Lead Systems Engineer

Signature Research, Inc. seeks a collaborative, sharp-minded leader—-Lead Systems Engineer to head up our Modeling & Simulation team supporting cutting-edge, classified Department of Defense programs. This is a unique opportunity to guide a team of software developers and PhD physicists working at the intersection of AI, simulation, and synthetic imagery. Ideally, candidates will live in or within 150 miles of Calumet, Michigan.

As our Lead Systems Engineer – M&S, you’ll manage and inspire a high-caliber team while remaining technically hands-on. You’ll serve as the inflection point between management/engineering and the development team. To be successful in this role requires dedication to the work we do, understanding the potential of our capabilities, and the vison and drive to push the envelope into new areas.

WHAT WE OFFER.

• $100,000 – $165,000 annual starting wage based on your knowledge and experience.
• Comprehensive health and benefit package in which company pays all base plan health insurance premiums; buy-up options available.
• Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan.
• Paid vacation (5 weeks), sick time and holidays.
• Full-time, Monday – Friday position.
• We offer hybrid remote flexibility for highly qualified candidates within 150 miles of Calumet. You’ll need to be on-site at least 1 day per week to collaborate with your team and drive progress forward.

WHAT YOU WILL DO.

• Lead and challenge the development team to solve complex, meaningful problems.
• Distill high-level program objectives/requirements into individual tasks which can be executed by the development staff within time and budget constraints.
• Communicate directly with senior leadership and it’s customers.
• Proactively identify and implement tools, processes, and procedures which support strategic goals.
• Write, review, and develop software in C , Julia, and Python.
• Oversee creation of physically accurate computational models that support the image generation process.
• Apply knowledge of Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) object detectors to support multispectral computer vision product development.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred; PhD is a plus, especially with applied research experience in synthetic imagery or AI/ML for defense systems.
• 8 or more years of experience in a leadership or senior technical role, ideally in modeling, simulation, or defense systems.
• Strong programming skills in C , Julia, and Python.
• Experience with synthetic multispectral imagery and AI training pipelines.
• Ability to manage and collaborate effectively with PhD-level researchers and engineers.
• Skilled at communicating with high level stakeholders (senior leadership, government customers).
• Familiarity with ML/AI-based object detection is a plus.
• Familiarity with Explainable AI (XAI) methods and techniques is highly desirable.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking mindset and strong ability to address complex problems.
• Be able to celebrate wins, take ownership of failures, and not be afraid to take risks.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the United States (less than 20%) is required.
• S. citizenship and the ability to obtain (upon hire) and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. We will help you obtain this clearance if you don’t already have it.

ARE YOU EXCITED BY COMPLEX CHALLENGES, energized by smart teammates, and ready to lead impactful work for national defense? If this sounds like you, apply today at signatureresearch.hirescore.com

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At SGR, we’re a small, innovative tech company with offices in Calumet, Michigan and Navarre, Florida, focused on multi-spectral data collection, analysis, modeling, and software development. We offer a flexible and friendly work environment where team members are encouraged to grow, contribute, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Our Calumet team thrives in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula—perfect for hiking, skiing, boating, and more. If you’re looking for meaningful, challenging work in a supportive, close-knit setting, SGR is the place for you. SGR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.