AI models that work directly on raw radar returns, integrate them into deployable systems, and validate them through real-world testing.

Our client is building next-generation AI-powered SAR sensing systems for exploration, reconnaissance, and material-penetrating detection. We work with government and defense customers to develop systems that “see through everything.” You will join an elite engineering team working directly with the founders in a unique location—a former Berlin airport with massive outdoor testing areas.

Work Model

• On-site preferred: Remote, but 1 time per month, need to fly to Berlin for field tests.

Experience Requirements

• Mid-level: 3–4 years of professional experience in signal processing or ML, with at least 1+ year of hands-on experience specifically with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
• Senior level: 5+ years of professional experience in radar systems or advanced signal processing, with a proven track record of applying AI/ML to raw sensor data.
• Core Focus: This is not a pure ML role. We require a deep understanding of radar physics combined with AI expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• AI/ML Development: Design and implement robust models for processing raw SAR data (Level 0) for object detection, structure recognition, and automated classification.
• System Integration: Integrate AI models into deployable SAR payloads for airborne (UAV) platforms and build production-ready real-time processing frameworks.
• Performance Optimization: Optimize compute performance across CPU and GPU architectures (CUDA).
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with SAR system engineers, RF/Hardware teams, and software developers.
• Testing & Validation: Lead data collection and testing for AI model validation across the full lifecycle: from simulation to field deployment.

Required Qualifications

• SAR Expertise: Hands-on experience with Synthetic Aperture Radar and raw (Level 0) radar data.
• Programming: Strong skills in Python and/or C++.
• Technical Depth: Solid understanding of radar systems, RF fundamentals, signal processing, and SAR calibration/error correction.
• Acceleration: Experience with CUDA / GPU acceleration is a strong plus.
• Mindset: Ability to bridge the gap between algorithm R&D and deployable production-grade code.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with airborne SAR payloads (UAV, aircraft) or material-penetrating SAR (soil/foliage).
• Background in defense or government-funded projects.
• Experience with NATO-restricted or export-controlled technologies.

Why Join?

• Real Impact: Work on technology that goes from the lab directly to field deployment to solve real-world defense challenges.
• Ownership: Be an early engineer shaping both the product and the company’s technical roadmap.
• Incentives: Competitive compensation plus VSOP (shares) / equity packages.