Head of SAR Systems (Ground-Penetrating Synthetic Aperture Radar)

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.

Details

Location: Remote (European time zone ±) with travel to Berlin one week per month (company covers travel & hotel)

Office Base: Former Berlin Tegel Airport (large dedicated outdoor testing site)

Work Model: Remote / Hybrid

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Defense / Deep-Tech / UAV Radar Systems

Start Date: ASAP

Language Requirements: English – Fluent

Key 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

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 Have

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

Team & Environment

Current team size: 7 (tight, highly collaborative technical team)

Direct collaboration with CTO and founders

Early-stage company founded in August 2024 with validated technical results

Preparing for major demo milestones and rapid team expansion

Benefits & Advantages

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

Interview Process

30-minute intro call with Co-founder

Technical deep dive with CTO

Final call with CEO (on-site meeting possible in Berlin for local candidates