Senior SAR Systems Engineer — Remote Space Mission Leadership

Hikinex; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hikinex seeks a Staff Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end SAR mission engineering for Earth-observation satellites. You will oversee concept of operations, budgets, and high-level specs, guiding design across beam modes, validation, and mission risk management.

The role requires deep radar/SAR experience, a strong background in space systems, and proven leadership. This position offers remote work from the United States with potential relocation later.

Qualifications

• 15+ years with radar, SAR or similar active imaging systems
• 10+ years in a space systems engineering environment
• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Math or Physics
• US citizen or permanent resident (export-control and Controlled Goods requirements)
• Strong communicator across technical, sales, executive and customer audiences

Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end oversight of SAR engineering across the full lifecycle of a SAR space mission
• Own the mission concept of operations and high-level mission specs, including spacecraft budgets that drive the SAR payload
• Lead technical solutions for current and future SAR missions: beam mode design, mission concept design, SAR image quality modelling
• Lead mission-level risk management, integration, verification and validation
• Run design trade-offs across spacecraft systems, coverage and access, SAR payload, SAR processor and end-user applications
• Own the SAR side of commissioning, calibration and early operations
• Advise senior management and new business; mentor the team

Skills

Strong communicator

Team leadership

Radar/SAR experience

Space systems engineering

Education

Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Math or Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Hikinex seeks a Staff Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end SAR mission engineering for Earth-observation satellites. You will oversee concept of operations, budgets, and high-level specs, guiding design across beam modes, validation, and mission risk management.

The role requires deep radar/SAR experience, a strong background in space systems, and proven leadership. This position offers remote work from the United States with potential relocation later.