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.
The RoleWe are looking for a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Lausanne. You will handle the end-to-end design, numerical simulation, and physical validation of specialised mechanical and electromechanical structures to optimize system performance and match hardware capabilities to demanding operational requirements.
From day one, you will take ownership of mechanical architectures and physical assemblies. You will run non-linear explicit finite element simulations, build high-precision CAD models, set up lab and range tests, and see designs through to production and final delivery.
What You Will DoStructural & Dynamics Simulation: Run non-linear explicit finite element simulations to build predictive models for structural integrity, dynamic impact, vibration response, and high-velocity mechanical behavior against extreme physical operational environments.
CAD Design & Drafting: Create and maintain complex CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and technical drawings for production release.
Empirical Testing & Data Capture: Write R&D test specifications for environmental, drop, structural, and shock testing. Source specialized testing equipment, manage range and lab setups, and analyze sensor data to validate simulation accuracy.
Cross-Functional Integration: Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to advise on physical constraints, payload optimization, spatial layouts, and mechanical integration parameters.
Safety & Hazard Assessments: Conduct system-level hazard analyses and safety evaluations for critical mechanical mechanisms and energetic system interfaces.
Production & Field Support: Document hardware performance guidelines, assist with first-production validation, optimize designs for manufacturing processes, and provide technical support during end-user demos and customer engagements.
Background: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
Simulation Expertise: Hands-on experience with non-linear explicit finite element analysis applied to high-velocity mechanical impact, dynamic loading, shock waves, and material failure models.
Mechanical Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerance stack-ups, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer.
R&D Range & Lab Testing: Practical experience setting up, executing, and analyzing data from physical prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic test tracks, or field evaluation programs.
CAD & Manufacturing: Solid proficiency in standard CAD software for complex assembly design, mechanical drafting, and manufacturing processes like CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.
Drive & Ownership: Practical problem-solver who takes full responsibility for hardware deliverables and balances physical analysis with project timelines.
Direct exposure to high-performance mechanical design from early concepts through physical deployment.
Regular opportunities to test and validate hardware in realistic operational test environments.
Involvement with cross-functional technical teams and external stakeholders deploying mission-critical systems.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Hands-on experience with nonlinear explicit finite element analysis for high-velocity mechanical impact, dynamic loading, shock waves, and material failure models
- Deep understanding of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerance stack-ups, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer
- Practical experience setting up, executing, and analyzing physical prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic test tracks, or field evaluation programs
- Proficiency with standard CAD software for complex assembly design and mechanical drafting
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or injection molding
- Ability to take ownership of hardware deliverables and balance physical analysis with project timelines
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.
