Lead Systems Engineer: Autonomous Subsea Vehicles (Remote Start)

Ignite; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Relocation support to the Netherlands

On-site prototyping facilities

Job summary

Ignite seeks a lead Systems Engineer for a fast-growing defense-focused startup developing autonomous subsea interceptor platforms. You will own the system across mechanical, hydrodynamic, and electrical domains, turning digital models into physical prototypes in demanding maritime environments.

This role includes leading a small team, managing budgets (Mass, Power, Buoyancy, Drag, Navigation, Communications), and guiding HITL validation from prototype to saltwater deployment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of systems engineering experience with a proven track record leading physical design cycles of complex vehicles.
• Experience bridging mechanical, electrical, and hydrodynamic disciplines.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities in fast-moving teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete physical and systemic architecture of subsea platforms, including budgets for Mass, Power, Buoyancy, Drag, Navigation, and Communications.
• Balance trade-offs between payload, speed, and endurance to meet harsh requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary integration of high-voltage battery architectures, control loops, and sensor payloads within tight envelopes.
• Oversee HITL validation, test campaigns, and trials from prototyping to saltwater deployment.
• Mentor a small engineering team across electrical, acoustic, and avionics domains.

Skills

Systems engineering

AIT (Assembly, Integration & Testing)

Leadership

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering

Job description

Ignite seeks a lead Systems Engineer for a fast-growing defense-focused startup developing autonomous subsea interceptor platforms. You will own the system across mechanical, hydrodynamic, and electrical domains, turning digital models into physical prototypes in demanding maritime environments.

This role includes leading a small team, managing budgets (Mass, Power, Buoyancy, Drag, Navigation, Communications), and guiding HITL validation from prototype to saltwater deployment.