Hardware Systems Engineering

Hardware Systems EngineerEl Segundo, California, United StatesCHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.Chaos is seeking a Senior Staff Hardware Systems Engineer to lead the technical development of next-generation defense systems from concept through field deployment. Working across disciplines, you'll solve complex technical problems, drive engineering tradeoffs, and ensure products perform reliably in operational environments.This is a full-time position on-site in El Segundo, CA.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.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. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.