Head of Engineering

In today’s world of constant global security challenges, innovation in defense 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 gives unmanned platforms the speed, coordination and reliability that critical missions demand. Our technology ensures that decisions are made with accuracy when it matters most.

As Head of Engineering, you ensure our engineering organisation runs efficiently, predictably, and with high technical quality. Your main focus is on designing, implementing, and optimising software development processes that help our teams deliver reliable, mission-critical software at scale. You’ll work closely with the leads of our six multidisciplinary teams, whom you directly manage, to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and remove friction in how we build, test, and deliver software.

The Head of Engineering reports directly to the CTO and ensures that engineering execution aligns with the overall technology vision. In this role, you work closely with the Head of Product and the Head of Design to translate discovery insights and business requirements into well-designed, scalable, and systematic solutions. You’ll help shape the way we grow and support our engineering teams, defining clear roles, fostering mentorship, and ensuring that people management happens effectively within each team. While you won’t directly manage every engineer, you will set the standards for how technical leadership, feedback, and professional growth are practiced across the organization. As the hierarchical manager of the six team leads, you ensure that leadership expectations are clear and consistently upheld. This role suits someone who is deeply technical but thrives on building structure, someone who understands how great engineering cultures emerge from clear processes, shared standards, and continuous improvement.

• Designing, implementing, and refining Agile/Scrum development processes to improve efficiency, predictability, and product quality

• Collaborating with team leads to ensure consistent planning, estimation, and delivery practices across all engineering teams

• Driving adoption of clear engineering standards and robust CI/CD practices

• Aligning architecture and technical direction with business priorities and product goals

• Facilitating effective communication and collaboration across teams and disciplines

• Monitoring delivery performance and identifying opportunities for improvement through metrics and retrospectives

• Acting as a bridge between leadership, product, and engineering to ensure clarity and alignment

• Providing hierarchical leadership, coaching, and accountability for the six engineering team leads

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.

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering, including 5+ years leading multiple development teams in a fast-growing environment

• Proven experience in and passion for designing and improving software development processes (Agile/Scrum) to increase efficiency, predictability, and quality

• Solid engineering foundation with hands-on technical understanding (Rust experience is a plus)

• Demonstrated success scaling engineering organisations and aligning delivery with product and business goals

• Skilled at introducing structure and consistency across teams without adding unnecessary complexity

• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a focus on clarity, accountability, and collaboration

• Nice to have: Background in mission-critical or high-stakes software (e.g., defense, aerospace, robotics)

• Backend: Rust (85–95%) & Python

• Frontend: Svelte, TypeScript, Tailwind

• Simulation: Unreal Engine 5

• CI/CD: GitHub Actions

• Containerization: Docker

• Clear, scalable engineering processes implemented and consistently followed across all teams

• Improved predictability and delivery velocity through better planning and communication

• High cross-team collaboration and transparency in progress and decision-making

• Reduced technical debt through stronger engineering discipline and testing practices

• A culture of continuous improvement, where teams identify and act on efficiency gains

• Talented Team: Work with leading engineers and domain experts shaping the future of autonomous systems.

• Hands-On Impact: See the direct real-world outcomes of your work in field tests and operational deployments. 

• Growth Stage Momentum: Join at a moment where your leadership will have lasting influence.

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 role from the start.

• Travel allowance coverage

• A flexible pension plan

• The opportunity to contribute directly to our growing company’s culture and operations

• A modern office at NDSM Plein in Amsterdam Noord

• A corporate membership at Urban Sports

• 25 vacation days + 8% holiday allowance

• Be part of our success through a Stock Appreciation Rights program

• Possibility to lease a bike through ‘Lease a Bike’