Job description
Head of Engineering
Location:
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Type:
Full-time
In today’s world of constant global security challenges, innovation in defence is no luxury. After years of budget cuts, military personnel needs to train and work with inadequate and insufficient equipment. We have an opportunity to change that.
At Intelic, we are a group of highly committed professionals building one of the fastest-growing start-ups based in Amsterdam. We create advanced software for unmanned systems in the defence sector. As a software company at our core, we build intelligence that give unmanned platforms the speed, coordination and reliability that critical missions demand. Our technology ensures that decisions are made with accuracy when it matters most.
Your Responsibilities
As Head of Engineering, you are the strategic and operational leader of our engineering department. We are scaling fast, and your biggest challenge will be to create structure, implement clear processes, and foster effective communication across our six multidisciplinary development teams. You’ll work closely with our team leads, guiding them to grow their teams, raise technical standards, and deliver on our product roadmap. It’s a role that blends big-picture thinking with hands-on technical depth, making sure our technology is reliable and ready for mission-critical use.
In practice, this means:
Leading, coaching, and developing the leads of our six engineering teams (Frontend, Planning & Actions, Intelligent Sensing, Core Backend, Simulation, UXV)
Designing, implementing, and optimizing software development processes (Agile/Scrum) to increase efficiency, predictability, and quality
Owning the technical vision and ensuring the architecture is robust and supported by a high-quality codebase
Encouraging effective communication and strong collaboration across all teams
Holding regular check-ins with team leads and supporting their professional growth
Acting as the link between leadership, product, and engineering to keep everyone moving in the same direction
Support performance management, conflict resolution, retention, and overall team well-being
What you will bring
As a technical leader, you combine a clear strategic vision with the ability to dive deep into complex engineering challenges. You know how to guide teams through rapid growth, keep quality high, and create an environment where engineers do their best work.
You bring:
Strong background in software engineering (experience with Rust is a plus)
Proven experience leading multiple development teams and coaching team leads
Track record of scaling engineering departments within a startup or scale-up
Ability to challenge and inspire leaders on both technical and human levels
Excellent communication skills and talent for aligning technical execution with business priorities
Background in mission-critical or high-stakes software (defense, aerospace, robotics, etc.)
Online presence showcasing engineering contributions (e.g., GitHub, Stack Overflow)
Our Tech Stack
Backend: Rust (85–95%) & Python
Frontend: Svelte, TypeScript, Tailwind
Simulation: Unreal Engine 5
CI/CD: GitHub Actions
Containerization: Docker
What success looks like in your first year
Engineering Processes: Clear, scalable engineering processes implemented across all teams
Leadership Strength: Strong, high-performing team leads who are effective in their roles
Collaboration: Improved cross-team collaboration and communication
Team Health & Retention: Low attrition, high engagement, strong collaboration across the 6 teams
Technical Excellence: Clear architecture direction, reduced technical debt, improved code quality and robust testing practices
Why join Intelic
Talented Team: Collaborate with some of the brightest engineers and defense experts in the Netherlands
Scale-up Momentum: Join at a pivotal growth stage where you can help shape both the product and the company
Hands-On Testing: See your work in action through regular real-world field testing
Meaningful Impact: Contribute to mission-critical technology that directly improves safety and effectiveness in defense operations
Innovation at the Core: Tackle complex engineering challenges and push the boundaries of autonomy in defense
Cutting-Edge Tech
What we offer
At Intelic, you will be part of an ambitious scale-up where teamwork, learning and impact drive everything we do. Growth happens quickly here, giving you the chance to take ownership and shape your career from the start. We build together and back our people with benefits that support life in and out of work.
A challenging position in a dynamic and growing organization
25 vacation days + 8% holiday allowance
A flexible pension plan
Opportunity to grow with the company through Stock Appreciation Rights
Travel allowance
A membership at Urban Sports
Option to lease a bike through ‘Lease a bike’
Opportunities for personal development and training
A modern office in Amsterdam-North on the NDSM wharf