Radar Systems Engineer

InvestedintheMission; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote/hybrid

Impactful missions

Unlimited PTO

Salary and equity

Health coverage

Space defense innovation

Job summary

LeoLabs is seeking a Radar Systems Engineer in California to help design, implement, and sustain next‑generation radar software for space domain awareness. You will bridge hardware and software, focusing on signal processing, tracking, and system calibration to enable precise detection of objects in LEO.

You will develop Python tools, analyze I/Q data, and support deployment and validation of radar systems, working in a fast-paced, mission‑critical environment with cross‑functional teammates and

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field, plus 3+ years radar experience.
• Strong Python for data analysis, algorithm development, and visualization.
• Working knowledge of radar signal processing fundamentals, including filtering and range/Doppler measurements.
• Experience with phased array systems, RF fundamentals, and angle of arrival concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, model, simulate, and validate algorithms for radar signal processing chains.
• Prototype analysis workflows in Python; produce diagnostics and plots.
• Support operational deployment, calibration, and validation of radar systems.

Skills

Radar signal processing

Python

Phased array fundamentals

Beamforming

RF hardware

Radar algorithms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field

Job description

Why LeoLabs?

At LeoLabs, we’re building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.

We’re not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.

If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.

We are currently looking for a Radar Systems Engineer to support our growing team. Our Radar Systems group develops, maintains, and operates advanced software for phased array radars. This cross-disciplinary role bridges hardware and software, theory and real-world application, with a focus on radar signal processing, modeling, simulation, and tracking. Responsibilities span the full radar lifecycle: from concept and development to deployment, calibration, performance monitoring, and operational support.

Why This Role Matters:

Your work directly impacts mission-critical radar systems that support national security, commercial space operations, and global space safety by enabling precise detection, tracking, and analysis of objects in space.

Daily work focuses on software development in the following key areas:

Radar Signal Processing & Analysis

• Develop, model, simulate, and validate algorithms for radar signal processing chains including matched filters, detection, and parameter estimation
• Analyze I/Q and intermediate radar data in time and frequency domains
• Troubleshoot and optimize signal processing workflows (pulse compression, FFT, coherent integration, clutter/interference mitigation)

Software Development & System Support

• Implement tools for radar control, data acquisition, processing, and visualization
• Prototype analysis workflows in Python; produce clear diagnostics and plots
• Support operational deployment, calibration, and validation of radar systems, including timing, range, Doppler, amplitude, and phase

Required Skills & Experience

• End-to-end understanding of radar transmit/receive chains, signal processing, and detection theory
• Strong Python skills for analysis, prototyping, and visualization
• Knowledge of phased array fundamentals, beamforming, and RF hardware
• Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize complex radar algorithms

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related technical field, plus 3+ years of hands-on experience in radar systems, signal processing, or a closely related domain.
• Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, algorithm development, and visualization.
• Working knowledge of radar signal processing fundamentals, including filtering, making range/doppler measurements, and further analysis of radar data.
• Experience with phased array systems, RF fundamentals, and angle of arrival concepts.

Additional Skills (Preferred):

• Model phased array/beamforming and Tx/Rx chain components, simulate performance across conditions, and diagnose RF issues (IQ imbalance, clock drift, nonlinearity, interference)
• Exposure to multiple radar architectures, waveforms, and design tradeoffs
• Experience with software deployment, DevOps, and real-time production systems
• Linux-based radar system operation
• High-performance computing (GPU optimization; FPGA optional)

Perks and Benefits

• Global workforce: flexible remote/hybrid opportunities
• Work on complex, meaningful missions with real-world impact
• Unlimited paid time off for most roles
• Competitive salary and equity packages
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to the forefront of commercial space operations and defense innovation

Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position 119,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We do not work with outside staffing agencies

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC’s website

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.