Staff Systems Engineer, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Missions

Staff Systems Engineer, SAR Missions

Richmond, BC | Hybrid

We’re seeking an experienced Staff Systems Engineer to support advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mission programs. This role is ideal for a senior technical leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, guiding mission-level design, and working with cross-functional teams on high-value imaging and intelligence solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end SAR systems engineering activities across the mission lifecycle.
• Develop mission concepts, specifications, trade studies, and technical solutions.
• Support SAR design, image quality modelling, commissioning, calibration, and operations.
• Manage mission-level technical risks, integration, verification, and validation.
• Provide technical guidance to leadership, customers, and engineering teams.
• Mentor and support the development of team members.

What You’ll Bring

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Math, Physics, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience with radar, SAR, or active imaging systems.
• 10+ years in complex systems engineering environments.
• Strong knowledge of SAR remote sensing, system design, operations, applications, and calibration.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice to Have

• MATLAB or Python experience.
• Knowledge of satellite-based SAR payloads, mission design, orbital dynamics, or geospatial data.

Requirements

• Must be eligible for Reliability Security Clearance and Controlled Goods Program clearance.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.