Chief Field Systems Engineer

TL;DR

Chief Field Systems Engineer (Radar/Sensors): Lead rollout of multi-static sensor products and build field engineering team from ground up with an accent on transitioning systems from factory to field readiness in demanding environments. Focus on ruggedization initiatives, SOP development for deployments, field debugging, calibration, and continuous performance improvement based on real-world data.

Location: Hawthorne, California, United States (onsite). Travel up to 30–40% domestically and internationally. Ability to work in austere environments required.

Salary: $220,000 - $280,000

Company

Defense tech company founded in 2022, raised $1B funding, building advanced sensing solutions powered by Coherent Distributed Networks for military and security applications.

What you will do

• Own technical performance of expeditionary radar and sensor systems in the field, refining acceptance criteria and driving updates for usability and reliability.
• Lead ruggedization efforts across mechanical, electrical, software, and procedural aspects to ensure field readiness.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for deployments, including CONOPS, system bring-up, debugging, mode updates, and calibration.
• Build, lead, and mentor a team of Field Systems Engineers and Forward Deployed Engineers, setting standards and escalation paths.
• Interface with customers and mission teams to capture feedback and translate field lessons into engineering priorities.
• Support deployments, testing, and engagements with up to 30–40% travel.

Requirements

• Proven ownership of complex hardware-software systems deployed outside labs, from prototype to operational use.
• Deep expertise in radar, RF sensing, or similar sensor systems, including false alarm mitigation, clutter reduction, and array calibration.
• Strong systems thinking for diagnosing issues across hardware, software, networking, and operations.
• Experience writing technical procedures, acceptance criteria, and field documentation.
• Ability to lead teams in ambiguous, high-pressure situations.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, work outdoors, and support extended on-site deployments in austere environments.

Nice to have

• Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• Prior experience building field or forward deployed engineering teams.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or national security.
• Direct customer work in operational environments.
• Familiarity with expeditionary or ruggedized systems.
• Active or eligible U.S. security clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision; 401k with 50% match up to 6%, FSA, HSA, life insurance.
• Unlimited PTO, no meeting Fridays, free daily lunch, casual dress.
• Competitive base, pre-IPO stock options, relocation assistance, upcoming annual bonuses.
• Fast-growing team of 200 across global offices, hands-on environment emphasizing clear thinking and technical credibility.