Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
About the RoleHarmattan AI is moving from rapid product development and early serial production into high-volume industrial scale-up. Products, production volumes and manufacturing sites are evolving simultaneously.
The next phase requires a Senior Automation & Industrialisation Director who can translate engineering designs and volume requirements into robust, scalable and where justified increasingly automated production systems, while providing strong technical leadership to a diversely skilled team.
The objective is to strengthen both Harmattan AI's industrialisation capability and the technical maturity of the team, enabling the organisation to scale from today's manual and semi-automated processes toward significantly higher volumes and international manufacturing.
The role will own the Automation & Industrialisation roadmap, including:
Industrialisation of new products from prototype through stable serial production.
DFM/DFA and Design for Automation with Engineering.
Production process and line architecture.
Workstations, tooling, fixtures, test equipment and semi-automated production systems.
Automation concepts, specifications, supplier selection, commissioning and ramp-up.
PFMEA, process validation and production-readiness activities.
Cycle-time, capacity, line balancing, yield and labour-content optimisation.
Identification of the correct automation level based on volume, maturity, quality, flexibility and ROI.
Standardisation and replication of production systems across Harmattan AI manufacturing sites.
Development of the manufacturing technology roadmap toward significantly higher production volumes.
15-20+ years of relevant industrial experience (ideally in aerospace, defence, advanced electronics, or mechatronics) and has personally taken complex electromechanical products from prototype into high-volume or rapidly scaling serial production
Ideally, combined experience from a highly developed industrial organisation with experience in a startup/scale-up, defence-tech, UAV, robotics or similarly fast-moving hardware environment.
Hands-on experience with semi-automated and automated assembly systems, PLC-controlled equipment (Siemens preferred), and industrial tooling.
Solid understanding of DFM/DFA, PFMEA, and lean manufacturing principles.
Adaptability & Mobility: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; embraces a “no-task-is-too-small” mentality. Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules (evenings/weekends as needed).
Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of leading diverse principals – from junior members to senior executives.
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- 15–20+ years of relevant industrial experience
- Experience taking complex electromechanical products from prototype into high-volume or rapidly scaling serial production
- Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced electronics, or mechatronics
- Experience in a highly developed industrial organization and a startup or scale-up environment
- Experience with semi-automated and automated assembly systems
- Experience with PLC-controlled equipment, preferably Siemens
- Experience with industrial tooling
- Knowledge of DFM/DFA
- Knowledge of PFMEA
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
- Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to lead diverse stakeholders from junior team members to senior executives
- Full commitment to the company mission and growth plans
Harmattan AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Harmattan AI and has not been reviewed or approved by Harmattan AI.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay ranges are publicly shown for multiple U.S. roles (e.g., $140k–$200k base) and appear broadly in line with late‑stage startup/defense‑tech expectations based on the postings cited.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is repeatedly referenced in several job postings as part of total compensation, which can increase upside potential at a recently funded, high‑valuation company.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Sign‑on bonuses are explicitly mentioned in a hiring post for candidates who can start quickly, indicating the use of cash incentives in at least some hiring situations.
Harmattan AI Insights
What We Do
Harmattan AI is rising as a next-generation defense prime, building the future of autonomous warfare. We leverage AI-driven autonomy, real-time intelligence, and conflict-ready production to deliver attritable systems and autonomous mission management software. Designed for the real-world needs of warfighters, our solutions enable faster deployment, sharper decision-making, and battlefield dominance.
