Lead Engineer and Systems Architect

EMPLOYER IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP.Role Description: 

We are seeking a Lead Engineer and Systems Architect to drive engineering and architecture decision making across a suite of products that combine AI, software, firmware and hardware into advanced capabilities for Mission Heroes (customers).  This role requires experience leading the technical aspects of complex engineering projects and the ability to understand tradeoffs and develop architectural solutions at the system level across AI, software, firmware, and hardware.

Responsibilities: 

• Transform short and long term product requirements into an architecture platform that drives design requirements for AI, software, firmware and hardware components
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment within the internal engineering team and contractor engineering teams
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to product development team members and drive decision making that requires complex tradeoffs across AI, software, firmware and hardware
• Lead the development, integration and testing of AI-powered solutions
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of system architecture, design decisions, and technical guidelines
• Collaborate with researchers and product leaders to develop the long term product roadmap

Travel Expectations/Requirements: 5-15%

Location Expectations: Hybrid 3 days in the office in Phoenix, Arizona

The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise. 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with a mix of embedded systems engineering, software engineering and artificial intelligence with 3+ years as a Lead Engineer or Systems Architect
• Experience building systems using advanced SoCs and processors from Qualcomm, AMD, Nvidia or similar
• Experience building systems with resource constraints where battery life, heat and physical space are important considerations
• Experience building edge solutions with AI functionality on-device
• Experience with ARM architecture and development tools
• History of developing systems that have successfully ramped into production
• High level of technical proficiency, with the ability to lead a team in solving complex problems and making high-impact engineering decisions

Amazing To Haves

• Experience deploying on-device neural networks using SDKs for GPUs, DSPs, etc
• Experience building embedded systems in air-gapped environments
• Experience with containerization and Kubernetes

Don’t have all the preferred experience or qualifications? Studies show that underrepresented groups like women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs if they don't meet every requirement listed. At Defense Unicorns, we're committed to diversity. If you're enthusiastic about the role but don't match every criteria, we encourage you to apply. You could be the perfect fit for this or another role! Defense Unicorns is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.