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 Role
As a Chief Engineer, you will own the architecture, system definition and implementation of one of our robotic systems - from concept to field deployment. You will work hand-in-hand with project managers and technical leads to translate mission needs into system-level designs, coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensure overall system performance, robustness, and reliability.
Responsibilities
System Architecture: Transform system requirements into architectures solutions.
Technical Coordination: Lead cross-functional design across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and ML teams.
Trade-Off & Design Analysis: Conduct feasibility studies, trade-off analyses, and system-level simulations to guide technical choices.
Integration & Validation: Oversee system integration, prototyping, and validation, ensuring performance targets are achieved.
System Reviews: Drive design and architecture reviews, maintaining consistency between requirements, design, and testing.
Continuous Improvement: Implement processes to enhance requirements traceability, system documentation, and validation workflows.
Candidate Requirements
10+ years of experience in system engineering within robotics, aerospace, or defense sectors.
MSc in Engineering; PhD is a plus.
Proven experience leading full system lifecycles (concept → prototype → validation).
Strong background in system architecture, requirements engineering, and trade-off analysis.
Broad engineering culture with understanding of mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems.
Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces.
Rigorous, structured, and mission-driven mindset with strong analytical skills.
Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
Bonus: Experience with UAS or defense systems.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of system engineering within robotics, aerospace, or defense sectors.
- MSc in Engineering
- PhD in Engineering
- Proven experience leading full system lifecycles (concept -> prototype -> validation).
- Strong background in system architecture, requirements engineering, and trade-off analysis.
- Broad engineering understanding of mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces.
- Rigorous, structured, mission-driven mindset with strong analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
- Experience with UAS or defense systems.
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.
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