Senior Radar Algorithms Engineer

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air.

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Radar Algorithms Engineer to lead the development of our radar algorithm development. This role owns everything from signal digitization to data analytics and requires a strong, self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

You Are the Right Fit for the Role at Kapta Space If::
• You are open to working with a multi-disciplinary team in creating radar system and algorithm requirements
• You are able to architect, design, simulate, and implement radar algorithms: digital signal processing, SAR image formation, and target detection and tracking using both classical and machine learning techniques
• Are ready to take ownership of radar system rotational algorithms from satellite Pose estimations
• Ready to assist in Hardware-aware optimizations of algorithms targeting FPGAs, Embedded Processors, Edge Compute, and ground-based servers
• Can evaluate implementation/maintenance complexity and resource requirements (compute, memory, power), to produce trade-studies to support decision making
• Are able to generate test plans and methods to validate radar algorithms on hardware platforms so that they meet end-user needs/expectations
• You are willing to assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team here at Kapta Space

Requirements of the Role: :
• BS, MS, or PhD degree in engineering, computer science, or physics
• 10+ years of experience in sensor algorithm development (ideally radar) and statistics
• Experience in architecting DSP algorithms and data systems
• Experience with MATLAB, Octave, Python, or similar
• Comfortable with Git, CI, Code Reviews, and Version Control and organized enough to be productive in a lean startup environment
• Experience in signal/image processing, state estimation, and radar data processing techniques
• Experience with SAR image formation (including Stripmap, Spotlight, scanSAR, TOPSAR, and InSAR)
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas::
• Pulse-Doppler radar with systems based on multiple phase centers
• CFAR, Kalman Filtering, Target Indication and Tracking (both ground and air)
• Deep/Machine Learning for Detection/Classification/Segmentation
• Familiarity with orbital kinematics, satellite pose estimation, and coordinate transformations
• C/C++ or Rust
• VHDL or Verilog
• An active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus

Concerned you do not meet all the requirements? Not a problem - please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Kapta Space does not engage with external recruiters or agencies without prior written agreement. If you are a recruiter (individual or agency) and wish to engage with Kapta Space for talent acquisition, please email [email protected].