SAR System Engineer (Airborne SAR / UAV)

Role overview

Our client is a fast-moving deep-tech startup (founded in August 2024) building next-generation AI-powered SAR sensing systems for exploration, reconnaissance, and ground-penetrating applications. They develop production-grade airborne SAR systems that push the limits of what radar can detect—even through soil and complex materials. You will join a small, elite technical team where your decisions have immediate real-world impact in both defense and humanitarian projects.

Role OverviewWe are looking for a SAR System Engineer with end-to-end experience building airborne SAR systems (UAV, aircraft, or satellite). This is a strictly "hands-on" role, not a theoretical one. You will design, build, integrate, test, and optimize real SAR payloads and processing pipelines, transforming raw radar returns into high-quality imagery ready for AI-based analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• System Design & Testing: Design, assemble, and test airborne SAR systems, primarily UAV-based ground-penetrating SAR (GP-SAR).
• Pipeline Ownership: Own the full SAR processing pipeline—from raw radar (Level 0) data to final SAR images.
• Algorithm Optimization: Develop and optimize SAR imaging algorithms, including Back-projection, Range-Doppler, and Omega-K.
• SAR Corrections: Implement motion compensation, time-zero alignment, calibration, geometric spreading correction, and background subtraction.
• Production Frameworks: Build production-ready, scalable processing frameworks for real-time or near-real-time operation.
• Collaboration: Work closely with RF, hardware, and AI engineers to deliver clean SAR data for automated detection and classification tasks.
• Full Lifecycle Support: Support the entire journey from simulation and integration to field testing and final deployment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
• Track Record: Proven experience delivering complete, deployable SAR systems on airborne platforms (UAV, aircraft, or satellite).
• Technical Depth: Deep understanding of SAR image formation, radar systems, RF fundamentals, and signal processing.
• Software Skills: Solid software engineering skills in Python and/or C++.
• Mindset: A system-level thinker capable of bridging the gap between research algorithms and deployable production code.
• Education: Strong academic background in a relevant field, but with a focus on practical application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GPU / CUDA for high-performance computing.
• Background in ground-penetrating or material-penetrating SAR (soil, foliage, etc.).
• Previous experience with defense or government SAR programs.
• A valid driving license (valid in Germany) for field operations.

Why Join Our Client?

• Cutting-Edge Tech: Work directly with the founders on revolutionary SAR, RF, and AI technology.
• Unique Workspace: The base is located at a former Berlin airport, featuring a massive on-site outdoor testing area for immediate field validation.
• Impact: Be a core engineer in a well-funded startup where your work saves lives and makes the world a better place.
• Equity: Competitive compensation package including VSOP/equity options.

How to Apply.Even if you don’t match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply if you have real SAR experience and a hands-on engineering mindset. Please contact our recruiters.

Requirements
SAR