Job description

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 Principal Radar Engineer to lead radar systems engineering and algorithm development for spaceborne MTI, including target detection, tracking, and performance modeling. We are seeking a hands-on radar SME who can translate mission needs into high-performance radar modes and algorithms. Role Define requirements and architectures for spaceborne MTI detection, tracking, and performance Develop MTI algorithms for Doppler processing, clutter suppression, detection, association, and tracking Model radar and tracker performance in MATLAB/Python across representative orbital geometries and target scenarios Lead waveform, processing, detection-threshold, and tracker trade studies to optimize mission performance Analyze simulated and measured data; define metrics, test cases, and verification methods Partner with RF/antenna, FPGA, software, and systems teams to implement and validate algorithms on hardware Serve as MTI radar SME, mentor engineers, support customer reviews, and help grow the radar team Required Qualifications BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, or related field 8+ years in radar systems/signal processing, including MTI detection and target tracking Expertise in waveform design, Doppler processing, detection theory, clutter, tracking, and radar performance Experience with SAR-based MTI/GMTI algorithms and tracker modeling/evaluation Strong MATLAB/Python skills for modeling, simulation, algorithms, and data analysis Strong foundation in estimation theory, probability/statistics, Fourier analysis, and numerical methods Ability to turn mission needs into requirements, architectures, trade studies, and verification plans in a lean startup environment Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas: Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in EE, Physics, Mathematics, Signal Processing, or related field Spaceborne radar/SAR experience, including orbital-geometry impacts on MTI performance Advanced tracking methods: Kalman/EKF/UKF, IMM, MHT, track-before-detect, or feature-aided tracking SAR/MTI clutter suppression using DPCA, STAP, or other multi-channel techniques Familiarity with STANAG 4607/4676, OMS/UCI, or related MTI data standards Phased arrays, electronic beam steering, digital beamforming, and radar calibration Real-time algorithm implementation in C/C++, FPGA, GPU, or embedded processors Radar integration, hardware-in-the-loop test, and verification/validation experience Experience briefing DoD/IC customers as a principal technical representative Current or ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance 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 hr@kaptaspace.com.

Requirements

Must-haves

Define requirements and architectures for spaceborne MTI detection, tracking, and performance
Develop MTI algorithms for Doppler processing, clutter suppression, detection, association, and tracking
Model radar and tracker performance in MATLAB/Python across representative orbital geometries and target scenarios
Lead waveform, processing, detection-threshold, and tracker trade studies to optimize mission performance
Analyze simulated and measured data; define metrics, test cases, and verification methods
Partner with RF/antenna, FPGA, software, and systems teams to implement and validate algorithms on hardware
Serve as MTI radar SME, mentor engineers, support customer reviews, and help grow the radar team
BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, or related field
8+ years in radar systems/signal processing, including MTI detection and target tracking
Expertise in waveform design, Doppler processing, detection theory, clutter, tracking, and radar performance
Experience with SAR-based MTI/GMTI algorithms and tracker modeling/evaluation
Strong MATLAB/Python skills for modeling, simulation, algorithms, and data analysis
Strong foundation in estimation theory, probability/statistics, Fourier analysis, and numerical methods
Ability to turn mission needs into requirements, architectures, trade studies, and verification plans in a lean startup environment
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in EE, Physics, Mathematics, Signal Processing, or related field
Spaceborne radar/SAR experience, including orbital-geometry impacts on MTI performance
Advanced tracking methods: Kalman/EKF/UKF, IMM, MHT, track-before-detect, or feature-aided tracking
SAR/MTI clutter suppression using DPCA, STAP, or other multi-channel techniques
Familiarity with STANAG 4607/4676, OMS/UCI, or related MTI data standards
Phased arrays, electronic beam steering, digital beamforming, and radar calibration
Real-time algorithm implementation in C/C++, FPGA, GPU, or embedded processors
Radar integration, hardware-in-the-loop test, and verification/validation experience
Experience briefing DoD/IC customers as a principal technical representative

Nice-to-haves

Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas:

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

python

Platform: lever
Effort: quick