Emergent is a Delft-based company focused on transforming autonomous aerial systems for defense and emergency response. We create and implement software for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that facilitate platform-independent collaborative autonomy, and we develop Counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems that can detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones in complex environments. Our technology utilizes decentralized swarming algorithms and multi-sensor fusion to address real-world challenges effectively.

About the Company

We have successfully secured significant funding and grants, collaborating with clients and strategic partners across Europe and allied nations, indicating strong market traction. Backed by experienced advisors, we offer a chance to be part of a 20-person team dedicated to pushing the limits of autonomy and counter-drone defense, with genuine autonomy and influence over our projects.

The Role

As the Senior Systems Integration Engineer / Tech Lead for our C-UAS product line, you will be responsible for the integration of detection, tracking, command-and-control, and effector subsystems into a cohesive system that operates effectively in the field. This role involves making diverse sensors, data links, C2 software, and effectors function as a unified system under pressure and against real threats.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end integration of the C-UAS system, architecting and leading the incorporation of radar, RF, EO/IR, acoustic, and other sensors with our C2 and effector subsystems into a deployable, interoperable solution.
• Lead command-and-control (C2) integration by defining interfaces, message buses, and data models that connect detection, tracking, decision-making, and effector cueing throughout the kill chain.
• Drive sensor fusion and track management by integrating and validating multi-sensor fusion, track correlation, and classification to produce a reliable air picture.
• Manage the decision-making layer by integrating threat evaluation, prioritization, and effector-assignment logic into robust, testable software.
• Set the technical direction by maintaining the integration architecture, ensuring modularity, interoperability, and compliance with relevant standards and ICDs.
• Lead and mentor a small, high-performing engineering team, establishing code standards, testing frameworks, and review processes to enhance the technical capabilities of the team.
• Stay actively involved in development, debugging, simulation, HIL/SIL, and field testing, while owning the V&V strategy from bench to deployment.
• Collaborate with founders, clients, and partners to translate operational requirements into scalable system architecture, guiding integrated systems from prototype to customer acceptance trials.

Requirements

• MSc (or BSc with equivalent experience) in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
• 5+ years of industry experience with a proven track record in integrating complex systems of systems, preferably in Counter-UAS (C-UAS) or Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) systems.
• Demonstrated experience in system integration, sensor fusion, and decision-making/effector cueing.
• Proven ability to establish full system architectures and define interfaces (ICDs, message buses, data models) across subsystems from various vendors.
• Experience leading engineering teams or managing significant technical projects, including technical project management.
• Proven expertise in defining V&V strategies and transitioning integrated systems from prototype to deployment.
• Strong hands-on skills with sensors, links, and systems integration; adept at analyzing logs and understanding timing, latency, and failure modes across distributed systems.
• Proficiency in Linux/WSL, C++, and Python.
• Solid understanding of tracking, sensor fusion, and estimation principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead within a dynamic team environment.
• Excellent verbal communication in English; proficiency in Dutch is a strong plus.
• EU and/or NATO citizenship required.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with C-UAS or IAMD programs, battle-management/C2 software, or air-defense integration.
• Familiarity with relevant interoperability standards and interfaces (e.g., STANAG 4586, ASTERIX radar data, Link 16, MAVLink) and experience defining ICDs across subsystems.
• Experience with multi-sensor tracking, track fusion, and TEWA (threat evaluation and weapon/effector assignment) concepts.
• Experience with HIL/SIL setups and advanced simulation environments.
• Experience leading field test campaigns or customer acceptance trials.
• Familiarity with GPU acceleration, ROS, PX4, ArduPilot, Docker, and CI/CD.
• Experience with industry-standard communications links and C-UAS testing.
• Familiarity with defense or dual-use deployment environments.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus 8% holiday allowance and 25 vacation days.
• A pivotal technical leadership role in a fast-growing defense-tech startup, with significant autonomy and influence.
• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking C-UAS and swarm technology and deploy it on real systems with substantial operational impact.
• A collaborative, supportive team in Delft with deep technical ambition and a practical focus, along with genuine opportunities for growth.
• Full-time onsite in Delft, with travel opportunities to the EU, North America, and Ukraine.
• Commute compensation.

Application Process

Please combine your application materials into a single PDF and submit them as part of your CV entry. Include your CV, which should feature your portfolio, and a motivation letter that describes something you have built, broken, tested, or deployed during school, work, or in your personal time. Bonus points if it flew.