Lead Systems Integration Engineer – Defense & Counter-UAS

About Emergent Emergent is a fast-growing defense technology company based in Delft, developing autonomous aerial systems and advanced Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions. We combine sensors, command-and-control software, and autonomous technologies to detect, track and counter drone threats. Backed by significant investment and working with international defense partners, our team of 20 engineers and specialists is building technology for real-world deployment. Your role We're looking for an experienced Lead Systems Integration Engineer to take technical ownership of our Counter-UAS system architecture, integration and validation. You'll bring together radar, RF, EO/IR sensors, communications, command-and-control (C2) software and effectors into reliable, operational systems. This is a hands-on technical leadership role combining system architecture, engineering, integration testing and team guidance. You don't necessarily need Counter-UAS experience. We also welcome engineers with strong backgrounds in defense, aerospace, radar, robotics or other complex, mission-critical systems. What you'll do - Lead end-to-end systems integration, connecting sensors, C2 software, communications and effectors into one interoperable system. - Define system architecture and interfaces, including ICDs, data models and subsystem integration. - Integrate sensor fusion, tracking and decision-support capabilities into reliable operational workflows. - Lead and mentor engineers, while contributing hands-on to development, troubleshooting and technical decisions. - Own system verification and validation, from simulation and HIL/SIL testing to field trials and deployment. - Collaborate with customers and partners to translate operational requirements into working solutions. What you bring - 5+ years of relevant engineering experience, including complex hardware/software systems integration. - A degree in Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. - Strong experience in systems engineering, system architecture and integration across multiple subsystems. - Experience with sensors, distributed systems, communications interfaces or mission-critical software. - Proven ability to lead technical projects or engineering teams. - Hands-on knowledge of Linux, C++ and/or Python, and system-level debugging. - Experience with integration testing, verification and validation. - Strong communication skills in English. - EU and/or NATO citizenship required. - Allowed to work in the Netherlands (no visa sponsorship possible). Nice to have: Experience with Counter-UAS, IAMD, radar systems, C2, sensor fusion, defense interoperability standards (STANAG, ASTERIX, Link 16), ROS, PX4 or HIL/SIL testing. What we offer - Competitive salary, 8% holiday allowance and 25 vacation days. - A key technical leadership role with significant ownership and influence. - Hands-on work with cutting-edge defense and autonomous systems. - A small, ambitious team with direct access to technical decision-makers. - International project exposure and opportunities for growth. - Commuting compensation. - Full-time, on-site position in Delft, with international travel, including to Ukraine. Interested? Send us your CV or LinkedIn profile and briefly tell us about a complex system you've integrated, built or deployed.