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 RoleAs a Flight Operations Engineer, you will be the bridge between our R&D lab and the operational field. You are responsible for the "last mile" of our technology: demonstrating capabilities to global defense partners, training end-users on complex autonomous systems, and conducting final field validation. This role requires a unique combination of elite piloting skills, hands-on hardware engineering and high degree of technical autonomy.
Test Campaigns: Plan and execute real-world test campaigns to validate performance, reliability, and edge-case behaviors of new hardware and software releases.
Lead high-stakes live flight demonstrations for defense stakeholders, showcasing mission-specific capabilities in diverse environments.
Deliver comprehensive training programs to ensure clients can safely and effectively operate Harmattan AI systems covering flight theory, autonomous mission planning, and emergency procedures.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to support debugging and iteration based on test outcomes.
Execute the deployment and the tactical logistics of autonomous systems, managing the end-to-end integration of command-and-control (C2) infrastructure and RF data links in complex, real-world environments to ensure 100% mission readiness
2–5 years of experience in flight operations, flight testing or validation on aerospace or robotic systems, or embedded robotics.
Proven track record in the end-to-end assembly, integration, and maintenance of high-performance FPV, multicopters and/or Fixed-Wing systems.
Wide engineering culture around flight dynamics, control systems, avionics, and/or RF systems.
Bonus: Pilot certification, experience with military or industrial drone platforms.
Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.
Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams toward success.
Proven ability to simplify complex technical concepts for training and public presentations.
Comfortable with a dynamic schedule that requires frequent international presence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- 2-5 years of experience in flight operations, flight testing, or validation on aerospace, robotic systems, or embedded robotics.
- Proven track record in end-to-end assembly, integration, and maintenance of high-performance FPV, multicopters and/or fixed-wing systems.
- Elite piloting skills and hands-on hardware engineering with a high degree of technical autonomy.
- Engineering knowledge/culture around flight dynamics, control systems, avionics, and/or RF systems.
- Experience deploying and integrating command-and-control (C2) infrastructure and RF data links in complex operational environments.
- Pilot certification or experience with military or industrial drone platforms (bonus).
- Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to motivate and guide teams.
- Proven ability to simplify complex technical concepts for training and public presentations.
- Comfortable with a dynamic schedule requiring frequent international presence.
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.
