VP R&D

Axon Pulse is an AI-driven startup developing state-of-the-art drone detection systems and advanced solutions for radar and signal processing. We’re seeking a VP of R&D to lead our growing technical team, drive innovation across AI and sensing technologies, and take full ownership of R&D execution and delivery. This is a strategic leadership role at the heart of a company pushing the boundaries of defense and situational awareness technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D organization — including algorithm, software, systems, and project management — to execute across cutting-edge AI-based radar and signal processing solutions, and drone detection technologies.
• Own end-to-end delivery of products and projects, from initial concept through deployment, ensuring adherence to timelines, technical excellence, and high quality.
• Contribute to the company’s strategic direction as an executive leader in the company; report to the CEO
• Establish and refine best practices in AI, data science, and systems engineering to support rapid iteration, reproducibility, and scalable product development.
• Attract, mentor, and retain top engineering talent, cultivating a high-performance R&D culture focused on innovation, ownership, and delivery.
• Identify risks and bottlenecks early in project lifecycles, driving proactive mitigation plans while resolving resource conflicts and technical trade-offs.
• Collaborate closely with sales and delivery to engage with customers, understand their operational needs, and translate those into successful technical outcomes.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of R&D experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in RF and radar technologies, with a deep understanding of signal processing and sensing systems.
• Strong background in artificial intelligence, with experience applying AI/ML to real-world engineering challenges.
• Strategic thinker with strong business intuition and a hands-on, execution-focused approach.
• Ability to engage with customers at both technical and executive levels, translate operational needs into actionable plans, and communicate complex ideas.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Experience managing complex delivery pipelines, balancing deep tech development with practical constraints and customer commitments.
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills; collaborative, decisive, and results-oriented.