Principal Radar Systems Expert (Signal/RF/Embedded)
Key Skills
Job Description
Robin is a technology leader in the high-stakes world of small-object tracking and classification, where the world’s most advanced radar technology meets real-world safety. Our mission is clear and critical: to protect people and wildlife by preventing bird strikes in aviation, securing wind farms, and safeguarding critical infrastructures and forces against drone threats. We achieve this by combining purpose-built radars with unique, AI-based software algorithms, a powerful combination that turns complex data into immediate action. We’re growing at a velocity that has made us one of the top 10 fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands. As we scale, our soul stays engineering-first — rooted in trust, ownership, and the drive to aim high. We're looking for top engineering talent - agile minds ready to cut through bureaucracy and deliver breakthrough, field-proven sensing products at unmatched speed. The challenge You can drive the technical frontier of our FMCW radar technology, moving from high-level algorithm architecture to hands-on embedded implementation. Together with your expertise, we can ensure our radar systems remain the most advanced in the World by bridging the gap between cutting-edge RF physics and real-time digital execution. The kind of expertise we are looking for 10+ years of deep technical experience in the top-tier radar/defense industry. True expert-level knowledge in at least 2 of the following domains: Signal Processing, RF Hardware Design, VHDL/Embedded C++, or Radar Algorithms. Experience in the development of complex Radar or Electronic Warfare systems. Used to working within the rigorous standards, but flexible to challenge the bureaucracy typically associated with them. Builder mindset: hands-on, autonomous, and driven by velocity. Ability to meet the requirements for Defense security clearance. Fluent in English with the ability to influence and debate technical strategies with the world's leading radar scientists as well as publishing and representing Robin Radar on the academic scene. Responsibilities Design and optimize next-generation FMCW radar architectures, specifically focusing on signal-to-noise maximization and target classification in complex environments. Lead the hands-on development of real-time processing engines using VHDL and C++, ensuring lean, ultra-fast execution on embedded hardware. Develop and implement advanced radar algorithms that outperform industry standards. Manage the hardware-software interface by defining RF design parameters and ensuring the software stack extracts maximum performance from the physical hardware. Integrate defense-grade resilience into our commercial stacks, drawing on past experience with contested RF environments. Work with total autonomy to solve technical bottlenecks and actively challenge current engineering methods and "the way we do things" to drive technical excellence. Explore and integrate AI/ML models into the signal processing pipeline to enhance automated threat detection. N.B. All applicants, we realize that this is quite the list and people come with various levels of experience. Don't be afraid to apply even if you feel you don't meet every desired skill. Our mission is a journey and there's plenty to learn on the way! But nevertheless, you should identify with our core values: We trust, We own it & We aim high. Please note: We will request a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and conduct a background check according to our screening policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. What's In For You Impact over bureaucracy at a Great Place to Work® certified company. This role is based in the Netherlands. We welcome international applicants and provide full relocation support to help you make the move. To proceed, you must be living in the Netherlands or ready to relocate before your start date. Engineering culture featuring an international team of 30+ nationalities where you exchange expertise with the world's leading radar minds. The great Robin atmosphere, with an energetic social environment and a high-performance team that celebrates breakthrough wins at our Friday drinks. And of course, a complete benefits package including: Laptop/desktop, monitor, headphones, and any other equipment necessary for your role; Flexibility and remote working options; True work-life balance with 30 days of paid holiday and the option to buy 3 more; Holiday and commuting allowance; A comprehensive pension plan; Continuous growth through investment in your skills via advanced certifications and specialized training. Want to work on next-level radar tech, solve real problems, and never have to pretend your job has meaning? You’ll fit right in, we’re saving you a seat.
Core Responsibilities
Design and optimize next-generation FMCW radar architectures while leading the hands-on development of real-time processing engines. Manage the hardware-software interface and integrate advanced AI/ML models to enhance automated threat detection capabilities.
Requirements
Requires 10+ years of deep technical experience in the radar or defense industry with expert-level knowledge in signal processing, RF hardware, or embedded systems. Candidates must be able to meet requirements for defense security clearance and possess a builder mindset.
Benefits
- Relocation support
- Laptop
- Desktop
- Monitor
- Headphones
- Remote working options
- 30 days of paid holiday
- Holiday allowance
- Commuting allowance
- Pension plan
- Advanced certifications
- Specialized training
About Robin Radar Systems
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size: 51-200 employees
We’re Robin Radar Systems, and we have you covered. Robin is a Netherlands-based technology leader in bird and drone radar. Our mission is to provide actionable information that increases safety, for humans and wildlife alike. Our systems are built for accuracy, delivering 360° coverage and early warnings. They empower teams in aviation, ecology, defence and security with reliable updates and alerts of potential hazards. We do that by combining cutting-edge hardware with smart software. Our technologies may be ahead of the pack, but our people make us great. Looking for an innovative adventure that spans the globe? Join ours! https://www.robinradar.com/careers Bird Strike Prevention in Aviation Our bird radar systems monitor and store bird movements around the clock. With MAX, you get 3D, 360° awareness, 365 days a year. As well as bringing awareness to a whole new level, our radars provide key insights, like data trends and activity hotspots, to assess and strengthen strategies and KPIs. Bird Monitoring at Wind Farms Increasingly, permits to build wind farms are given under the pre-condition that bird movements are continuously monitored before, during and after construction. Our 3D avian radars simultaneously detect and log thousands of birds and bats, providing extensive reporting for your wind farm’s smooth development and operation. MAX can even detect the beginning of mass migrations and, if needed, trigger the temporary shutdown of single or groups of turbines. Protect wildlife, minimise downtime. Drone Detection in Critical Environments Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or ‘drones’ bring new opportunities, but also severe safety and security threats. We believe advanced detection is your first line of defence, so our systems are deployable, integrate seamlessly, and provide 360° coverage, even on the move. Our purpose-built drone detection radar, IRIS, can detect, track, and automatically distinguish birds from drones.