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Lead Communications Systems Engineer

Hawthorne, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

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
  • Working with a group of timing experts, lead an effort 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
  • Working with radar exports, implement algorithms to relieve network data transfer requirements as means of reducing demands on the network
  • 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
  • Work full-time onsite at our office in Hawthorne, CA or San Diego, CA 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or another related field or equivalent work experience
  • +10 years of experience of 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
  • Expertise in data analysis
  • 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: 401k (+ 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.

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About Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries is one of the fastest-rising defense technology companies focused on solving modern national security challenges through advanced radar, sensing, and counter-drone systems. Founded in 2022, the company develops next-generation technologies designed to help military and national security operators detect airborne threats faster and operate more effectively in increasingly contested environments.

For job seekers, Chaos Industries offers the opportunity to work on mission-driven technology with direct real-world impact. Employees help build systems related to radar, autonomous sensing, communications, counter-UAS, and AI-enabled defense capabilities—making it an attractive destination for engineers, software developers, hardware specialists, program managers, and defense professionals who want to work at the forefront of national security innovation.

Unlike many traditional defense contractors, Chaos Industries operates with a startup-style culture focused on speed, innovation, and rapid problem-solving. The company is known for moving quickly, building advanced technology in-house, and tackling complex defense challenges with an engineering-first mindset. For professionals who want the mission focus of defense work with the pace of a high-growth technology company, Chaos offers a unique environment.

As defense spending increasingly prioritizes autonomous systems, drone defense, and advanced battlefield awareness, Chaos Industries continues to grow its team across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and mission support functions. For veterans, cleared professionals, and technology talent looking to help shape the future of defense, Chaos Industries is emerging as one of the more exciting companies to watch.

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