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 Group Cost Controller at Harmattan AI, you will take ownership of the Group’s Industrial, R&D & other operational costing, working closely with the FP&A Manager to structure, develop, and continuously improve Industrial P&L, Cost performance monitoring, and decision-support capabilities across multiple entities.
The role combines hands-on analytical execution with higher-level structuring responsibilities, including Industrial P&L creation & development, Industrial & R&D cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI definition.
ResponsibilitiesBuild the industrial P&L and the costing framework. Create the industrial P&L, define the standard cost calculation methodology, and set up the performance tracking processes that go with it.
Monitor and challenge production and inventory performance. Track production costs, inventory levels and variances, identify deviations early, and work with operations to close them.
Run the industrial management cycles. Initiate and own monthly closings, business reviews, forecasts and budgets for the industrial scope.
Contribute to the Odoo implementation. Work with Production and Supply Chain to ensure inventory is tracked reliably in the system and that the outputs the business needs come out of it.
Drive cost visibility and optimization beyond the plant. Follow R&D and project costs, and lead cost optimization initiatives across other operating costs.
Educational Background: Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
Industrial Controlling Expertise: 5–8 years in cost or industrial controlling within a manufacturing environment or a complex production environment
Modelling & Tools: Expert-level Excel and strong financial modelling skills, plus hands-on experience with an ERP . Comfortable with BOMs, standard costs and variance analysis.
Builder's Mindset & Adaptability: Has built a controlling framework from a blank page rather than inherited one. Autonomous, structured, and at ease in a fast-moving environment where the answer does not exist yet.
Business Partnering & Communication: A true business partner — curious about operations, comfortable on the shop floor, able to challenge production, engineering and procurement constructively. Fluent in French and English.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
- Master's degree
- 5-8 years of cost or industrial controlling experience in manufacturing or a complex production environment
- Expert-level Excel skills
- Strong financial modeling skills
- Hands-on experience with an ERP system
- Experience with bills of materials, standard costs, and variance analysis
- Experience building a controlling framework from scratch
- Autonomous, structured, and adaptable working style
- Business partnering and constructive communication with production, engineering, and procurement
- Fluency in French and English
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.
