Systems Engineer

The Arctic is a place of extremes: unforgiving, untamed, and undergoing rapid change. A literal defrosting reveals a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity spanning energy, defence, logistics, research, and infrastructure.

ARD was founded on a paradox. The Arctic is both the next great economic frontier and one of the most hostile environments on Earth. Rich in resources and strategically vital, yet bone chillingly cold, dark for months, and fundamentally inhospitable to humans. This paradox-an explosion of activity in a place that resists human presence-is why we exist.

Our solution is autonomy.

We build systems that operate reliably and intelligently in the Arctic, so that humans don't always have to.

Founded by record holding pioneers with decades of polar experience, we take calculated risks on hard problems that matter. If you want to build and deploy ground up technology with real world impact, at an inflection point in history that won't reappear, we'd like to talk.

As a Systems Engineer at ARD, you'll sit at the nerve centre of our product stack - designing, integrating, and owning the connective tissue between software, electronics, autonomy, and Arctic ready hardware. You'll go from whiteboard to working system, navigating the challenges of Arctic constraints with clarity and speed. This role is equal parts architect, integrator, and hands on problem solver - with a direct line to the field, the client, and the mission.

• Own the system architecture from first sketch to deployed stack - across hardware, software, and subsystems
• Lead integration across ARD's product line - ensuring a software hardware fluency
• Build in reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) from day one
• Conduct in depth analysis to identify potential risks and system vulnerabilities
• Ensure all solutions adhere to safety protocols, industry standards, and governmental guidelines
• Travel to the Arctic when needed for R&D field testing and client meetings

• 5+ years of hands on systems engineering experience - across hardware/software boundaries
• Degree in Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a demonstrable portfolio of previous work
• Deep understanding of system design, architecture, and integration in rugged, distributed environments
• Strong communication across disciplines - you can speak "mechanical", "RF", and "code"
• Proven ability to ship complex projects under real constraints - cost, time, temperature
• Field readiness - you're operationally capable and ready to test gear in sub zero environments

• Competitive compensation
• Equity - meaningful options as an early employee at an early stage company
• Real field exposure - travel to Arctic sites and outposts when needed (genuinely, not as a gimmick)
• Mission driven culture - focus on impact, not hours logged
• Small team, real ownership - what you build matters and ships

We're building for one of the most demanding environments on Earth and we believe diverse teams build more resilient systems. We actively welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in engineering - whether that's by gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. If you're not sure you meet every requirement, apply anyway and tell us what excites you about the problem.