Hardware Systems Engineer

Hardware Systems EngineerChaos is seeking a Senior Staff Hardware Systems Engineer to lead the technical development of next-generation defense systems from concept through field deployment. You will translate mission needs and product strategy into system architectures and integrated hardware solutions. Working across disciplines, you'll solve complex technical problems, drive engineering tradeoffs, and ensure products perform reliably in operational environments.The ideal candidate combines deep technical credibility with team leadership, systems thinking, and experience delivering hardware in a fast-paced environment. This individual leads from the front, personally executing high-impact technical tasks in support of program success.Responsibilities:Lead a small cross-functional hardware development team, establishing technical priorities and driving execution from concept through productionLead hardware systems engineering from early product definition through architecture, requirements, qualification, production, and lifecycle supportDefine system architectures and allocate functionality across mechanical, electrical, RF, software, and test subsystemsDefine and manage internal and external interfacesLead system-level trade studies balancing performance, SWaP-C, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and costMake timely technical decisions under ambiguity while balancing mission performance, risk, schedule, manufacturability, and costDevelop new product concepts and support proposals and technology demonstrationsIdentify technical risks early and drive practical mitigation strategiesLead technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRRPersonally contribute to critical engineering work as needed to ensure team and program successCollaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and test teams to mature designs into productionWhat success looks like:Mission needs and product concepts become executable engineering solutionsCross-functional teams remain aligned around a coherent system architectureProducts perform reliably in demonstrations and operational deploymentsTechnical risks are resolved before they become program risksMinimum requirements:Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 10+ years of relevant engineering experienceBackground in space systems, missile systems, avionics, radar, EW, or defense electronicsStrong understanding of system architecture, interface definition, and engineering tradeoffsProven technical leadership of small multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex hardware products in a fast-paced development environmentExperience performing system architecture trade studies and allocating system and hardware requirementsStrong attention to detail and executionAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearancePreferred requirements:Master's degree in an engineering or business disciplineExperience interpreting and applying military specifications and standardsExperience writing technical proposalsExperience designing for manufacturability and production transitionExperience with prototype integration and customer demonstrationsHands-on experience developing, integrating, and troubleshooting complex hardware systemsRequirements management or MBSE tools (DOORS, Jama, Cameo, MagicDraw, SysML)Why CHAOS?Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the companyAdditional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and moreOur Perks: Free daily lunch, 'No meeting Fridays', unlimited PTO, casual dress codeCompensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonusesTeam Growth: 350 employees and counting across 5 global offices$190k-270kThe 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.