Staff Systems Engineer – SAR Missions (Remote)

About the role

Our client, a global leader in Earth‑observation satellites, is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) missions. The position is fully remote within the United States for the first years, with optional relocation to Vancouver later.

Key responsibilities

• End‑to‑end oversight of SAR engineering across the full mission lifecycle.
• Own mission concept of operations, high‑level specs, and spacecraft budgets driving the SAR payload.
• Lead technical solutions for current and future SAR missions, including beam mode and image quality modelling.
• Manage mission‑level risk, integration, verification and validation.
• Conduct design trade‑offs across spacecraft systems, coverage, SAR payload, processor and end‑user applications.
• Own SAR commissioning, calibration and early operations.
• Advise senior management, support new business and mentor the team.

Required profile

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Math or Physics (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ years experience with radar, SAR or similar active imaging systems.
• 10+ years in space systems engineering or a comparable complex systems environment.
• Hands‑on SAR remote sensing experience (design, operation, calibration, applications).
• Strong communicator across technical, sales, executive and customer audiences.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident (export‑control requirements).

Required skills

• MATLAB
• Python
• Satellite SAR payload design and operations
• Space mission design (coverage, access, orbital dynamics)
• Spacecraft design (thermal, power, pointing)
• Geospatial data handling