Seeker system Engineer

End-to-end ownership of the interceptor's seeker, the eyes of the missile. You'll lead it from initial requirements and architecture through detailed design, integration, qualification, and transfer to production. The seeker is one of the most performance-critical subsystems on the missile; this role calls for someone who can drive trade studies across sensors, signal processing, and integration constraints, and who is equally comfortable with a whiteboard, a lab bench, and a production line. A hands-on role in a young, growing company where deep engineering meets initiative, creativity, and a drive for performance.
This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a defense-tech startup during its most exciting growth phase.
Responsibilities:
Requirements & Architecture: Define seeker-level requirements derived from system -level needs (range, accuracy, environment, jam resistance, SWaP). Lead architecture trade studies across sensor modalities ( RF / EO / IR / multi-mode), signal chain, and processing topology. Design Ownership: Own the design of the seeker subsystem end-to-end, sensors, RF /optical Front-End, signal processing, tracking algorithms, and onboard processing. Integration: Manage interfaces with the rest of the missile, electronics, GNC, control, mechanical, and with the ground station for target handoff. Write and maintain the seeker ICD. Lab & Field Testing: Plan and execute lab characterization, hardware-in-the-loop tests, and field/flight trials. Lead post- TEST data analysis and feed findings back into design iterations. Production Transfer: Drive the seeker through qualification (MIL- STD environments) and into production, DFM/DFA, TEST plans (ATPs), supplier coordination, and acceptance criteria. Cross-functional leadership: Work alongside the system Engineering, Software, Mechanical, and Electronics teams; technically authoritative on seeker matters.