Lead Communications Systems Engineer

CHAOS Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits 100% paid

401(k) with 50% company match

Free daily lunch

Unlimited PTO

No meeting Fridays

Job summary

CHAOS Industries is seeking an experienced engineer in El Segundo, CA to lead a team focused on the design of advanced communications and data link systems. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in directional communications systems, along with expertise in algorithm development and signal processing.

This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO. Join us to redefine modern defense with cutting-edge technology!

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with directional communications systems.
• Strong familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB.
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced directive data links.
• Implement approaches to reduce RF signature.
• Analyze radar data to evaluate system performance.

Skills

Directional communications systems

Python

MATLAB

RF systems

Digital signal processing

Algorithm development

Problem-solving skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent experience

Tools

C++

Job description

CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with omniscient systems purpose-built for today’s realities. Designed and built by top U.S. military veterans and Silicon Valley innovators, CHAOS Industries’ products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats. In a world where technological threats move at unprecedented speed, CHAOS Industries delivers advanced sensing and detection solutions that give the ultimate advantage: time.

Role Overview

• Lead a team responsible for the design and development of cutting‑edge communications and data link systems to interconnect and support Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN)
• Support key capabilities to support existing CHAOS sensor products
• Develop new communications product families with leading‑edge capabilities

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced directive data links to connect nodes in a CDN
• Implement approaches to reduce the RF signature created by the data links
• Work with a group of timing experts to incorporate highly accurate time‑transfer algorithms into the network
• Lead the development of new communications capabilities with minimal guidance
• Procure or develop low‑cost, robust hardware to achieve data links in tactical environments between mobile nodes
• Explore and implement approaches to position nodes accurately without reliance on GPS
• Implement algorithms to achieve advanced directional beamforming
• Optimize algorithms for real‑time performance and resource constraints
• Implement algorithms in software (e.g., C++, Python, MATLAB) and/or hardware (e.g., FPGAs, DSPs)
• Analyze radar data to evaluate system performance and identify areas for improvement
• Develop and maintain system simulations and models to support algorithm development and performance evaluation
• Work with radar exports to implement algorithms that relieve network data transfer requirements and reduce network demands
• Contribute to the development of system requirements and specifications
• Modeling and simulation of radar systems and sub‑systems as well as the signal processing chain
• Plan and lead field tests and data collection activities
• Document and present technical findings and progress to leadership
• Mentor and guide junior engineers

Qualifications

• Work full‑time onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA or San Diego, CA
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or another related field or equivalent work experience
• +10 years of experience with directional communications systems
• Strong familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB
• Systems engineering experience with RF (Radio Frequency) systems
• Expertise in digital signal processing (e.g., modulation, filtering, and detection)
• Expertise in algorithm development
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Requirements

• Graduate degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or another related field or equivalent work experience
• Strong foundation in both sides of the Systems Engineering V
• Experience with C++ and/or other computer languages
• Deep understanding of radar systems and modes
• Strong understanding of radar principles, signal processing techniques, and algorithms
• Expertise with radar waveform design, matched filtering, doppler processing, and clutter rejection techniques

Why CHAOS?

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
• Additional benefits: 401(k) (+50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
• Our Perks: Free daily lunch, No meeting Fridays, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
• Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre‑IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
• Team Growth: 200 employees and counting across 5 global offices

Salary Range: $110,000 - $240,000

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.

As set forth in CHAOS Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.