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 RoleThe Methods Engineer supports the deployment and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes across the Wissous production plant. You will contribute to structuring a greenfield drone production facility scaling fast — building manufacturing routes, supporting lean deployment, and bridging Production, Quality, and the Industrialisation & Automation team on a daily basis. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to build real expertise fast, in a high-tempo environment where every contribution is visible and every improvement counts. The role reports to the Head of Industrialisation & Automation.
MissionsContinuous Improvement & Shopfloor Performance
Support the deployment of lean tools on the shopfloor: 5S rollout, standardised work, and visual management boards
Participate in daily performance reviews and contribute to structured problem-solving (5-Why, A3) on process non-conformances
Contribute to plant performance tracking: standard times, first-pass yield, scrap and rework monitoring
Production Line Design & Internal Flow
Support workstation layout improvements, line balancing, and tooling setup for manual assembly operations
Participate in factory layout reviews and kaizen actions to reduce non-value-added activities
Process Knowledge & Documentation
Write and maintain work instructions and manufacturing routes — ensuring accuracy, versioning, and floor-level usability
Conduct time studies and cycle analysis under the guidance of the senior team
Support Odoo MES deployment on the methods perimeter: routings, work orders, and traceability
Automation Roadmap Contribution
Identify and document manual operations that are repetitive, constrained, or automation-ready
Provide process and cycle time data to support automation prioritisation alongside the Industrialisation & Automation team
Participate in automation pilots and update work instructions post-deployment
Essential Qualifications
Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
2–3 years of experience in a Methods, Industrial Engineering, or Continuous Improvement role — or a first significant experience in a manufacturing environment (apprenticeship, or junior role included)
First exposure to lean tools: 5S, standardised work, time studies, or line balancing
Structured, rigorous, and data-driven — comfortable building simple KPIs and tracking performance
Good communication in French and English — able to interact clearly with operators and engineers
Hands-on mindset; at ease on the shopfloor, not just behind a screen
Preferred Skills
Exposure to a ramp-up, startup, or new product introduction context is a plus, not a prerequisite
Curiosity about automation and a desire to understand where manufacturing is heading
Familiarity with Odoo or any MES/ERP is a bonus
Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes are still being built
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Engineering degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 2-3 years experience in Methods, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or hands-on manufacturing roles (internship/apprenticeship accepted)
- First exposure to lean tools: 5S, standardised work, time studies, or line balancing
- Structured, rigorous, and data-driven; able to build simple KPIs and track performance
- Good communication in French and English
- Hands-on mindset; comfortable working on the shopfloor
- Exposure to ramp-up, startup, or new product introduction contexts
- Curiosity about automation and interest in manufacturing automation trends
- Familiarity with Odoo or any MES/ERP
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes are being defined
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.
